3 days ago
South Knoxville losing one of its most popular restaurants amid Sevier Avenue construction
As streetscape construction ramps up, a popular restaurant at the east end of Sevier Avenue is closing after almost a decade in South Knoxville.
Landing House owner Zach Land took to Instagram on May 19 to announce the restaurant's closure.
June 8 will be the last day open for Landing House, which is uniquely located in a house rather than a typical restaurant space. It's part of the allure for the Chinese and Cambodian-style restaurant near the Sevier Avenue intersection of Island Home Avenue and Foggy Bottom Street, where a roundabout is being built for the streetscape project.
Landing House was one of the first spots along the South Knoxville corridor that transformed the street from a desolate, seemingly uninviting stretch into a hotpot for those looking to grab a drink, enjoy a meal and spend the day outside.
"Ten years ago, my wife Hao and I saw a 'For Sale' sign on a neat, creepy old house in the neighborhood we lived. Sevier Ave was a desolate place that was honestly … a little sketchy," Land wrote in the Instagram post. "Now that shabby little neighborhood we once knew is completely unrecognizable."
Landing House changed that perception, with popular menu items like chicken and shrimp pho, beef filet fried rice and chili crisp noodles making the restaurant stand out as a culinary anchor on Sevier Avenue. The street is now home to a variety of restaurants, bars and breweries, from Redbud Kitchen and Angry Dumplings Tea to Alliance Brewing Company and Hi-Wire Brewing.
Balter Beerworks executive chef Hux Jones said in 2023 that Landing House chef Derek Martin was his favorite in Knoxville.
"I am so impressed with all the progression he has had with his culinary career," Jones wrote about Martin at the time. "He has really embraced the Asian cuisine with full force."
Knox News has also recognized Landing House as one of the best restaurants around town. After A Dopo earned a spot on USA TODAY's Restaurants of the Year list in 2025, Knox News recognized Landing House as one of the restaurants we wish made the list.
"We thought it would be great for people to have a place to grab some food to go along with their local craft beers and plowed head first into the insanely scary and hectic world of restaurant ownership," the Instagram post read.
Land said in the post it's best to close Landing House "on our own terms than be forced to close in the future."
Five months into the 18-month construction period for the $19.2 million city streetscape, Landing House is in a complicated position, with parking made more difficult by the under-construction roundabout and other street work.
Streetscape construction is expected to last until summer 2026.
"Our business has grown substantially every year we have been open and that is due to your loyal patronage and word of mouth and that means the world to us," Land wrote. "Once again, thank you Knoxville and especially South Knoxville for all your support."
Joanna Hayes is the restaurant and retail reporter. Email:
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Landing House closing amid Sevier Ave. construction in Knoxville
