Where is the best business lunch spot in Knoxville?
Each month, we'll ask 40 Under 40 alumni to share insight about certain aspects of the Knoxville business community. This month, we asked our alumni where they liked to have a business lunch.
Here are their responses.
Shannon Harper, VP and COO of Harper Auto Square, Class of 2013
My favorite spot for a business lunch has got to be Aubrey's at Papermill. The food never disappoints and there is always a packed crowd. You can't seem to get in there without catching up with at least one or two people. Second place is definitely the new Chesapeake's on Parkside. It's phenomenal having such a spot so close to business out west!
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Jay Cobble, Principal Broker at Providence Commercial Real Estate, Class of 2012
The best spot in town for a business lunch is Club LeConte. I work in commercial real estate and you can give a tour of downtown from the windows. Incredible to host an Knoxville visitor so you can pitch the downtown vibe along with the closeness of the Smokies. Also for the locals it makes lunch feel like something more important. Easy to be casual in the bar with Sportscenter on or more formal out in the dining room. The lunch buffet typically has plenty of options to keep people happy and is always quick.
Whitney Haslam Johnson, Chief Experience Officer at Pilot Flying J, Class of 2007
Bistro by the Tracks. It's close to the office, has good quality food and is typically an easy place to meet. Plus, it's not too loud.
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Tyvi Small, Executive Director of Talent Management, Diversity and Community Relations at UT, Class of 2015
I have several “go to” spots in town for business lunches, however Café 4 is one of my favorite. First, they have great food and as a pescatarian they have a diverse menu of options. Secondly, it’s a great location so parking is fairly easy and for those who work downtown it’s a quick walk to the restaurant. Finally, I’m always impressed by their professional service, they are always friendly and engaging.
Cheryl Ball, VP of Client Services & Operations at Fletcher Marketing PR, Class of 2009
I really like to meet at the Oliver Royale for a business lunch. It is one of my favorites as the food is excellent with a seasonally changing menu, the ambiance is warm yet urban and it is surprisingly affordable.
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Mike Leventhal, Executive Director of Tennessee Men's Health Network, Class of 2010
My favorite place to meet for a business lunch is Calhoun's. I prefer Calhoun's because of the menu options, high quality of service, and most importantly, Calhoun's is a locally owned business that supports our community.
Heather Martin, Tax Senior Manager at PYA, Class of 2012
Bravo! on Bearden Hill has a great atmosphere for business conversations including the needed space for a private discussion. Plus Italian food is one of my favorites and well-liked by most – even if you may fall asleep from the pasta overload that afternoon back in the office! The added benefit to Bravo’s is you almost always know someone else in the room, so it’s a great networking opportunity as well!
Daniel Carter, President at The Trust Company, Class of 2007
My favorite spot for a business lunch is Copper Cellar (West). They have great food and service in an atmosphere that is conducive to talking without the fear of everyone hearing your conversation. Also, when you take someone to lunch the last thing you want is to have a bad dining experience so Copper Cellar is tried and true.
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