Certainly a lot more to this than just a lack of business or bad food/service or the other common things that plague restaurants. While it seems rent in the area is pretty ridiculous too, you can read about it here: http://insideofknoxville.com I wasn't a part of the family at the time, but my fiancées family used to own a restaurant. And while it wasn't anywhere close to Market Square, they eventually closed when the costs to get the building up to code was more than they wanted to invest. I can certainly see both sides to this issue, so I'm not saying one is right and the other is wrong. I just wanted to make others aware of a (huge?) problem that exists in what has become a great part of town again. There's some great info in not only the article, but the comments sections as well. I'll also add, as an aside, that the post blog is perhaps the best source for news in Knoxville.
The service at Latitude 35 is exactly why they are closed. The bartenders were the only employees who gave a shit. Well, Gary the current manager did, but he started as a bartender.
I never thought their food was any good either. Their main problems were different than those listed above. Losing Shonos is a shame.
I was at Market Square Thanksgiving weekend and watched the tree lighting. It is a beautiful place. My kids ice skated on the rink they put up. Its a shame those places are getting in trouble and closing. Nothing you can do if they're closing because of bad food or service, but if its because of a large cost that KUB is requiring, seems like the City or County could/should come up with grants or low interest loans to help these businesses. Having half of your business shut down because of a new requirement is not good business. Miami-Dade county gives businesses help all the time. Having businesses around is definitely a good investment in the City or County.
Those stupid build your own yogurt things definitely over saturated Knoxville. Sucks about the other two places. You'd think the Strip and Market Square would have no problem supporting businesses. I guess difficulty parking and the population moving West probably contributes.
Went over to watch Pearl's last hurrah against Michigan during lunch in 2011. It was packed, the Texas women's team managers and such had the bar seating, and my group had to sit in corner. I asked if they could turn one of TVs at the bar to the UT game from the Texas game so we could see it. The server told me no, that the Texas guys were watching it. I asked him which one of us would be more likely to make a return visit. He told me sorry. Tony's soccer watch party was the only other time I set foot in the place, and I say good riddance. Always thought Steamboat was overrated. And yes Dooz, losing Shonos is a shame. Ate there once a week when I worked downtown.
The grease trap requirements are from the EPA and KUB has to enforce it. I'm going to be really pissed if it closes down S&B. Great whiskey and amazing burgers.
They're pretty solid. Eaten there probably five times since they opened and every meal has been quality.
Depends on when you are handing the money out. If you are helping fund a good business plan that simply lacks capital, that's investment and it is smart. If you are giving money to idiots and crooks who have already failed, that's a bailout and it is dumb as shit.
I was going to say the same as Mr. Hat, but I've seen IP has been a little edgy lately. Didn't want to contribute.
Parking near market square isn't too bad unless it's that first Friday crap. There's usually a spot in either the garage behind DTGB or the Market Square garage. The strip is a pain in the ass to try and find parking pretty much any time.
I think it is still an issue for people when it is very cold. Also still a big problem for lunch during the workday.
We parked in a garage, does the BB&T garage sound familiar? Wasn't that bad. You want to experience shitty parking, go to South Beach Veteran's Day weekend.
