Latest news with #Babalu
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sweet P's closing downtown Knoxville location
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — After 10 years in business, an iconic Knoxville barbeque restaurant is set to close. Sweet P's Downtown Dive location is set to permanently close after service on Father's Day, June 15, 2025. While the barbeque restaurant at 410 W. Jackson Avenue will be closing, Sweet P's Uptown Corner in Fountain City will continue to operate, along with the catering kitchen at that location. Babalu on Gay Street closing for the second time A release from Sweet P's shared that business at Sweet P's Uptown Corner has increased in recent years, but business at the Downtown Dive has fallen. Additionally, owner Chris Ford pointed out that there has been an increase in competition in the downtown restaurant business. 'We are so grateful to our many customers who have supported us over the past 10 years,' Ford said. 'And I personally am proud of our hard-working and dedicated staff.' Ford also shared that he is reaching out to fellow restaurateurs to seek out opportunities for employees at the Downtown Dive. Inspector finds off temperatures, no sanitizer at Chinese restaurant in Morristown Sweet P's was initially founded as a catering operation in 2005. Ford, a former musician and leader of rock bands Gran Torino and Tennessee Power & Light, started Sweet P's when he left the music business. The first Sweet P's restaurant opened in 2009, as Sweet P's Barbeque and Soul House in South Knoxville. The location closed down in 2021, the same year Sweet P's Uptown Corner opened on the corner of Tazewell Pike and Jacksboro Pike. Sweet P's is the second restaurant in downtown Knoxville to announce it would be closing its doors in the coming weeks. On Wednesday, Babalu announced that it would be closing for the second time after nearly a decade on Gay Street. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Free Friday movie nights return to Knox County parks
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Knox County's third annual outdoor film series kicks off on May 30 with free Friday night screenings continuing through July. The series begins with Garfield the Movie at Clayton Park. The next few weeks, families can enjoy films like Inside Out 2, Wicked, Moana 2 and the Minecraft Movie at parks across Knox County. Festivities will always start at 7 p.m., and the movie will start once the sun has set. Whataburger to open Knoxville location on Cumberland Avenue Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets, lawn chairs and snacks, but leave the alcohol at home. May 30: Garfield The Movie at Clayton Park June 13: Inside Out 2 at Carter Park June 27: Wicked at Carl Cowan Park July 11: Moana 2 at Powell Station Park July 25: The Minecraft Movie at French Memorial Park 'These events are a summertime favorite for families across the region,' said Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. 'They're a great way to enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors, catch a movie, and experience the beauty of our parks.' Babalu on Gay Street closing for the second time Any updates to the schedule due to weather will be posted on the Parks and Recreation Facebook and X pages. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
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. Could the University of Tennessee leave the SEC? Lawyer explains new state law 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.
