Celebrating 50 Years of Great Food & Community
2025 marks a major milestone for the Copper Cellar Family of Restaurants: 50 years of serving guests, creating memories, and being part of the East Tennessee community!
A little background on how it all started…
When we opened our original Copper Cellar location on the Cumberland Avenue “Strip” in 1975, our goal was simple: serve fresh, high-quality food made with the best ingredients and treat every guest like family.
Today, half a century later, that same commitment still drives everything we do. What started as one restaurant has grown into seven brands and 19 locations across East Tennessee — all rooted in the same values that got us here.
A long legacy of flavor and freshness.
At Copper Foods, we like to say that life tastes better here — because from opening our first namesake restaurant in Knoxville to our expansion across the East Tennessee region, our team has been fueled by a passion for high-quality food, unforgettable flavor, and genuine hospitality.
No matter which of our restaurants you visit, you’ll find meals made with fresh, thoughtfully-sourced ingredients, served in a space that feels welcoming for all. From casual bites and shareable spreads to fresh, premium seafood and steakhouse classics, we’ve spent the last 50 years crafting flavors and experiences that keep our guests coming back for more.
After decades of growth, here’s a taste of what still sets us apart today…
East Tennessee’s First Craft Microbrewery
Yes, we brew our own beers! Long before our region’s craft brewing scene took off, Copper Foods was already pouring fresh microbrews for East Tennessee.
Today, you’ll find our Smoky Mountain Brewery craft beers on tap at every Copper Foods restaurant concept. Some of our brands even offer take-home six-packs, growlers, or kegs so you can enjoy your favorites later!
The Copper Cellar Commissary
As our family of restaurants continued to grow, so did the need to maintain the quality and freshness our guests have come to expect — just on a larger scale.
While many restaurants rely on frozen, pre-made ingredients, our exclusive Copper Cellar commissary exists to deliver freshly-prepared food and products to each of our restaurant concepts.
A federally-inspected USDA butcher shop and in-house bakery, our commissary is a hub where our team handcrafts the best cuts of meats and seafood, artisanal baked goods and desserts, and original “secret” sauces and dressings our customers enjoy across all Copper Cellar Family locations.
Dine-In & Take-Out Near You
As we’ve grown over the years, we’ve made it easier than ever to enjoy Copper Foods your way:
- Dine in at any of our 19 locations — many with scenic outdoor seating, like Calhoun’s on the River. Or grab take-out from any of our concepts and enjoy it wherever you are!
- From fundraisers to formal banquets, cater your next event with Copper Cellar Catering.
- Shop the Marketplace for local produce, meats, grab-and-go items, freshmade take-home meals, gifts, and more.
Thank You, East Tennessee!
For generations, Copper Foods restaurants have been more than just places to eat — they’ve been where memories are made. Over the past 50 years, we’ve had the privilege of serving guests through engagements, graduations, birthdays, weddings, reunions, watch parties, and countless everyday moments worth celebrating.
To our loyal guests, dedicated employees, and trusted partners: thank you for your support! You’ve helped shape who we are and fueled our growth across East Tennessee. It takes a community to make 50 years possible, and we’re grateful to continue serving this one for many more to come.
Celebrate 50 Years with the Copper Cellar Family
Stay connected as we celebrate 50 years of great food and community. Follow our brands on social media or learn more about the family behind it all here.
And most importantly — come visit us! From unforgettable flavors to tru
