Chad Kennedy
Chad Kennedy, a prominent Knoxville restaurateur and founder of the Kennedy Concepts restaurant group, has died aged 48. His death on 28 December was announced by his company a day later, prompting tributes from across the city’s hospitality and business communities. Kennedy was widely regarded as one of Knoxville’s most influential restaurant visionaries. Over more than two decades, he helped shape the city’s dining landscape through a series of distinctive and successful concepts, each reflecting his belief that food, atmosphere and service should work in harmony.
Among his best-known establishments were Café 4 on Market Square, The Kennedy on Gay Street, Loco Burro locations in West Town Mall and Gatlinburg, and the recently opened Mimosas in South Knoxville. His portfolio also included Johnny Rockets, Myron Mixon BBQ and Pucker Sports Grill, demonstrating a versatility that ranged from casual dining to destination restaurants.
In a statement, Kennedy Concepts said each restaurant was shaped by his “passion for hospitality and unwavering standards”, as well as his deep commitment to the people who worked alongside him. Colleagues described him as demanding yet supportive, driven by a desire to create welcoming spaces where both guests and staff felt valued. Kennedy was known for his hands-on leadership style and attention to detail, often involving himself in everything from menu development to interior design. Friends and peers credit him with helping revitalise key areas of Knoxville through restaurants that encouraged community gathering and local pride.
Beyond his business success, Kennedy was remembered as a mentor who invested in developing talent and fostering long-term careers in hospitality. Many former employees have spoken of the opportunities and confidence he gave them.Chad Kennedy leaves behind a lasting imprint on Knoxville’s culinary identity. His restaurants continue to serve as gathering places across the city, reflecting a legacy built on creativity, high standards and a genuine love for hospitality.
Condolences
I knew Chad Kennedy for over 20 years. He was a particular man who demanded a lot from his employees because he demanded a lot from himself. His legacy to me won’t be a restauranteer. When the fires happened, he was so concerned with his employees he went out of pocket to make sure his employees had food, money, and a place to stay. He also made a “grocery store” in loco burro for employees to come get food. Credit has to also go to Lori Wilhite for organizing all that. When covid hit he did the same…
Chad Kennedy’s restaurants include Cafe 4 on Market Square, The Kennedy on Gay Street, Loco Burro at West Town Mall and the newly opened Mimosas.
This is a very hard post for us to make and our hearts are broken today. We love our area so much and Christy and I have made so many friends in the hospitality and restaurant business doing what we do. Yesterday we lost one of the kindest and most caring we have met. Chad wasn’t just an acquaintance. He had become a great friend to us and we had just texted with him Christmas Day. Three days later, he was gone. Chad Kennedy had poured himself into Kennedy Concepts and into this community. He supported his workers well and he cared about his partners and his friends and family. When he invited us to Myron’s to help open the restaurant, we sat down and talked with him as we always did but the conversation off camera that day is one we will forever be grateful for and one we won’t forget…
