Asheville’s popular Tupelo Honey has eyes on opening eatery in Knoxville

From the Knoxville News Sentinel:

Asheville, N.C.-based eatery Tupelo Honey Cafe is apparently eyeing an outpost on Market Square.

Philip Welker, one of the developers who last year purchased the Kern Building (home of the Oliver Hotel), has submitted a development grant application to the Central Business Improvement District.

The application seeks a $275,000 grant and said that money would trigger an additional $600,000 investment in a Tupelo Honey Cafe restaurant in the corner space at 1 Market Square.

The application said the grant also would trigger a $50,000 to $75,000 investment by Shono’s in the City.

Elizabeth Sims, the cafe’s spokeswoman, confirmed that Tupelo is looking at the Knoxville location.

“We’re looking at all kinds of different expansion opportunities,” Sims said Friday afternoon.

More as it emerges.