A walk through the new Kerns Food Hall reveals enough bars to keep the thirstiest patron libated. Each of the bars currently open has something in common (along with a few differences): They are all operated by Monday Night Proofing, better known for its parent company’s name, Monday Night Brewing. Additionally, patrons will find the largest leased space is leased to the company for a full-service bar in a warm, inviting spot near the front of the hall.
The company started in Atlanta and grew out of a small group of men who regular attended a Bible study. Looking for another activity to spend time together, several started experimenting with home brewing. I spoke with Joel Iverson, one of the three co-founders and co-0wners of the company and lightly asked him about the likelihood that making beer would be the choice of activity for a group of men from a Bible study.
He smiled and replied, “You do know what Jesus’ first miracle was, right? Making wine.” He suggested that guys are just more comfortable together when they have a task. He said it was an interest for several of them, which they pursued on Monday nights, and it grew more serious for some of them as time passed. That ultimately led to involving others in tasting the increasingly better and more complex beers. All the while they worked day jobs.
In 2011 they officially launched Monday Night Brewing and have grown the business, since. In 2013 they opened their first location, at Midtown in Atlanta. They’ve since opened a second location in Atlanta, and locations in Birmingham, Charlotte, and Nashville. The Knoxville location is their sixth, and like several others, it is branded just a little differently. I asked Joel why “Monday Night Proofing,” for this location he said they liked the reference to the fact that their primary product, beer, is proofed and the bread that was made for so many years in that building was also proofed. It also makes clear that they are not simply serving beer.
I asked him why they chose Knoxville as a next location, given that it is the smallest market they’ve entered. He said their decisions are not based on market research as much as their own feel for whether a place is a good fit for them. They think that is true of Knoxville generally, as well as Kern’s specifically. From the beginning they’ve favored older buildings with character and a story. He, like so many others, also mentioned that they like working with Alex.
At the primary Monday Night Proofing lounge (in the back of the building, but near the front of the entrance – the entrance is on the side) you’ll find a beautiful space with a full bar. Joel said any food in the hall may be ordered from the tables there, though I wasn’t clear if that will be true out the gate. Certainly, you can bring food to the space, claim a table and order drinks. A great little bar opening to the outside seating allowed a nice margherita to be slipped my way yesterday while I enjoyed pulled pork nachos with friends in the lovely outdoor space. You can get all their beers on tap, lots of local beers on tap, and the cocktail of your desires.
In the center of the various dining options Monday Night operates the Scruff Bar offering canned beer, a small selection of wine, a very select group of mixed drinks, and some non-alcoholic options. Non-alcoholic options are available throughout the hall. The very rear of the building is the Market Bar, also operated by Monday Night and offering the full complement of beverages, on tap and otherwise. A smaller bar leading out to either of the rooftop areas also features a smaller bar, the High Proof Bar.
No one need be thirsty and even large crowds shouldn’t slow down the process too much. Starting Saturday you can check out all the bars, the food, and more. The primary location opens each day at 11:00 am (noon on Sunday) and closes at 10:00 pm Monday through Thursday, midnight Friday and Saturday, and 9:00 pm on Sunday.