Brown Bag Hardin Valley

Brown Bag Hardin Valley

Awards Category  : :  New Construction

Brown Bag sought to further establish their brand in Knoxville by inhabiting their first ground up location, desiring a warm and dynamic atmosphere that would make this fast-casual restaurant a lunch spot destination. Challenging topography and site restrictions allowed for a unique design solution that makes this restaurant stand out amongst its neighbors and invite patrons in from busy Hardin Valley Road.

With an already strong following in Knoxville, Brown Bag was in need of a new space to further establish their growing brand. As the first ground-up location for this restaurant concept, the client relied heavily on our firm to create a holistic design that would introduce new elements into their brand identity.

Creating a footprint that provided the space the client needed and allowed the building to stand out from the main street posed an exciting design challenge due to the unique topography, setback and parking requirements. These challenges were addressed by bringing the building height up to improve visibility and utilizing landscaping to create a welcoming site that sought to minimize the impact of the parking lot.

The overall building form and finish is a bold statement that strives to draw attention with its sharp angles and material choices. This project uses a combination of bold, dark accents with bright colors and materials. Wood accents and large windows bring in natural warmth to the space, complementing the surrounding finishes. The neutral palette contrasts with a green tile wall accent, allowing the vibrant color to become a branding element.


Building Area:  3,117SF sf

Cost per square foot: 

Construction Cost: 

Date of Completion:  May 2023

Client:  Pentwater Holding

General Contractor:  Jenkins & Stiles, LLC

Electrical Consultants:  Ardurra
(865) 690-6419
2160 Lakeside Centre Way, Suite 201
Knoxville, TN 37922

Facility Systems Consultants, LLC
(865) 246-0164
713 South Central Street, Suite 101
Knoxville, TN 37902

Engineering Consultants: 

Other:


Photography Credits: 

1 – The height and unique form of the building allows this business to stand out from the street. Photo by Alyssa Nealon.
2 – Surrounded by extensive landscaping, this restaurant maximizes its allowable green space. Photo by Alyssa Nealon.
3 – Surrounded by extensive landscaping, this restaurant maximizes its allowable green space. Photo by Alyssa Nealon.
4 – A covered front patio offers patrons the option to enjoy their lunch comfortably outdoors. Photo by Alyssa Nealon.
5 – Warm interior materials work together to create a comfortable, light-filled environment. Photo by Alyssa Nealon.
6 – Attention is drawn to the checkout counter with an under-counter light and distinct tile backsplash. Photo by Alyssa Nealon.
7 – Large storefront windows on the North and West sides of the building create a visual permeability between interior and exterior dining. Photo by Alyssa Nealon.
8 – A fun pop of color on the back wall of the dining room emphasizes the company’s brand theme. Photo by Alyssa Nealon.
9 – South-facing windows are recessed to minimize unwanted sunlight.
10 – A dropped ceiling over the queuing line improves acoustics and creates a visual barrier which breaks up the space and differentiates activities. Photo by Alyssa Nealon.
11 – The open floor plan promotes a feeling of comfortable spaciousness that is further emphasized with large windows which overlook extensive landscaping.
12 – Early exterior renderings showcase the emphasis placed upon landscaping and material selection.
13 – Early interior renderings emphasize the warm and dynamic atmosphere that characterizes the space.