Alcoa, Tennessee, has recently added several appealing dining options that bring fresh flavors and community energy to the area. With new openings ranging from casual burger joints to major supermarket food halls and local-focused eateries, residents and visitors now have more choices than ever. This guide highlights some of the most notable new restaurants in Alcoa, TN, each offering a distinct experience from family-friendly to fast food innovation and upscale convenience.
Blue Moose Burgers & Wings
Blue Moose Burgers & Wings opened its second location in Alcoa in early 2023, transforming the old Texas Roadhouse building into a casual local hangout. Known for award-winning jumbo wings in over 23 seasonings, handpattied burgers, and bacon cheeseburger sticks, it offers a lively sports-bar atmosphere with 45 high-definition TVs. The familyfriendly environment, affordable prices, and consistent quality have made it a hit among locals. Blue Moose also engages with the community for example, donating to the Humane Society of Blount County during the grand opening weekend.
Upcoming at Springbrook Farm: Jim n Nick’s Bar-B-Q and More
Springbrook Farm, Alcoa’s major mixed-use development on the old Alcoa West Plant site, is rapidly becoming a dining destination. Among confirmed tenants is Jim n Nick’s BarBQ, set to open later in 2024 or early 2025. This staple Southern barbecue chain is expected to join other planned restaurants like local-focused Dos Bros (similar to Chipotle), Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Super Chix fried chicken, and Chop House style eateries. The pedestrian-friendly layout promises a connected dining and shopping hub.
Food City’s Enhanced Food Experience
While primarily a grocery anchor, the new Food City supermarket on Tesla Boulevard (opening fall 2025) will deliver a destination food hall experience. Expect a full-service deli, in-house bakery, hot food bars (including sushi, wok/Asian, hickory smoked meats, pizza), café seating, and a Starbucks kiosk. With rapid checkout, pharmacy, gas station, and catering services, it’s shaping up as a culinary hub that rivals traditional standalone restaurants.
Kickback Jack’s (Planned)
Community chatter reveals plans for a Kickback Jack’s sports-bar chain across from Blue Moose and near Texas Roadhouse. While yet to officially open, Reddit users describe it as standard American bar food burgers, wings, steaks comparable to Applebee’s or Chili’s. Locals anticipate how it will fit into Alcoa’s expanding dining offerings.
Blackhorse Pub & Brewery Expansion
Blackhorse Pub & Brewery, originally from Knoxville and Clarksville, opened a new facility in Alcoa in 2019. It includes brewery operations alongside plans for a restaurant and beer garden. Known for its craft beers, solid burgers and pizza, and beercheese specials, Blackhorse adds a brewpub option to Alcoa’s landscape. Reviewers praise its welcoming seating, outdoor space, and consistently good food.
New Coffee & Café Outlets
Along Alcoa Highway and near Cherokee Research Park, new café options are emerging. Reddit reports mention Golden Roast opening a location near Cherokee Farm, offering convenience to commuters, students, and hospital-district workers, with promising foot traffic.
Area Development Plans: Space for More Restaurants
Alcoa’s continued development includes conceptual approval for multi-tenant buildings on Topside Road, which could feature more restaurant space alongside retail. City planners and developers are working to ensure future clusters include dining, making Alcoa a walkable culinary zone in years to come.
What to Expect from These New Restaurants
Generous Menus
- Blue Moose: burgers, wings, signature appetizers, family meals
- Jim n Nick’s: smoked barbecue platters, sides, desserts
- Food City food hall: sushi, pizza, deli sandwiches, hot cooked bars
- Blackhorse Pub: craft beer pairings, burgers, pizza, pub snacks
Community Atmosphere
New spots like Blue Moose and Blackhorse emphasize familyfriendly vibes and community engagement. Jim n Nick’s and Dos Bros bring regional and fast-casual diversity. The Food City setup encourages local gatherings through its café and catering services.
Accessibility and Convenience
Most of these new restaurants are centrally located or part of major mixed-use developments. Take-out and delivery options are available at Blue Moose, Food City, and soon at Springbrook Farm tenants. Public transport or car access is straightforward.
Local Reception and Demand
Many locals have welcomed the new options, citing a long-standing demand for casual sit-down restaurants in Alcoa. The expansion into Springbrook Farm is motivated by rising population and tourism, creating room for more eateries. While some new openings are national chains, others like Blue Moose are locally owned and responsive to community preferences.
Tips for Dining at New Spots
- Try to visit Blue Moose during midweek to avoid weekend wait times you’ll find sports viewing and popular wings.
- Reserve for Jim n Nick’s or upcoming group dining spaces in Springbrook Farm once open, especially for barbecue weekends.
- At Food City, arrive mid-morning for fresh bakery items or early lunch for minimal lines at hot food bars.
- Check opening dates and updates on Kickback Jack’s and other planned openings through local news and social media groups.
Alcoa’s Dining Scene Is Growing
The dining landscape in Alcoa, TN is rapidly expanding, offering more varied and experiential options than ever. From the casual burgers and wings at Blue Moose to the barbecue of Jim n Nick’s, craft brews at Blackhorse, and the food hall-style offerings at Food City, new restaurants are delivering quality, convenience, and community connection. With continued development at Springbrook Farm and beyond, expect even more additions in the near future. For residents and visitors alike, Alcoa is becoming a dynamic hub for food and flavor.
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