Chattanooga is less than two hours from Atlanta, making it a weekend destination aimed at adventure seekers and families alike. Similar to the refurbished warehouses that the city’s restaurants are revitalizing, chefs are easing culinary flair onto menus. At the intersection of humble menu offerings and rustic urban design is Food Works, a North Shore spot thriving since 2006.
Restaurant: Food Works
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Operating Partner: Troy Sutton (TS)
Chattanooga Past Time: trail running
Executive Chef: Jeremy Allin (JA)
Chattanooga Past Time: cycling
Location: North Shore, Chattanooga
TS: This side of the river has been a developing area for the last 15 years and property values have quadrupled.
Food Works boasts a large parking lot, so after guests dine they can leave their car and wander through North Shore. Renaissance Park is walking distance from the restaurant and the Two North Shore shopping district pays host to boutique shops, outdoor Rock/Creek store and Whole Foods Market.
The Space: Signal Knitting Mill
TS: I drove by this place a million times, but it was just a shut down warehouse. The Knitting Mill Antique Mall was the only business operating in the area. We renovated the warehouse and added on. I'd say we are going for a "semi-industrial open warehouse" feel here.
The current dining room space was rubble before the renovation, however the restaurant expanded onto the Knitting Mill, enclosing one of the outer walls while keeping the original brick. The mill’s payroll is centered around the bar, a reminder of the warehouse’s history.
The Cuisine: progressive Southern with a global influence
JA: We don't try to be groundbreaking with our cuisine. Chattanooga's diners don't want to be challenged. Some people like to go out on a limb, but we have to cater to a "meat and potatoes" crowd, so we serve straightforward comfort foods.
Food Works’ most popular items:
- shrimp and grits served on a smoked cheddar grit cake with tomatoes and green onions
Come for: weekend brunch
TS: I'd say we are the most famous brunch in town. You can find a line of people waiting outside 45 minutes before we even open. People bring Frisbees and "tailgate" for our brunch.
Food Works extended brunch hours from opening at 11 a.m. to 10 a.m in an effort to dilute the crowd and keep the kitchen staff “sane”, as Allin put it.
Must-order dishes for brunch include:
- $1 mimosas
- chicken and waffles with praline butter
- Darling breakfast sandwich with a Darling doughnut "bun", pepper bacon, egg and Swiss cheese
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Why should Atlantans come to Chattanooga?
JA: Chattanooga is a very walkable city. You can park your car downtown and leave it all day. The river is beautiful, the bridges are accessible and there is plenty to explore on foot.
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