KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Albright Grove Brewery is expanding its offerings with the addition of a full kitchen and menu, thanks to a new partnership between co-owners Drew McDonald and Nick Barron.
With a shared passion for fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the duo is bringing farm-to-table and farm-to-glass experiences to the brewery.
McDonald, who has a background in fine dining and farm-to-table experiences, said the move to incorporate a kitchen was inspired by a desire to create something special.
“It’s something that’s going to be ours, something that we can kind of put our name behind and really kind of feel like it is part of the Albright story,” he said.
Barron echoed that sentiment, noting the shared values that made the partnership a natural fit.
“He and I see very eye to eye on how we treat our food and our drink,” Barron said. “It needs to be something that’s like trying to support as many local farmers as we can and try to also provide a really high-quality product too.”
For McDonald and Barron, sourcing local ingredients isn’t just about the quality of the food—it’s about keeping money in the community.
“I’m a very big component of keeping money here in the heart of Knoxville. And the best way to do that from a food perspective is to, to keep paying your farmers directly,” McDonald said.
The new kitchen and menu, which is being developed by Plaid Apron Chef McDonald, promises a family-friendly experience.
“When they come here with, you know, their kids, we have a very kid-friendly environment, especially with the nice outdoor patio," McDonald explained. "So the thing that kind of anchors those kids in a little bit is having some good food and stuff.”
The grand opening for the new kitchen will take place on Thursday, Nov. 21. Guests can expect a night filled with live music, beer specials, and a taste of the farm-fresh dishes featured on the new menu.
In addition to the grand opening, Albright Grove Brewery is hosting a fundraiser on Nov. 14 to support Rapid Expeditions, an organization that is working to rebuild after Hurricane Helene.
The event will feature a "donate-to-play" Send It Bingo, with $1 from each pint sold going toward flood recovery efforts. It’s an opportunity to enjoy some fun while supporting a good cause.