J.C. Holdway

J.C. Holdway stands as a beacon of refined Southern cuisine in the heart of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, occupying the historic Daylight Building on Union Avenue. This MICHELIN Selected restaurant is the culinary domain of James Beard Award-winning Chef Joseph Lenn, a fifth-generation Tennessean who spent years as Executive Chef at the acclaimed Blackberry Farm before launching his own flagship establishment. The restaurant celebrates its tenth anniversary with the 'Ten Years At The Fire' edition of Chef's Classics, running September 1-12, 2026. The cooking philosophy centers on simple yet intentional Southern Appalachian fare, where every dish begins with what is fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced from nearby farms and hills of East Tennessee. Chef Lenn even tends to ingredients grown in his own Old City Garden. The twin wood-fired ovens dominate the open kitchen, imparting distinctive char and smoke to vegetables, proteins, and house-made pastas. Guests can choose from multiple dining experiences: the flexible à la carte menu available in the dining room, covered patio, or bar; the intimate Chef's Counter offering a view into the kitchen; the five-course Chef's Classics prix fixe served to the entire table; the shared four-course Center of the Table experience for groups of seven to twenty-four; or the exclusive Chef's Tasting Experience, a private buyout for up to six guests prepared personally by Chef Lenn for $3,000. The wine program features carefully curated selections, while the whiskey and bourbon menu showcases American craft spirits. Reservations are available through Resy for most experiences, with deposit requirements for larger parties. The restaurant has earned critical acclaim for its sophisticated yet unpretentious approach to Southern cooking, where familiar preparations are elevated through fire, seasonality, and meticulous attention to detail.