Even before the ribbon cutting, Knoxville Smokies owner Randy Boyd knew exactly what he wanted. “I can’t wait to get to that chicken!” he said.
It was a joyful ribbon cutting yesterday at Covenant Health Park as Jackie Griffin, along with top Knoxville and Knox County officials, excitedly opened the third iteration of beloved soul food restaurant Jackie’s Dream.
“This is more than a dream,” Griffin told members of the news media after the ribbon cutting. “This is more than I ever dreamed of!”
Jackie’s Dream is located in a 2,000-square-foot space at 498 E. Jackson Avenue. The restaurant, which is two doors down from the Smokies’ team merchandise store, has 69 inside seats and more available on the patio outside, depending on the weather, Griffin said.
Griffin has operated Jackie’s Dream for eleven years, first on McCalla Avenue in East Knoxville and, most recently, on Woodland Avenue in North Knoxville. Both restaurants were located in spaces that were, shall we say, less than ideal. The new space, which was outfitted by Knoxville Smokies owner Randy Boyd, is state of the art.
The honors of cutting the ribbon went to two of Jackie Dream’s youngest fans: Griffin’s granddaughter Zy’nariah Bailey and Eli Kent, who has been going to Jackie’s Dream, as Griffin put it, “since he was in his mama’s belly!” Others helping with the ribbon are Griffin herself, at left, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, and Randy Boyd. Knox County Commissioner Damon Rawls is at far left, and Knoxville City Council Member Denzel Grant is in back. Both represent the district where the restaurant is located.
Griffin said the menu at the new location may be somewhat expanded but will continue to offer the same comfort food with which customers are familiar — fried chicken, meatloaf, pork chops, collard greens and fried green tomatoes. One notable addition, she announced, will be fried chicken livers offered as both an appetizer and an entrée.
“I’m still going to serve your meals,” Griffin said with a laugh. “I’m still going to come out and run my mouth!”
Jackie’s Dream will be closed on Mondays. Regular hours on Tuesday through Saturday will be 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. It will be open even when there are no activities at Covenant Health Park.
Mayor Indya Kincannon making remarks. “You make people feel like they are eating in your home,” Kincannon said to Griffin. “The stadium is good for Knoxville because it supports businesses like yours. They could have rented to a national chain, but they chose you. We believe in Knoxville and we believe in Jackie!”
Knoxville City Council Member Denzel Grant knew Griffin when he was growing up. “You fed us. You took care of us. You made sure we were home before the street lights came on,” he said to Griffin. “This is personal. I appreciate you.”
Knox County’s Chief Financial Officer Chris Caldwell spoke on behalf of Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, who was on vacation. “I’ve been speaking for the mayor since he’s been on vacation,” Caldwell said. “I can assure you this is one event he wishes he were at instead of me!”
From left, Dionne Booker; Randy Boyd; Griffin’s aunt, Rosalind Hall; and state Sen. Richard Briggs.
From left, Jan Hudson, Jackie Griffin, and Griffin’s mother, Deborah Booker.
State Rep. Sam McKenzie, left, and Eric Vreeland, deputy director of communications for the City of Knoxville.
From left, Christi Branscom of Partners Development; Chris Allen, president and CEO of the Knoxville Smokies; and Knox County’s CFO Chris Caldwell.
General Session Court Judge Andrea Kline and Knox County Commissioner Damon Rawls.
From left, Ed Shouse, Richard Briggs, former state Rep. Rick Staples, and Richard Bass, a member of the Knoxville-Knox County Sports Authority.
Sam Maynard, executive director of James White’s Fort, left, and Chris Caldwell.
Businessman Marcus Hall, left, with Randy Boyd.
Griffin’s son, Menes Bailey, left, and her brother, Rico Booker.
Mayor Indya Kincannon with Jeff Williamson of Johnson Architecture, which worked on the restaurant project.
Jackie Griffin enjoying some flowers and a note she recevied from young fan Eli Kent. With her is her grandaughter, Zy’nariah Bailey.
Brian Engelstad and Drea Peebles of WATE-TV.
Jillian Taylor of WBIR-TV.
Mayor Kincannon giving an interview.
Here are some of the items on the buffet. Clockwise from top left, fried chicken, chicken salad and crackers, fruit, pineapple meatballs.
A nice-looking plate!
Eli Kent’s shirt says, “Chief Mac & Cheese Tester.” Griffin said he used to eat a serving of macaroni and cheese each time he visited the restaurant. Now he orders two servings of it!
From left: Malejah Johnson, Tamia Bailey, Macari Bailey, Zy’nariah Bailey, and Asyria Martin.
And the vibe at “America’s Friendliest Ballpark” just keeps getting better!
