Historic Market Square, Knoxville

Historic Market Square, Knoxville Market Square is a pedestrian mall located in Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, United States. Land for the Market Place was given to the city by William G. Mabry.
(1384)

Market Square has developed since its inception in 1854 into a multipurpose pedestrian mall that accommodates events ranging from concerts to political rallies, and has long provided a popular gathering place for artists, street musicians, and activists. Established in 1854 as a market place for regional farmers, the Square has developed over the decades into a multipurpose venue that accommodates

events ranging from concerts to political rallies, and has long provided a popular gathering place for artists, street musicians, war veterans, and activists. Along with the Market House, Market Square was home to Knoxville's City Hall from 1868 to 1924. Market Square was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Swan and Joseph A. Farmers from the surrounding area would bring their wagons to the Market House, where they sold their produce and wares. During the Civil War, the Union Army used the Market House as a barracks and magazine. Knoxville's post-Civil War population boom brought about continued development in Market Square, most notably the construction of Peter Kern's confections store (now The Oliver Hotel) in 1875 and Max Arnstein's seven-story department store in 1906. After the Market House burned in 1960, Market Square was converted into a pedestrian mall. A local newspaper once dubbed Market Square, "the most democratic place on earth," where "the rich and the poor, the white and the black, jostle each other in perfect equality." The Square has been mentioned in the works of James Agee, Cormac McCarthy, David Madden, and Richard Yancey, and has hosted performers ranging from Duke Ellington to Steve Winwood. Politicians and activists who have delivered speeches at the Square include Frances Willard, Booker T. Washington, William Jennings Bryan, Edward Ward Carmack, and Ronald Reagan.

07/27/2026

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here.

After months of hard work, challenges, and excitement, we’re beyond grateful to share that our very first Downtown location is 99% complete.

On Monday, July 27, 2026, we’ll be opening our doors for a Soft Reopening as we test our new equipment and welcome everyone back into the place we love so much.

✨ Same hours. Same love. Same homemade flavors you know and love same address 706 walnut st Knoxville TN —just with a fresh new look.

This journey wouldn’t have been possible without each and every one of you. To our loyal customers, thank you for your patience, your encouragement, and for standing by us every step of the way. Your messages, your support, and your love have meant more to us than words can ever express.

We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to the City of Knoxville and Marble City Food Hall Management Team and Walnut Hotel LLC for believing in us and supporting us throughout this remodeling process. Your partnership has helped make this dream a reality.

This restaurant has always been more than just a place to eat it’s a place where friends become family, where memories are made, and where our community comes together. We are honored to continue serving you and creating many more memories in our refreshed home.

We can’t wait to welcome you back on Monday, give you a big smile, and serve you with the same passion and love that has always been at the heart of everything we do.

And stay tuned… our Grand Reopening celebration is coming soon, and we can’t wait to celebrate with the amazing community that made all of this possible.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. We love you all, and we’ll see you very soon! ❤️🙏

07/24/2026

Address

18 Market Square
Knoxville, TN
37902

Telephone

+18655242224

Website

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