Business Update in the Old City and Beyond

While the city has been consumed by Christmas since before Halloween, businesses have been sprucing up, moving, closing and quietly preparing to open.

New Nama Sign on Truck on Gay Street

Nama sign being unloaded at new location

New Nama sign in alley beside Regal Cinemas, outdoor seating below

One of the notable changes coming to a classic restaurant near you is Nama's move from the 100 block to the space next to Regal Cinemas. It's a big change for a stalwart of the 100 block. Obviously the new location is a higher traffic area, but I wonder if the people who would love Nama hadn't found it, already. I'm sure they will do well, but it seems like a significant loss to the 100 block.

Current Nama location - 100 Block

Harry's Deli nears completion

Not to fear, the 100 block has an opening coming soon for Harry's Deli which will open on the same site and will be reminiscent of Harold's Kosher deli, though not everything will be Kosher at the new restaurant. It is nice to see someone open in that spot who has fond memories of Harold's. He insists the name is a nod to his son, not to the original Harold, but I like to think of it as both.

Facade work on Volunteer Ministries building

JFG building getting new tenant?

Just around the corner work has begun on the facade of the old Volunteer Ministries building on Jackson Avenue. Promised in that location are ground-level businesses with condos above. Jackson Avenue looks to be popping, with the bottom of the JFG building looking as if something may be coming to that spot. Further down the street in the Old City work is being done on the front of the old Jackson Antique Market, turning it into retail space, and a face lift has already been applied to the businesses across the street, which are looking better than they have in years.

Renovation on Jackson Avenue in the Old City

Improved store-fronts on Jackson Avenue, Old City

Of course, there was also the holiday loss of Regas at Gay and Magnolia, near the Old City. As Jack Neely noted in the recent Metropulse, it was probably Knoxville's oldest restaurant. I'll miss knowing it is there. I probably ate there for the first time about twenty-five years ago, but like most people, apparently, I no longer ate there often. It's been about four years since the last time we chose it for a small celebration.