A popular spot for preconcert meals is being replaced by a new downtown Knoxville concept
A popular downtown Knoxville restaurant serving street-food-inspired fusion dishes has just a few more days in business before the concept is eventually replaced.
Tako Taco, which is connected to The Mill & Mine music and events venue, will serve its final customers Oct. 21.
The venue and restaurant share the same ownership, general manager Margaret Stolfi told Knox News.
"I do think that Tako has been a very exploratory and creative space and a space that's also focused on the people in it, in addition to the food," she said. "And that's something that's special about it, and that's something I think we will be able to continue in whatever we do."
Stolfi's husband, Jesse Newmister, has served as the executive chef at Tako Taco and will stay involved in the venue's culinary program moving forward.
Newmister also is the owner of Kaizen and Red Panda Grocery in the Old City.
The Mill & Mine not ready to share new concept
"Tako" is the Japanese word for octopus, which you can find on the menu. As you might imagine, the restaurant is known for tacos, which can be loaded with a variety of proteins from duck al pastor to red chile braised lamb.
The restaurant, located at 235 W. Depot Ave., will be replaced with a new concept, according to an Oct. 16 social media post by Tako Taco.
The post promises "a new culinary and spirited adventure that will take The Mill & Mine experience to new heights."
What exactly that means, including how much of the concept will be public facing, has not been announced.
Part of a changing downtown Knoxville neighborhood
The Mill & Mine opened in 2016, and Tako Taco opened two years later.
"The venue and the neighborhood around us are totally different than they were at that time," Stolfi said. "We've just seen tremendous growth around us."
The restaurant is next door to Regas Square, which includes the Marble City Market food hall on the ground level and condos above.
Earlier this year, a nearby building at 300 W. Magnolia Ave. welcomed The Local Smokey sports bar and the second iteration of The Double S Wine bar.
Live-work units are planned at the former MAC Auto Loans building two blocks away, and all of this growth is happening a short walk from the forthcoming baseball stadium just east of the Old City.
Pop-ups and more planned for Tako Taco space
Tako Taco has become a popular spot for concertgoers to grab a bite before and after shows at the adjoining venue.
A new concept should be unveiled "in a few months," according to the post. In the meantime, the restaurant space will host special events.
People can expect pop-ups and collaborations with other local creatives to test out some concepts, Stolfi said. Some of those events will be integrated with concerts at The Mill & Mine.
"Tako has been great, and it's had a lot of fans, and we're proud of what we've done," she said. "It’s really sad to let Tako go but, on the other hand, it's an exciting time for us to be creative."
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: Downtown Knoxville restaurant Tako Taco at The Mill & Mine is closing
