Do you remember these closed Knoxville restaurants?
Did you ever enjoy a night out at Arthur’s Steak and Lobster? What about Regas Restaurant? Take a look at these long gone local dining establishments.
A Knoxville fixture on Kingston Pike has closed after more than four decades in business, and a new Italian concept is moving into the building.
The Lunchbox Market & Cafe has closed its second location eight months after closing its original downtown location. Amalfi Ristorante Italiano will take over the building’s lease at 5005 Kingston Pike.
Amalfi has a website and social media accounts, including an Instagram profile that described the restaurant as a “classy little joint” in its first post June 19. An opening date has not been announced, but the website says it will be sometime this fall.
Since the intial post, Amalfi has shared social media photos of a variety of entrees: short rib ragu with pappardelle, cot Oletta alla parmigiano, seared scallops with pistachio pesto and risotto and gnocchi alla Genovese. “From Italy to Boston to Knoxville” is a tagline for the restaurant, whose owner did not respond in time for publication.
Knox News also reached out to The Lunchbox but did not hear back from the restaurant, which closed its downtown location in December due to rent increases. The Lunchbox had operated for 43 years downtown before closing, including its final 15 years in the U.S. Bank building at 607 Market St.
The Lunchbox was founded in 1981 by Karen Sproles and remained in her family until a 2016 sale to Rex Bradford Jones, founder of Bradford Catered Events, Knox News previously reported.
Randy Holmes took over as owner in 2019. The Lunchbox was known for its popular chicken salad sandwiches and its variety of on-the-go options.
We’ll share more information about Amalfi at knoxnews.com as we learn more.
Knox News reporter Joanna Hayes covers restaurants and retail for the business growth and development team. Email: joanna.hayes@knoxnews.com; Instagram: @knoxeat65. Sign up for Joanna’s Eat65 email newsletter to get the latest drink and dining news, as well as restaurant recommendations at knoxnews.com/newsletters.
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Dining and Cooking