CJ's Tacos is leaving Gay Street, but you can still get your fix − even after closing

Ryan Wilusz, Knoxville News Sentinel
·2 min read

Fans of CJ's Tacos might prefer a lump of coal this Christmas over what we're about to share: The downtown Knoxville location is closing.

But the news isn't all bad.

This decision will allow owner Chris Jones and his crew to focus on catering and the food trucks, including his new Hawaiian shaved ice business, CJ's Ice Oasis.

Building on the success of the CJ's Tacos food truck, Jones brought the business to the Embassy Suites on Gay Street in March 2020. Yes, that March 2020 − when everything changed.

Through COVID-19, the downtown business provided quick meals as the hotel and restaurant industries struggled like never before.

CJ's has served Knoxville tacos from tents to tables

Knox News caught up with Jones in July 2022 to talk about building a brand through all the challenges.

"It was just such a learning curve," he told Knox News about the origins of his business, which began in a food tent at the 2017 Tennessee Valley Fair. "I really didn't know what I was doing. And I just had to kind of figure it all out myself."

He did just that, creating a large menu that includes items like Korean BBQ Steak Nachos and build-your-own bowls. But the main event is choosing from seven distinct tacos.

CJ's Original blends seasoned ground beef with grilled vegetables, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and sauces. There's also the Asian Fusion taco, which mixes grilled chicken and vegetables with sweet and sour sauce. Holy Potato substitutes potatoes in place of meat, with vegetables and a creamy fresco corn.

Just a few more chances to enjoy CJ's Tacos on Gay Street

Customers will have just a few more opportunities to order from the downtown menu. The business is closing Jan. 27.

"We hope that all of you come visit us in the restaurant sometime before then," Jones and his crew said in a statement to Knox News. "Again, we can't thank you all enough for your continued support, and we're excited for our next chapter!"

Chris Jones opened CJ's Tacos in the Embassy Suites on Gay Street just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit Knoxville. For nearly four years, the downtown business has offered quick-service meals while balancing responsibilities with the food truck, but it will close January 27 to allow Jones to focus on other priorities, including catering and his new CJ's Ice Oasis.

The restaurant is open 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, with hours extended to 10 p.m. Fridays. Saturday hours are 4-10 p.m.

The Embassy Suites at 507 S. Gay St. also is home to KoPita, which replaced Knox Mason as the hotel's full-service restaurant last year. K Brew coffee shop and Ham 'N Goodys also operate in the building.

To keep up with CJ's Tacos, including food truck schedules, visit cjstacos.com.

Ryan Wilusz is a downtown growth and development reporter. Phone 865-317-5138. Email ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com. Instagram @knoxscruff.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: CJ's Tacos in downtown Knoxville closing at Gay Street Embassy Suites