Hooray – The Sunsphere has Booze!!

Or at least it will soon. Rumored ever since reopening the observation deck last year, the Sunsphere will soon open a public bar, hopefully in time for football season. I have been patiently awaiting this news for some time. A couple of days ago I bumped into a bartender friend who shared the good news. News made even better by that fact that he has been hired to work there! Man it feels good to know people with connections. He said all the inspections are complete, permits obtained, and hiring of staff is in progress.

The official word from City of Knoxville Beer Board:

SOUTHERN GRACES CATERING & EVENTS LLC , APPLICANT
SOUTHERN GRACES CATERING & EVENTS (CATERING)
810 CLINCH AVENUE
SOUTHERN GRACES CATERING & EVENTS, LLC , OWNER
ROBERT A. SUKENIK , MANAGER
TEMPORARY
Officer Donny Huskey, KPD Inspections, reported no applicable record on the applicant. Doti Martin, Revenue Office, reported that the file was complete.
Councilmember Pelot made a motion to approve the beer permit. Councilmember Roddy seconded the motion. By unanimous voice vote the motion carried. The beer permit was granted.

So there you have it. Now all we have to do is wait for them to open their doors so we can ascend via the slow-ass elevator for some uptown drinkin’. A word of warning – this ain’t gonna be no cheap watering hole. As you can imagine there are space and logistic limitations, not to mention the notion of upholding an image of prestige and decorum. This bar will cater to high-end business types, convention visitors, and snooty well-to-dos. Expect pricey bottled beer (no drafts), fine wines, a selection of top shelf booze and probably some fancy cocktails on their drink menu. I haven’t heard anything about their food menu, nor do I care to. I have no idea what it will be called or if it will operate under their catering operation, Southern Graces. I hope they call it something different, something cool. Sunsphere Saloon? P-card Pub? (doubtful) Downtown Drinkup? Okay, those really suck balls. Got a good name suggestion? Post it in a comment and we’ll see if anybody comes up with something good. Go ahead, don’t be bashful…