Peyton Manning has left his mark on Knoxville in more ways than one. Soon, he’ll be adding another item to that list.
According to a report from the Knoxville News Sentinel, the legendary Vol quarterback is set to open up a restaurant in Knoxville sometime in the near future. Manning has partnered with Graduate Hotels and will open up “Saloon 16” as part of a hotel renovation and acquisition across from the University of Tennessee.
The restaurant’s name is inspired by Manning’s nickname, “The Sheriff,” and the jersey number he wore while he was the quarterback of the Vols from 1994-97. The restaurant is described as a “western-inspired, high-end watering hole.” Saloon 16 will be located in what is currently the Hilton Garden Inn on Cumberland Avenue. The Hilton Garden Inn will be rebranded as The Volunteer Hotel, and renovations are set to begin in December of 2019 and are estimated to be completed in the spring of 2020.
Once renovations are complete, Graduate Hotels will merge the renovated building into its collection and it will rebranded as Graduate Knoxville.
As for Manning’s restaurant, it will be aimed at a crowd that enjoys a high-end dining experience with a twist.
“The vintage saloon will boast a refined, yet old-school, experience including a jukebox, dart board, live piano, and outdoor dining,” the press release stated.
Since retiring from the NFL in 2016, Manning has pursued several ventures outside the world of sports. He’s starred in television, has been in a movie, has taken a job helping advise on the production of football helmets, and has even been considered for future political ventures.
Now, the former Vol star and future NFL Hall of Famer can add “restauranteur” to his list of titles.
