KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A group of Knoxville developers announced they were opening a new restaurant inside the original building of a church in South Knoxville.
Jay Benson, Tim Duff, Jason Stouffer, and Chris Spiller bought the nearly 100-year-old original building of the Sevier Heights Baptist Church. The building was previously empty, according to reports.
They plan to build a restaurant called "71 South" that will serve American cuisine. It is meant to be a place where people can visit as they explore Knoxville's Urban Wilderness trails. It is located near Baker Creek and Ijams Nature Center, on Sevier Heights Road.
They hope to be ready to open by October. Renovations are ongoing on the building as they prepare to welcome people in from the trails.
"I know it's a beautiful church. But you can come in off the trails, feel comfortable coming in here," said Ryan Steffy, a member of the ownership group. "Bring yourself, your family. We feel like we have a diverse menu. Anybody can find something they can enjoy."
Managers of the upcoming restaurant also said they planned to include several beer taps. According to reports, they plan to build a bar where the altar once stood and the windows have been replaced.
The original pulpit will serve as the host stand, greeting diners as they walk through the door of the old church and grab a meal.