One of the newest restaurants slated to open at the Village at Waterside retail center near Hamilton Place mall aims to curb a variety of cravings ranging from burgers to tacos and even sushi.
The eclectic mix makes up the menu at Drake's, a part of the Lexington, Kentucky-based Bluegrass Hospitality Group, and includes traditional American-style pub food, including hand-pressed burgers, mini sandwiches, Sriracha wings, build-your-own tacos and an extensive sushi menu, said Leela Foley, a spokesperson for Bluegrass Hospitality Group.
The restaurant plans to open for business in January at the retail center and 162,000 square feet of commercial development taking shape north of Shallowford Road along Interstate-75. The 5,850-square-foot space will be built at 7338 McCutcheon Road and in front of the new Publix store that opened earlier this year. Outdoor retailer REI and off-price clothing retailer Burlington opened at the retail center in April.
Brett Horowitz of Branch Properties, the developers of Village at Waterside, said the group thinks Drake's will provide a great "neighborhood hangout" spot that fits with the local community. Horowitz said Drake's won't be the first restaurant to open in the new development, but Newk's Eatery, Tropical Smoothie and a Korean BBQ restaurant will open prior to Drake's.
According to Horowitz, Newk's is a fast-growing, quick-service chain that offers sandwiches, soups, pizza and more. The Korean barbecue restaurant has yet to be named, but he said it's a dining experience he thinks Chattanoogans will embrace.
What’s coming to Waterside
* Havertys Furniture, under construction* Drake’s restaurant to open in January* Cyclebar, a spin fitness studio* Tropical Smoothie, to open later this year* Newk’s Eatery, sandwich shop opens later this year* A Korean barbecue restaurant not yet named
Currently, the development is 90 percent leased with a majority of the tenants in for permitting that should be under construction or opening soon. The biggest and newest tenant, Haverty's, has already started construction in the former HH Gregg building, and Horowitz said the development will also be getting a Cyclebar, which is a fitness spin studio.
Foley said the restaurant group was interested in opening the first Drake's in Chattanooga at the new retail center because of its proximity to hotels, apartments and other retail. The new restaurant will be the eleventh Drake's to open and the fourth one in Tennesseee with others in Knoxville, Franklin and Bristol.
"Our team is excited about the growth in Chattanooga and finds great synergy between its vibrant community and the Drake's brand," Foley said.
Foley said Drake's will double as a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere for lunch and dinner hours but will then turn into a "high-energy club" with a DJ and dancing on the weekends. The Drake's "Come Play" tagline is earned through weekly activities such as trivia and craft beer tap nights. There will also be an area for corn hole and giant jenga.
Exact hours have not been set yet but Foley said the restaurant will open at 11 a.m. seven days a week and hire approximately 130 employees.
Contact staff writer Allison Shirk at ashirk@timesfreepress.com, @Allison_Shirk or 423-757-6651.