2011 Business Review, Part Two: Changing and Rearranging

Nama moved to the 500 Block of Gay Street

Judging from the responses to yesterday's blog post, I think I've caused a great depression to settle over everyone who loves, laments and cheers for our little city. I'll agree it was depressing to see such a list of lost businesses. Of course, there were many reasons for the departures and not all of them were for a lack of business, but that's the worry. One person who commented yesterday questioned whether we have the population downtown to make a go of some of these businesses. It's a legitimate question.

But it's not the whole story. Today we look at businesses which already existed and decided to re-affirm their commitment downtown by expanding or adding to their businesses or by moving to what they viewed as a better location, but still in the downtown area. It's really an equally amazing list when viewed in the rear-view and it's much more encouraging than yesterday's list. No doubt I'll over-look a few, so please add them in the comment section.

Re-runs Re-opens two blocks down on Union

Some of the changes were connected with the closings mentioned in in the previous article. The Hotel St. Oliver closed for renovations that were extensive and expensive. It re-opened a changed business. The rooms are nicely appointed, the lobby is beautiful (hate the painting by the front door, but maybe it's me) and they are an important part of our little city as our only boutique hotel. The new owners wanted a three-meal-a-day restaurant and they felt it imperative that it serve alcohol, which led to the closure of Market Square Kitchen.

Lunchbox moved to Market Street

Yesterday, I mentioned the Market Square Kitchen in connection with the corners of Market Square being strangely abandoned. On the opposite corner from the Market Square Kitchen, Reruns had done a brisk business for years. With the uncertainty involving the proposed sale of the building, Nanci Solomon decided to be pro-active and move the business to the Daylight building a couple of blocks down Union Avenue.

Organized Play moved from Cumberland to Central in the Old City

Others were on the move, as well. Given that they could just as easily moved to another part of Knoxville or westward to the center of the local plastic consumer universe, it makes a statement that they decided to stay in the downtown area. The Lunchbox, long-time downtown favorite, moved from the TVA plaza to a quiet spot on Market Street within sight of the lovely Krutch Park. Nama moved from the 100 to the 500 block of Gay Street to gain more square footage and to be more in the center of the downtown action. Organized Play moved in the opposite direction, from Cumberland (just off Gay) to Central Street in the Old City.

Regions Bank moved across Union Avenue

I'm guessing that the largest, but shortest, move was likely Regions Bank moving their operations across Union Avenue to the Miller's building. The building was given a face-lift and looks beautiful. Now they need to do the right thing and pay to have the dilapidated clock removed from atop their previous address.

Salon Visage became Studio Visage

La Costa became 31 Bistro

Other businesses which changed in some way this year include Dazzo's (new owner, still great pizza) and Salon Visage on Market Square, which became Studio Visage in a business re-arrangement featuring lower prices. La Costa, a long-term favorite on the square, which acquired new ownership last year, changed its name to 31 Bistro and changed its menu to reflect owner Sabrina Brittain's vision of a farm-to-table restaurant. The Flower Pot which has been a downtown florist for forty years completed an extensive remodeling project coordinated with UT architectural students to develop an ecological design.

Preservation Pub opened another floor and the roof

Several businesses added significant square footage to their operations. Preservation pub tripled their usable space on Market Square by opening the Speakeasy on their second floor, offering a little quieter and smoke-free environment, and then after a few ups and downs with the city, opening the Moonshine Roof Garden outside on the top of the building. Soccer Taco opened a basement bar in their building across the square. In the Old City, one of the absolute coolest additions was a speakeasy-type room called the Underground and modeled on London's Tube which was added to Crown and Goose at a cost of about $300,000.

Underground at Crown and Goose

So, what does all this mean? Thirteen businesses expressed confidence in our city with their dollars, investing and declaring a very hopeful vision. By moving within the city, remodeling and expanding they are saying this is a worthwhile and profitable place for them to operate. Many of the people behind these moves are among the best we have among us, but this isn't about being nice. This is about business and these people believe these sometimes very large expenses will be returned to them in the profits they make. In a capitalistic society this is how businesses express optimism.

Feel a little better? In my next post I'll try do like Sly and take you even higher. We'll talk about businesses that have opened and a few that are coming soon.

A Tale of Two Lunches: Harry's Deli and Lunchbox

Today and for the next few days we'll continue the food theme. If anything defines a city it's the food, right? Certainly to some degree you remember the cities you visit by the food you find. A memorable meal can be savored long after the taste of the food has faded. As often as not, a treasured memory of a meal may have as much to do with the time, place, circumstance and company as the actual food itself - if the food is good. We've all got memories of meals with atrocious food, as well.

Urban Woman outside Harry's Deli, 100 Block, Knoxville

Chalkboard menu at Lunchbox, Market Street, Knoxville

I don't often have the chance to have lunch downtown as I did with Buddy Ray at Bella Luna's last Friday (see below), but the summer affords me a few more opportunities to leave work behind and sample the mid-day offerings of the city. So, on two consecutive days recently I visited two lunch-spots I've been wanting to investigate, but hadn't been able to catch open: Harry's Deli on the 100 Block and the Lunchbox in their new location on Market Street.

At Harry's we were greeted by a very friendly and informative young man at the counter who went to considerable lengths to make sure that we understood what we were about to eat would be fresh, local and made in the deli. He said the only thing from a can would be the mustard, which was fine with me, since I can't stand mustard.

Interior of Harry's Deli, Gay Street, Knoxville

The space is pretty straightforward with good photographs of downtown sights and sites lining the walls. The tables and chairs are comfortable and simple. When we visited, there were very few customers, though we may have been a bit late for a lunch crowd. It was a bit of a concern to me. They also serve fresh breakfast and that may be more heavily frequented.

Pasta with meat sauce special, Harry's Deli

Lox on fresh bread, Harry's Deli, Knoxville

My wife ordered the daily special, which was a pasta with a meat sauce. I ordered Lox simply because I've heard of Lox, know it is a Jewish dish and, as a tip of the hat to Harold's Kosher Deli which used to be on the same spot, it seemed like a good thing to do. The pasta was delicious (we shared) and the Lox were very good (we didn't share: Urban Woman does no uncooked fish). I don't have anything to which I might compare the Lox and I don't think they will make my top ten list of favorite foods, but it was good and the bread was obviously fresh. We'd had the bread before, as it is sometimes available at Just Ripe. Our total with drinks was around $22 for two.

Food for dine-in or take-out at the Lunchbox, Knoxville

Casual seating at the Lunchbox, Market Street, Knoxville

Art at the Lunchbox, Market Street, Knoxville

The next day we ate at the Lunchbox on Market Square. The restaurant has been downtown since 1981, has two other locations and caters, so it is quite the operation. The food there is packaged for take-out or eat-in, though it's also made fresh in the store. My wife got a sausage quiche which came with mixed-fruit and a muffin. I got a Southwest Chicken Wrap. The quiche and wrap were both excellent and the staff checked in with us several times to make sure we had everything we needed. Interesting art lined the walls and a good-sized crowd took food out or dined in. Our total with drinks was a more modest $18.

Southwestern Chicken Wrap, Lunchbox, Market Street, Knoxville

Quiche (slightly eaten) at Lunchbox, Knoxville

I could easily recommend both places. I've enjoyed a number of delis in New York City and while a true NYC aficionado might challenge me, I think each of these places, in its own way, compares favorably to what I had there. I worry a bit about Harry's. Lunchbox has a long history, a location in the center of downtown workers, slightly lower prices and easily taken-out food. Harry's set up is different with their emphasis on organic and local food, but with slightly higher prices on a block in which their neighbors Unarmed Merchants are going out of business, I'm a bit concerned for their future.

So, as always, it's up to you: Do you want a great deli on the 100 block? There's only one way to make sure they stay. I'll try to catch them for breakfast soon, if possible, and I'll let you know how that goes.

Friday Business Edition - And More!

The business developments in this city continue at an adequately rapid pace to fill a blog about that topic alone. I'm not planning to do that, but I do have quite a bit to pass on today. I'll probably follow up with more sometime next week.

Outside Hotel St. Oliver after the storm blew down the wall.

I've already mentioned the fact that the Market Street Kitchen is closed (see below if you missed it). It seems Mr. Ghodrat will try his fortunes in Clinton with a new restaurant there. His was an important contribution to Market Square and downtown. His vision appears to have been at odds with the new owners of the Hotel St. Oliver and they amicably parted ways. Ethan Orley, one of those owners, stood outside the hotel earlier this week when I approached, somewhat breathless at the sight of Cynthia Markert's art in the dumpster. The wall constructed around the entrance to the Hotel St. Oliver on which the art had been placed collapsed during the high winds in the first round of storms to pass through the city this week.

After receiving assurances about Cynthia's art, we talked about the hotel, which he plans to open very soon, quite possibly in May, which seems to me an amazing turn around given the enormity of the task. I pressed the point that we will need an open house to look around in the hotel and he seemed very receptive to the idea. During the conversation I learned about the Market Street Kitchen and the fact that a new restaurant will soon replace it which will be affiliated with the hotel and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Coolers and Shelving inside Just Ripe.

Chairs and display cases inside Just Ripe.

But that certainly isn't all the business news about. In the Daylight Building, Reruns is planning a May 24 opening and Just Ripe is making progress. Kristen said it will open "soon." Sandwiched between the two is Union Avenue Books. The news there is that complications have arisen which delayed the opening and the current hope, according to co-owner Flossie McNabb, is for a mid-May opening.

Interior of Crush, Carhart Building, as merchandize being added for May 1 opeing.

Crush flyer.

So that's three openings slated for May: the refurbished Hotel St. Oliver, the relocated Reruns and Union Avenue Books. With luck we might add Just Ripe to that list, but it turns out none of them will have the first opening of the month. That honor will go to Crush, a new store in the Old City. Located in the beautiful Carhart Building that currently houses Remedy Coffee among other businesses, Crush will open this Sunday, May 1, offering dresses, gifts, cupcakes!?! and other sundries. I'm excited to see that building achieving greater utilization. There is a huge amount of business activity in the Old City, 100 Block and particularly Jackson Avenue, but I will have to save that for the next business update.

Interior,front of the new Lunchbox, Market Street.

Interior of the Lunchbox, Market Street, Knoxville.

Meanwhile, the Lunchbox has already moved into it's new location on Market Street. As the name implies, it is a lunch spot and, as such, I've not been able to make it in there. You'll have to visit for me until I can be downtown during a business day. Here's wishing the Sproles the best in their new location.

Handbill on the entrance announces the opening of Bella Luna, 15 Market Square.

On the square a new restaurant was announced earlier this month on Property Scope: Bella Luna is taking the old Abode spot at 15 Market Square. The plan is to serve food based on that of Northern Italy. I'm not sure how they missed the memo about the western side of the square, but they are bucking the trend of Latin food offerings. It sounds like the owners are passionate about their offerings, so it should be interesting. I'll learn a little about the different parts of Italy, I suspect.

Newly widened sidewalk nears completion on Union Avenue.

A small, but important detail on Union Avenue between the square and Gay Street is the fact that the sidewalk project is finally showing some promise of eventually reaching completion. Unfortunately, it appears cars will still be allowed to park on that stretch of the street. It will be more pleasant to sit outside Coffee and Chocolate, given the wider sidewalk, but it would have been far nicer if cars didn't obstruct the views from that sidewalk. Honestly, I wish Union Avenue from Walnut to Gay, but that's just me hallucinating.

I think he was waving at me. Inside 36 Market Squre a wall is constructed.

At the other end of the square, progress is actually being made inside 36 Market Square. I'm still waiting for a tour of the inside.

Interior of the Arnstein Building - everything is being ripped out.

Arnstein Building - and carried out the door.

Finally, but importantly, something is finally happening at that jewel on the corner of Union and Market. The Arnstein building was given, provisionally I believe, a CBID grant to improve the facade. Initially trumpeted as a new location for an Urban Outfitters store, until that fell apart, most recently the building has been discussed as a cosmetology school for Paul Mitchell, but that has since been called into question as they have purchased property outside downtown. Since all signs point to the Miller's Building being occupied by a competing cosmetology school, I'm hoping something else is in store for the building. But what is the plan? Maybe David Dewhirst would like to comment below and tell us. If not, I'll keep watching and let you know what I learn.

That's all I have time for today. Be sure to check out the Dogwood Arts Parade on Gay Street tonight and the amazing chalk drawings on Market Square Saturday morning. After you go to the opening of Crush on Sunday, take a nap. It's going to be a beautiful, fun weekend in the city.

When We Get Behind Closed Doors

I doubt this is what Charlie Rich had in mind when he penned that song, but I've noticed what seems to be a shift in standard operating procedure for businesses completing renovations or moving into new downtown location: privacy barriers. Not all of them are following suit, but I wonder if it is a good idea. Are they worried that a blogger might snap a picture or two?

Fort Hotel St. Oliver obstructing the sidewalk, Union Avenue, Knoxville, February 2011

The first place I noticed this was with the Hotel St. Oliver renovation. It's impossible to miss: they've built a fortress across the sidewalk and out into the street preventing any possible glimpse of what they are up to and obstructing foot traffic in the mean time. The work on the Daylight building kept that stretch of Union from being navigable on the sidewalks for a long time, now we have The Fortress and the construction on the sidewalks a block away.

Union Avenue Books: Simple, yet elegant brown paper wall, Knoxville, February 2011

The other business clearly following this practice is the new Union Avenue Books. At least they aren't obstructing the sidewalk. They simply covered their windows with brown paper. I'm thinking a good step ladder would get me into viewing range, so if you see a guy walking down the sidewalk with a ladder, that's probably me.

Union Avenue Books: circa one week Pre-Brown Paper Era, Knoxville, February 2010

Union Avenue Books, check out desk looks suspiciously like Carpe Librum

Taking the opposite tact is the new Blue Coast Burrito, as well as the new Nama location. Each of them are on display as their stores take shape. Thanks to their approach I can report that Nama is looking almost ready to open and a sign on the door says they are hiring experienced sushi chefs. Blue Coast Burrito is also suddenly moving along on their interior work, though they clearly aren't close to opening.

Presumed location of the Lunchbox, Market Street, Knoxville, February 2011

Rounding out the secrecy discussion is possibly the most secret of all: the Lunchbox. It's so secret I can't find it. It's in the Bank East building on the 600 block of Market Street, facing Krutch Park according to the article in the News Sentinel. That's pretty specific. I actually think I've seen it, but I"m not sure. The stealth weapon in this case? Simple blinds. They're closed. The description that says the new store "faces Krutch Park" is also a little off the mark, if I've got the right location. The view of Krutch park is a block away and it is the corner of the park.

The new Lunchbox as seen from Krutch Park (other side of the parked car)

Krutch Park viewed from the new Lunchbox location

I believe it creates excitement among downtown visitors, but particularly residents, as we see the new businesses take shape. Even though it might be a slight bother, the opportunity to wave to the new owners or stop in and introduce ourselves begins to build the bonds that will be necessary if the business is to succeed. It's never too early to start.

In the meantime, if I see any pesky blogger running around with a camera, I'll be sure to let you know.

The Semi-Regular Business Update

Just when it seems safe to say that the business comings and goings have been covered for a while, new developments present themselves in bunches. Some of these businesses have been mentioned before, but there is a new detail or two. Then, there are a couple that have been covered locally elsewhere that I'll mention and one of those is pretty exciting, though a bit dangerous, for a bibliophile.

S and W Grand in Better Days - Will they return?

The year started with three closures all of which were significant in their own way. Regas, probably the oldest restaurant in Knoxville, closed on North Gay. Arby's, which is fast food, yes, but which had been downtown for decades - and how many restaurants can say that - closed it's doors. Then, of course, the one that seemed to surprise everyone the most and the one with the highest profile in the downtown resurgence, the S and W Grand announced they would at least take a hiatus. Not a very good start to the year - and yes I know some of this was technically the end of last year, but it felt like the start to the new one.

Outside Seating at New Nama

Interior at New Nama, 500 Block of Gay Street

When last we tuned in, Nama was looking toward moving from the 100 block to the 500 block of Gay Street, just beside the Regal Movie Theater. I posted a photograph of the sign as it was hoisted from the truck. The latest development is that the signs are not only in place, but the outside dining area and the inside look virtually ready to open. I'm guessing this might be the next significant opening we see. Also, in that same post, a reader stated that a new restaurant is ready to take the place of Nama as soon as the old site is vacant. This will make two new restaurants on the 100 block with the addition of Harry's Deli.

We're still waiting on Blue Coast Burrito at the northwest corner of Market Square. The outside looks great, but inside still has a way to go. Meanwhile, the Lunchbox recently announced a move from the First Tennessee towers to a location on the 500 block of Market Street, across from Krutch Park. It's pretty exciting to see new businesses spread from Gay Street and the square. I'm seeing this as competition for the Market Square Kitchen and I'm wondering about its future. When the new owners announced their renovation plans for the Hotel Saint Oliver recently, they indicated that they planned a stronger presence on Market Square. Two restaurants currently occupy space in that building on the ground level facing Market Square: The Market Square Kitchen and Shono's. Will one or both of them go to give the Hotel frontage on Market Square?

Just Ripe - Painted Walls, coffee machine - Bring on the Food!

Previously I reported on the fund-raising effort for Just Ripe the small grocery and food store that will open on the 500 block of Union Avenue in the Daylight Building. It was very successful and they are pushing their campaign to raise just a bit more money prior to an anticipated March opening. As you can see from the picture, the interior is getting closer to ready. The walls are painted and is that a fancy coffee maker?

The biggest news in the last few days centers on the coming of a book store to the Daylight Building. It will be called Union Avenue Books and will feature both new and used books. It will be operated by the owners of Mr. K's books, plus one notable alum of both Davis Kidd Bookstores and Carpe Librum: Flossie McNabb. I personally adore Flossie and I'm so glad she will be a part of the downtown scene. I only hope I don't bankrupt myself. I've never had a bookstore within a very short walking distance. This could be dangerous. It's also important for the western portion of downtown. So far, there is very little reason to stray from Gay Street, the Old City or Market Square just to look for something you might want. You already know if you need a photograph (John Black Studios), Invitations (Happy Envelope) or food (Just Ripe), but you never know when you might just want to look around the book store.

So we lost three restaurants at the beginning, we have two restaurants moving and looming on the horizon I count three new restaurants, a new grocery store and a new book store. Maybe this year won't turn out so badly, after all.

Hanging on through Winter

In a way, the city recedes just a bit in winter. It's cold out and fewer people walk the streets. Lazy strolls disappear in favor of rapid-fire paces with the destination more in focus than the trip. A cold wind howls through many city blocks like unnatural canyons, making the snow, ice and rain more bitter. We long for those days of grace when the weather offers a warmer, if momentary reprieve. Snow, when it falls is beautiful in the city. Ice on sidewalks is much less attractive.

So, we venture out less, but so much is happening just beneath the cold tundra that has been downtown Knoxville the last few weeks. Word came this week of a new, yet old, restaurant moving to the block just south of Market Square. The Lunchbox which had catered to a lunch crowd on Gay Street will make its new home just outside Krutch Park and hopes to cultivate a customer base into the evening hours. To see retail businesses and restaurants emerging off Market Square is an exciting development. Hopefully this will expand resident, and particularly vistors' conception of places to frequent in the city.

Perhaps related to that story is the remodeling of the Hotel Saint Oliver. I've wondered if they might shift the entrance of the hotel to face Market Square. What prompted that thought was a quote from one of the new owners that they wanted to become more of a presence on the square. I don't see how that is possible unless they connect to it directly. This would mean that one or both of the restaurants located on the first floor of the building would have to move. One of these happens to be the Market Square Kitchen which seems to be the most direct competition to the new Lunchbox which will be a block away. Do the Lunch Box owners know something? Am I thinking too much about this? Maybe so. We'll see.

Meanwhile, Nama is preparing to move and according to a reader in a comment several days ago, a new restaurant is preparing to open in its place. A new club is expected to open on Gay Street, soon. Blue Coast Burrito and Just Ripe are working toward their respective openings.

There is also plenty of music on the immediate horizon to keep us warm as we wait the spring thaw. I hope to catch several of these upcoming shows: R.B. Morris and Marshal Chapman play at the Laurel Theater. Fred Eaglesmith, songwriter extraordinaire, will be at the Blueplate Special Saturday at noon. The Black Lilies will host their CD release party Saturday night at the Bijou. I understand there are a very few tickets left to that. Waynestock, a three day musical event at Relix, featuring may top local musicians and bands will happen next week.

All that hot music might be enough to cause an early thaw. Maybe not. As I'm writing this it is snowing outside. Tomorrow promises to be another frigid day. Stay warm everybody. Just two months until spring.