Historic Sokno Hub: Kern's Food Hall

Nestled within the historic Kern's Bakery building, Kern's Food Hall stands as a testament to Knoxville's rich heritage and vibrant community spirit. As developers deeply invested in the South Knoxville area, we're thrilled to see this multifaceted destination take shape, promising a fun and unique experience for all who enter its doors.

Kern's Bakery holds a special place in the memories of many Knoxville residents, evoking nostalgia for the days when the scent of freshly baked bread filled the air. As Kern's Food Hall takes shape, it honors this rich heritage while breathing new life into the beloved landmark. The project's five-year journey has been restoring the building's historic charm and repurposing it as a modern culinary and retail space. The food hall creates a welcoming environment where residents can gather, connect, and create lasting memories.

Central to Kern's Food Hall's ethos is its commitment to fostering collaboration and creativity among its vendors. Regular roundtable meetings held during the onboarding process served as a forum for sharing ideas, exchanging best practices, and fostering a sense of camaraderie. These meetings created space for all businesses to share their stories and experience each other’s passions in their respective fields.

Diversity is at the heart of Kern's Food Hall, with over 20 vendors representing a myriad of cultures and backgrounds ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From savory BBQ to authentic sushi, handmade jewelry to artisanal flower bouquets, each vendor brings their own unique flavor and flair to the food hall. But it's not just about the food—it's about the stories behind the businesses that make Kern's Food Hall truly special.

Take, for example, the journey of Monday Night Brewing—a tale that begins with a humble Bible study on Monday nights and culminates in a thriving brewery with locations across multiple cities.

Another remarkable story is that of Kandilige Spicy Food, a local husband and wife duo specializing in authentic Ghanaian cuisine. Amina's journey began during a college trip studying the language and culture of Ghana, where she met Chef Ramson in a restaurant he owned. They spent time talking and getting to know each other, eventually marrying in Ghana, which led to Chef Ramson immigrating to America. He introduced Amina to his culinary skills, and they chose to use this venture to fund their non-profit created to introduce children to the Ghanaian way of life through education, agriculture, ecotourism, and business.

As we anticipate the opening of Kern’s Food Hall, we're reminded that it represents more than just a dining experience—it's a gathering space where history is honored, community is celebrated, and culinary dreams come to life.

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- Grete Y, Marketing Coordinator