History

In May 2009, then-owner Karen Kendrick compared The Orangery Restaurant to a Broadway show, stating “we’ve had a great run, it’s time to let someone else do their dream. My dream is finished here.” And at the beginning of summer, just like they say on Broadway, The Orangery "went dark”. But now, the iconic Knoxville restaurant has re-opened with the same great atmosphere and elegant meals. Knoxvillians once again enjoy the great cuisine and charm under the management of local businessman David Kiger and Executive Chef John Bryant.

The history of The Orangery is one of both, great success and near devastation. It’s existence reads like a history book. Named after Marie Antoinette’s greenhouse at Versailles, The Orangery remained a staple in the Knoxville fine dining market for its first 38 years under the ownership of three generations of the Kendrick family (Kristopher, daughter Karen and grandson Stuart). When it first opened in 1971, the restaurant was filled with furnishings and antique architectural details that the family rescued from structures in Knoxville, New York, Paris and numerous other cities around the world. But in 1984, tragedy struck and a fire burned the entire structure to the ground, causing all of the art pieces and antiques to be lost.

Undaunted by this disaster, Kristopher Kendrick vowed to build Karen a new restaurant and did just that. Eighteen months later, The New Orangery opened and served its first guest at its current location in Bearden. The restaurant today, just like upon re-opening in 1986, flaunts a Steinway piano in the lobby, a massive spiral staircase rescued from a pre-Civil war mansion, marble from Park Junior High School, paneling from the boardroom of United American Bank, courtyard bricks from a building on Broadway once used for horse auctions and gates from the old Fulton Mansion that once stood where Westcliff Condominiums on Lyons View Pike are now located.

“It’s more than just a meal, there’s a history lesson in every room,” said executive chef Bryant. “That’s one thing that excites me about coming to The Orangery. I want to continue the legacy by providing great meals and memories to our guests—it’s all about the experience.” For the past four decades, The Orangery has played host to lavish wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, and other events too numerous to mention. The restaurant boasts several dining rooms on the main floor, all decorated in regency style while the Phoenix ballroom at the top of the spiral staircase can accommodate up to 300 people for larger gatherings.

“When you came to The Orangery, you left with a memory,” says new owner David Kiger. “Whether it was a meal for 2 or two hundred, the mission was always to provide the most memorable food in an intimate, unforgettable atmosphere.” And, that’s just what Kiger and Bryant plan to continue at The Orangery.

Kiger has also reunited Kathleen Anderson with The Orangery. Kathleen was a tremendous part of The Orangery for 25 years and has returned to help restore The Orangery to what it once was. Jane Kendrick has also returned to The Orangery to help continue the traditions of elegant dining. Jane has been a long time devotee to what The Orangery stands for.

The menu has been updated with a fusion of classical French cuisine and traditional southern accents. Guests will be awed by menu items such as lobster and mushroom crepes, slow-braised lamb shank, double cut kurabota pork chop with gouda cheese stuffing, several fish and beef entrees and the daily specials that Chef Bryant creates in The Orangery kitchen. “Many of our guests will recognize some of their old favorites on the menu. We’ve just given them our own finesse,” says Kiger. “It’s the same great book, just a new chapter.”

Beginning September 17, 2009 The Orangery reopened for lunch Monday-Friday from 11:30 am - 2 pm and for dinner Monday through Saturday starting at 5:30 pm. Reservations are not required, but highly recommended by calling 588-2964.