Fiori Bar & Lounge teases cherry trees, small plates and a 'seductive setting' in Old City

Food is part of a new Old City lounge replacing Vidl, but the menu won't be entirely plant-based like its predecessor − nor will eating be the only focus.

It's "enjoyable cocktails, small plates, and a unique and seductive setting" that the proprietor of Fiori Bar & Lounge says will set the business apart when it opens this spring at 111 E. Jackson Ave., according to the business's website.

While there's still a lot of mystery surrounding this new downtown Knoxville concept, Knox News did some digging to learn all we could while waiting for our messages to be returned.

Here's what we know about Fiori so far, from cherry tree decorations to job opportunities.

Taking the place of Vidl plant-based restaurant

One of our top downtown stories of last year was about the February 2023 closing of Vidl, the only plant-based restaurant in the city's center.

Vidl was all about promoting wellness and nutrition education through plant-based eating. In addition to sit-down service and grab-and-go meals, Vidl offered the take-home Be Well Boxes that first earned owner Jenna Baker recognition when she began selling them in 2019.

Fiori website teases possible food items on the menu

The Fiori website does not yet feature a menu, but it does include a gallery of food images.

Those images include what appears to be deviled eggs, lobster rolls, seasoned carrots, shrimp and grits, and tacos.

Brunch and dinner on menu at Fiori

Hours are listed on Fiori's website, including brunch hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. Dinner also would be served 4-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 3-10 p.m. on the weekends.

The bar and lounge would have extended hours until midnight during the week and 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The bar would close along with the business at 10 p.m. Sundays.

'Seductive setting' in Old City includes cherry trees

A Feb. 9 social media post by Fiori mentions two artificial cherry trees "straight from the enchanting landscapes of England" will tower over tables in the dining room and bar.

"Just imagine: dining under the lush canopy of a 20-foot cherry tree, its branches extending gracefully over your table, creating an ambiance unlike any other," the post reads. "These stunning additions will not only elevate your dining experience but also add a burst of vibrant color to our elegant black and gold interior."

Another Old City lounge beat Fiori to the punch

As Fiori prepares to open, another Old City lounge is enjoying its first few months in business: Alchemy Lounge + Cigar.

This new business is located at the original OliBea, which moved to South Central Street before closing for good in July.

Downtown Knoxville job opportunities at Fiori

Fiori shared a Facebook post Feb. 18 seeking employees for "all positions."

That includes head bartender/mixologist, head of kitchen, bartenders, servers, kitchen staff and dish washers.

You can apply at fioribar.com or send your resume to contact@fioribar.com.

What does 'fiori' actually mean?

Fiori translated from Italian means "flowers" in English, according to Google Translate.

The Cambridge Dictionary states the word also is used to referred to clubs (or clovers) in a deck of playing cards.

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

Support strong local journalism by subscribing at subscribe.knoxnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Downtown Knoxville bar Fiori replacing Vidl restaurant in Old City