KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — For years, crews have worked to renovate a historic building located on the south side of the Tennessee River near downtown Knoxville — Kern's Bakery. On April 13, their work will come to an end with the official opening of Kern's Food Hall.
The food hall effectively acts as a platform for other small businesses, giving them space to cook and serve meals in a centralized location where people can explore different cuisines. Kern's Food Hall will also host pop-ups and food trucks, giving people a chance to try treats from other small businesses that may not have a specific space inside the building.
A list of the businesses set to open is available below, including some for the spring line-up.
- Ava Italian
- Awaken Coffee
- Amaryllis Taqueria
- Clean Smoke BBQ
- Eggspectation
- Hey Bear Cafe
- Irvey's Ice Cream
- Kandilige Spicy Food
- Myrtle's Bakehouse
- Ooh Lala Indian Kitchen
- Richey Kreme Pop-Up
- T. Ralph's Burgers
- Won Kitchen
- Zukku Sushi
- Hemingway's Cuban Kitchen
- Vol Nail Spa
- Vella Crew Studios
- Mucho Gusto Food Truck
- Myrtle's Bakehouse Pop-up
- Donut Theory Food Truc
"The process for us has been a very long time coming. We signed on in December of 2019. It's been long, we've been trying to be patient. But it's definitely going to be worth it," said Kristen Heath from Mae Lee's Boutique, a store in the food hall. "At this point, we're just going to open and we're super excited about it."
Alongside the variety of restaurants, Kern's Food Hall will also offer a lounge and bar with a rooftop patio and a 1920s speakeasy-style drinking space. Visitors will also be able to try drinks at a bourbon bar.
The food hall's website also said it offers a "sniff and howl" dog park, where people can let their pets off-leash to explore and play in an enclosed space. There are also stores offering flowers, jewelry, and paper goods, giving people a chance to pick up a gift while visiting.
The food hall also features a space where food trucks can park and serve meals.
Kern's Food Hall said on social media that the next wave of vendors will be announced in May, with new openings expected during the summer and fall. The food hall opens at 7 a.m. every day and closes at 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
It's located at 22012 Kerns Rising Way in Knoxville.
