The Den brings downtown-style tavern to Highway 58 in Harrison

Randy Newman stands behind the bar of his new restaurant and bar, The Den, on Highway 58 in Harrison.

Photo by Tim Barber.

Name: The Den

Owner: Randy S. Newman

Location: 6306 Highway 58

Opening: Friday

Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily

Business story: Newman, a 45-year-old businessman who has run his own painting business for the past 14 years, has painted and decorated several new restaurants and always wanted to open his own tavern. Five months ago, he picked a vacant storefront on Highway 58 in Harrison near where he grew up to launch his restaurant and bar.

Market appeal: "This will be the nicest tavern on Highway 58 and brings the food and atmosphere of a downtown restaurant to Harrison," Newman says. Harrison residents who travel elsewhere for food or drink will be able to stay closer to home, Newman says.

The mascot: Newman says he bought the giant wooden lion that sits atop the tavern in Sevierville and, after painting and polishing it, he decided to use the emblem and name the tavern The Den.

Staff: 10 employees, including chef Richard Maddox and manager Chuck Six

Menu: The Den will feature a variety of sandwiches, pizzas, chicken wings and entrees, including Grilled Chicken Alfredo, Teriyaki Bourbon Ginger Salmon, Meatballs and Marinara and an 8-ounce steak filet.

Decor: "I completely gutted the building to create a unique atmosphere for The Den," Newman says. The 55-seat restaurant and tavern features a unique blue plexiglass bar, wooden paneled walls and decorations Newman has collected through his life. On walls and shelves around the tavern, Newman has placed mounted deer, an elephant head, a stuffed bobcat and antique toy trucks and baseball equipment used by Newman and his ancestors.

Web site: www.thedenon58.com

Phone: 423-710-8318