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As soon as you cross the Henley Bridge into South Knoxville, you’ll notice construction. It’s the long-awaited renovation of the old Kern’s Bakery building, that’s finally getting closer to opening, with new renderings and a tenant list announced.

Situated on Chapman Highway in the New South Waterfront District, minutes from downtown Knoxville and the University of Tennessee, this 16-acre innovative mixed-use community is an extension of downtown and the future of South Knoxville’s growth.

The transformation of the iconic 75,000-square-foot historic bakery building into a mixed-use community, including a food hall, market, and entertainment areas with a 7,000-square-foot event lawn with jumbotron screen, performance stages, and rooftop patios will create a vibrant destination unmatched in Knoxville.

The tenants occupying the food hall space are a mix of local and regional businesses. The newest vendor to commit is Atlanta-based Monday Night Brewing, which plans to open its sixth brewing location at Kern’s Bakery Food Hall.

Monday Night Brewing will be an integral operator throughout the food hall, managing five separate venues, including:

• A 3,000-square-foot tap room with access to a patio and a 7,000-square-foot event lawn
• The primary food hall bar serves patrons inside as well as those at a walk-up counter from the event lawn
• Two rooftop patio bars
• A small bar near the interior performance stage

“We are all in,” says Jeff Heck, co-founder and CEO of Monday Night Brewing. “Kern’s Bakery is a special project—a community that we’re excited to be a part of. We are very intentional with our site selection and seeing the Kern’s vision coming to life solidifies that this is where we want our brand to be – a place that represents ‘easy-drinking and approachable.’ We are ready to join the family of committed tenants.”

Those other committed tenants, according to the Kern’s Bakery website, include:

• Archer Paper Goods
• Ava Italian
• Awaken Coffee
• Clean Smoke BBQ
• Drop Zone Distilling
• F45 Training
• Flourish Flowers
• Good4U Bao and Ramen
• Hey Bear Café
• Irvey’s Ice Cream
• Kandilige Spicy Food
• Mae Lee’s Boutique
• Myrtle’s Bakehouse
• T. Ralph’s Burgers
• Won Kitchen
• Zukku Sushi

Inside Knoxville also lists Mellow and Jessica Wang as additional tenants, bringing the total to 19.

“This is a fantastic line-up of unique culinary offerings, and there’s nothing else like it in Knoxville,” said Timothy Martin, Owner and Broker of TMA Real Estate. Martin is curating the ideal tenant mix for the food hall.

“It has been an absolute pleasure discovering and learning about each of these concepts—and more importantly, the amazing people who are pouring their hearts, creativity, and finances into their businesses. The entrepreneurial spirit coming alive is adding even more character to this historical landmark that truly will have something for everyone.”

Kern’s Bakery Food Hall hopes to open in late 2023.

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