Babalu on Gay Street closing for the second time
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — After nearly a decade on Gay Street, a Latin-inspired restaurant is closing for a second time.
Babalu posted on Facebook that their last day will be June 29. This is not the first time the restaurant has closed. In 2020, the previous owners, Spell Restaurant Group, closed the Knoxville location amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A few months later, Maple Hall acquired the restaurant and it reopened in February 2021 with a re-vamped menu.
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It is with deep appreciation and sadness that we share this difficult news: After nearly a decade in downtown Knoxville, and four unforgettable years under our ownership, Babalu will be closing its doors on June 29th.
We are deeply grateful for the memories, friendships, and meals we've shared with the Knoxville community. As we enter our final month, we invite you to stop by, raise a glass, and help us celebrate the incredible team and community that made Babalu so special.
Babalu owners
'A hard business' South Knoxville restaurant to close after 8 years
Babalu opened its Knoxville restaurant at 412 South Gay Street in 2015.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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