Pigeon Forge's New Themed Restaurants Make For Big Summer Dining
Posted by Leif Palmer in Pigeon Forge Attractions
If you haven't driven through Pigeon Forge in a while, you'll notice some definite changes when you return to this Smoky Mountains tourist destination this summer. Three major restaurant chains are setting up shop in town-one of them a transplant from Gatlinburg and the other two brand-new to the area. Today we'll give you an overview of each and hopefully arm you with enough information to make some tough dining choices on your next visit. Or who has to choose? You might wind up making plans to try all three!
Paula Deen's Family Kitchen
Hey, y'all, the queen of Southern cooking is going to open one of her signature restaurants in the Forge later this summer. Paula Deen's Family Kitchen will be up and running at The Island development and is expected to cost $20 million. The 20,000-square-foot operation will accommodate 350 guests.
In addition to Deen's trademark butter-sugar-deep-fried cuisine, the menu will include a selection of health-friendly dishes. The facility will also feature Paula's Sweet Shop and Coffee and a retail store featuring 3,500 of the cook's favorite retail items.
In other Paula Deen news, Ms. Deen herself will be in Pigeon Forge on June 21 and 22 to kick off her Paula Deen Live! cooking show tour. The shows will take place at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, which is within walking distance of her soon-to-be-open restaurant. She'll be bringing some fans on stage with her to cook up some of her favorite recipes at the live event.
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
The Island is also where you'll find another new theme restaurant that just opened its doors last week. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville has made that multipurpose destination the newest site of the legendary singer's restaurant chain.
Not surprisingly, the eatery boasts an island theme and décor scheme, which goes hand in hand with the Buffett's trademark brand of laid-back music and easygoing water-loving lifestyle. Natural materials, exposed wood and warm tropical colors combine to create a welcoming atmosphere with unique dining spaces, a concert stage and even a tiki bar. The large deck overlooks the Little Pigeon River, and that's where guests can enjoy outdoor dining, live music and a fire pit in cooler weather.
And although you may go there searching for your lost shaker of salt, Margaritaville is a family-friendly dining establishment that welcomes guests of all ages.
Menu items include a wide range of steak, chicken and seafood dishes, including fish and chips, jambalaya, fried chicken, coconut shrimp, beach tacos and more. For dessert, you might try the Chocolate Hurricane, chocolate banana bread pudding or, of course, the key lime pie.
Hard Rock Café
This themed restaurant isn't new to the Smokies, but it's definitely new to Pigeon Forge, having moved from its long-time downtown Gatlinburg location to the heart of Music Row, in the building formerly occupied by Tony Roma's and, before that, the Alabama Grill.
The restaurant also offers a varied menu, but its claim to fame is its décor. From wall to wall, floor to ceiling, this eatery is packed with an incredible collection of rock and roll memorabilia, featuring musical instruments, records, clothing and other personal effects that were used or owned by some of the biggest names in rock music history.
About Leif Palmer
Leif Palmer loves residing in the Smoky Mountains. He is an avid outdoorsman: rowing for exercise on the lake, trail hiking, and free climbing rocks in the mountains. He indulges his arty side by periodically beating up pieces of marble by sculpting. He is always frustrated by his inability to sink long putts, and hates his curly hair (but his wife loves it). Leif has been known to muster enough courage to change a diaper, and hopes his son will become a chip off the old block.
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