See inside Fiori, where cherry blossoms create a 'fairy tale' cocktail setting in Old City
Beneath the ambiance of stunning faux cherry blossoms, you will soon be able to sip on "funky" cocktails from a velvet seat at Fiori Bar & Lounge in the Old City.
The swanky new cocktail lounge has been in the works since October when owners Jesse and Corey Vose moved in to the 111 E. Jackson Ave. space. For three years, the business and life partners had kept their eye on the building, which previously housed Vidl (and Blühen Botanicals before that).
Now, they're ready to invite Knoxville into the new space, which has been reimagined with the faux cherry blossom trees, marble tables, a pink neon sign and plenty of gold touches.
Seeing it come together was enough for Jesse Vose to choke up as they placed the final pieces of furniture.
"It's a beautiful thing to see," Jesse said. "Like, this is our new baby. I'm so excited to welcome people in and show them what we have to offer."
Fiori offers something new to Knoxville with a 'sexy' environment
While Old City bars each have their own unique vibe − from the smoke-filled Urban Bar & Corner Cafe to the authentic Scottish experience of Boyd's Jig & Reel − Fiori will have you feeling like you have left Knoxville entirely.
"We've created this place that we wanted people to have such a good time they kind of clock out from the real world ... and they step into this fairy tale of a place that's just very relaxing and comforting and has that sexy vibe to it," Jesse said.
The Voses have traveled all over the world and want to bring an international feel to the 4,000-square-foot cocktail lounge.
The cherry tree idea came from their visit to Edinburgh, Scotland, where a restaurant had something similar. Corey knew he wanted his own for Fiori, and Jesse got to work finding the company that made them. The two assembled the trees piece by piece.
The name, itself, is international. Fiori means "blossoms" or "flowers" in Italian.
"I think I wanted to mimic that feeling of being somewhere else with all the people I love and bring that home," Corey said. "I think that's what we really wanted."
Brunch and dinner added to Fiori's plans for Old City cocktail lounge
The drink menu is still being finalized, but beverage director Janie Brackett said it will be "elevated fun, funky, edgy, high end and delicious."
"I'm a very cocktail geared person," Corey said. "That's why I wanted this space in the beginning. And I knew I needed someone that was capable of pulling off what I want, and Janie is definitely that person."
The food menu has grown from a couple small plates to a larger menu that will allow guests to build their own charcuterie boards. Other food items include a Maine lobster roll inspired by Jesse's home state, crab cakes, baked lamb lollipops, caviar and blackberry filet medallions.
Brunch will be served on Sundays, with crab cakes benedict, pancakes and smoked salmon English muffins on the menu.
Want to visit Fiori? What to know about prices and hours
Fiori is just waiting on some final inspections before it can open in the Old City.
"The prices are not going to be outrageous," Jesse said. "I mean, we're in line with everyone else. It just has that different look and different feel, but everyone is welcome in our doors no matter who you are, where you come from.
"We love everyone and we're very excited to meet all of our neighbors in the area."
Fiori Bar & Lounge will be open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday and 4-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday hours are 3 p.m.-2 a.m.
Sunday brunch will be available 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and the dinner menu ends at 10 p.m. each night.
Keenan Thomas reports for the Knox News business growth and development team. You can reach him by email at keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Old City cocktail bar Fiori ready to open in downtown Knoxville
