Knox Brew Hub Rebrands, Dirty Soda Shop Grows, and Knoxville Gets a New Karaoke Spot

New Restaurants and Rebrands Make a Splash in Knoxville

Knoxville continues to be a vibrant hub for food and drink lovers, with a mix of well-known chains and local favorites. From trendy soda shops to new karaoke bars and rebranded craft beer spots, there’s something exciting happening across the city.

One of the latest additions is Swig, a popular "dirty soda" drive-thru that has expanded its presence in the area. The chain, known for its customizable drinks made with cream, syrups, and fruit purees, has opened two new locations in Knoxville and Oak Ridge. The Knoxville location is situated at 7122 Kingston Pike near West Hills, while the Oak Ridge spot is located at 854 Main St. West. Both locations offer a variety of unique menu items, such as the "Texas Tab" and the "Hula Girl," which have become customer favorites.

Another exciting development is the opening of Pink Cactus, a bright pink karaoke bar in South Knoxville. Formerly a Cambodian-style restaurant, the space has been transformed into a lively party spot with private karaoke rooms on the upper floors. Co-owned by Harold Goldston, who also runs Knox Box karaoke on Gay Street, Pink Cactus officially opened on September 11 and operates from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, and noon-2 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

In the downtown area, Knox Brew Hub has undergone a complete rebranding, now operating under the name Fred's Around the Corner. The new identity includes a fresh logo and color scheme, along with ongoing renovations. The venue, located at 421 Union Ave., has been closed temporarily due to flooding but is expected to reopen soon with updated facilities. The new branding reflects the establishment’s commitment to serving good food, cold beer, and fun cocktails to both locals and visitors.

Meanwhile, Nama Izakya has taken over the former Harvest location at 141 S. Gay St., becoming the newest addition to the Nama Collective. This Asian-inspired pub aims to bring the casual, communal atmosphere of Tokyo to downtown Knoxville. With a menu featuring shared plates, unique cocktails, and sakes, Nama Izakya is set to open this month and will be open from 4-11 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

For those looking for something different, Bocados has recently opened in West Knoxville. This Latin fusion restaurant offers an extensive cocktail list and is located at 12344 S. Northshore Drive. While details about the menu are limited, the restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on weekends.

These new developments highlight the ever-evolving dining scene in Knoxville, where both local and national brands continue to make their mark. Whether you're a fan of craft beer, karaoke, or unique fusion cuisine, there’s no shortage of options to explore. Keep an eye out for more updates and new openings in the coming months.