New eatery at stadium opens with celebration

The ribbon was cut Thursday evening officially marking the opening of Iron Forge at the Park. From left: Knox County CFO Chris Caldwell, Knox County Commissioner Damon Rawls, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, owners Audrei and Rani Dabul, George Gibson, and Cynthia Miller, Knoxville City Council Member Denzel Grant, and Knoxville Smokies owner Randy Boyd. (Photo by Knoxville Chamber.)

Iron Forge Brewing Company on Thursday evening officially opened Iron Forge at the Park, a restaurant serving smash burgers, Nashville Hot Chicken sandwiches, flatbreads, and hot wings on the outside of Covenant Health Park. The sister restaurant to Iron Forge Brewing Company in Sevierville, it also features 24 rotating beer taps, and a full cocktail bar.

“Five years ago, there was just an empty lot here,” Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said at a ribbon-cutting to officially open the establishment. “But this is the result of a lot of work and a calculated risk.”

Thursday was “Knox-Vegas” night at the Knoxville Smokies game at Covenant Health Park. So, “Elvis” stopped by Iron Forge for some beers before the first pitch!

Kincannon said an economic study predicted the stadium, which has been open about a year, would be a catalyst for $480 million of other development in the neighborhood. That prediction has since been increased to $1 billion, she said.

“I predict this location will be even more successful than your first one,” Kincannon said to the restaurant owners. “Thank you for investing here. I will be here all the time!”

Denzel Grant, who represents the district on Knoxville City Council, approached the microphone with a broad grin. “I’m smiling because I am spoiled,” he said. “I’m spoiled by the amount of investment that is coming to our district.”

Chris Caldwell, Knox County’s chief financial officer, spoke on behalf of Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. “This development exceeded our expectation on sales taxes,” he said. “The gap funding payments the city and county have to make is less than we expected.”

Damon Rawls, who is the Knox County commissioner representing the area, said he lives and goes to church nearby. “This is an exciting time,” he said. “This area was a wasteland. Did you ever think that this area would have this many people here at 5 p.m.?

“This small town got out of its own way!” he said.

Randy Boyd making remarks prior to the ribbon-cutting.

Randy Boyd owns Boyd Sports and the Knoxville Smokies, who call Covenant Health Park their home. He was the catalyst behind building the $114 million stadium, which was a public-private partnership. The city of Knoxville and Knox County own the stadium and the Smokies lease and operate it.

“Nothing happens unless an entrepreneur takes a risk,” Boyd said, addressing Iron Forge’s owners, Audrei and Rani Dabul, George Gibson and Cynthia Miller. “Ideas are easy. Having a brewery is an easy idea – but you took the risk to make this happen.”

Boyd called the stadium, “our field of dreams.”

“We thought that if we built it, they would come – and the businesses are coming!”

“Plus,” he added, “the beer is great!”

Audrei Dabul said that he and the other owners of Iron Forge “are honored to be here.” Iron Forge is the official draft beer of the Knoxville Smokies and four other minor league baseball teams.

Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and Knox County Commissioner Damon Rawls.

“We just crossed the mark of hiring 100 employees,” he said, referring to employment at both locations. “Cheers! Come hang out with us!”

And, with that, officials, led by representatives of the Knoxville Chamber, cut the ribbon and Iron Forge at the Park officially opened.

Iron Forge at the Park, located at 604 E. Jackson Ave., is accessible from the east side of Covenant Health Park on the outside of the stadium. It will have its own hours and is not dependent on the stadium being open.

Announced hours currently are 4 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, noon to 9 p.m. on Thursdays, 4 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Management intends to expand these hours in the future to include daily lunch options starting at 11:00 AM and a weekend brunch program.

Loved the balloon display.

And the complimentary hors d’oeuvre offerings.

From left, Knox County Chief Finance Officer Chris Caldwell, Christi Branscom of Partners Development, and Randy Boyd.

Knoxville City Council Member Denzel Grant.

Audrei Dabul speaking for the owners of Iron Forge.

Knox County Commissioners Courtney Durrett and Shane Jackson were there.

Ashleigh Christian of the Knoxville Chamber leading the applause.

Doesn’t the food look delish? Here’s the veggie flatbread and a smash burger.

Chicken tenders and fries. Yum.

Rani and Audrei Dabul speaking to the media.

Audrei Dabul with reporters from WBIR and WVLT.

Cold beer, anyone?

Cute. Boys playing pinball.

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