Knoxville TN, September 11, 2025
News Summary
J.C. Holdway in Knoxville, Tennessee has been recognized by the New York Times as one of the 50 best restaurants in America for 2025. Founded by chef Joseph Lenn, the restaurant is celebrated for its innovative menu featuring regional dishes and seasonal ingredients. Notable offerings include pork-belly biscuits and grilled North Carolina trout. This accolade highlights J.C. Holdway’s significant impact on the local food scene and acknowledges the dedication of its talented team and supportive community.
Knoxville, Tennessee, is celebrating a significant culinary achievement as J.C. Holdway has been named one of the 50 best restaurants in America for 2025 by the New York Times. This recognition positions J.C. Holdway as one of just two restaurants in Tennessee to receive this honor, alongside Calliope in Chattanooga.
Founded in 2016 by acclaimed chef Joseph Lenn, a Knoxville native and former James Beard Award winner for Best Chef in the Southeast, J.C. Holdway has quickly risen to prominence in the gastronomic community. The New York Times review lauds the restaurant as “among the country’s most reliably satisfying regional bistros,” highlighting its dedication to quality and innovation in the kitchen.
Among the standout dishes noted in the review are the flaky pork-belly biscuits and grilled North Carolina trout. The attention to detail and creativity reflect the restaurant’s commitment to seasonal ingredients, with an ever-changing menu designed to showcase local produce.
As J.C. Holdway approaches its 9th anniversary, Joseph Lenn expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, calling it a surreal milestone. He attributed the success not only to his talented team but also to local farmers and the supportive community that has embraced the restaurant since its inception.
The New York Times critic Brett Anderson specifically praised the variety and quality within J.C. Holdway’s offerings, mentioning additional menu highlights such as scallion hush puppies and an impressive selection of wines. The restaurant offers a five-course Chef’s Tasting menu and features reservation-only dining options. While walk-in guests are welcome, making reservations is strongly advised, especially for specialty menus.
J.C. Holdway has made notable contributions to the Knoxville food scene, joining the ranks of other esteemed establishments like A Dopo Sourdough Pizza and Brother Wolf. In 2018, the restaurant achieved a perfect score on its health inspection, further underscoring its commitment to high standards in food quality and safety.
Prior to founding J.C. Holdway, Joseph Lenn honed his culinary skills at prestigious venues, including Blackberry Farm and various restaurants in Charleston and Nashville. He entered the restaurant industry with a mere $154 remaining in his bank account but has since built a flourishing establishment with an emphasis on employee welfare. The restaurant provides benefits such as insurance and a 401K to its staff, reflecting a commitment to maintaining a healthy workplace.
J.C. Holdway’s success story demonstrates the intersection of hard work, innovation, and community support, highlighting Knoxville’s burgeoning food landscape and setting a benchmark for dining experiences across Tennessee.
FAQ
- What is J.C. Holdway known for?
- J.C. Holdway is recognized for its innovative menu featuring seasonal ingredients and regional dishes, earning a place among the top 50 restaurants in America.
- Who is the chef and owner of J.C. Holdway?
- Joseph Lenn, a James Beard Award winner, is the chef and founder of J.C. Holdway.
- Where is J.C. Holdway located?
- J.C. Holdway is located on Union Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee.
- What are some popular dishes at J.C. Holdway?
- Notable dishes include flaky pork-belly biscuits, grilled North Carolina trout, and scallion hush puppies.
- Does J.C. Holdway accept walk-in guests?
- Yes, J.C. Holdway welcomes walk-in guests, though reservations are strongly recommended for special tasting menus.
Key Features of J.C. Holdway
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Union Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Established | 2016 |
| Awards | One of the New York Times’ 50 Best Restaurants for 2025 |
| Notable Dishes | Pork-belly biscuits, grilled North Carolina trout, scallion hush puppies |
| Chef | Joseph Lenn |
| Reservation Policy | Walk-ins welcome, reservations recommended |
| Employee Benefits | Insurance, 401K |
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Additional Resources
- WBIR
- Knox News
- Tennessean
- Inside of Knoxville
- New York Times
- Wikipedia: J.C. Holdway
- Google Search: J.C. Holdway
- Google Scholar: Joseph Lenn
- Encyclopedia Britannica: J.C. Holdway
- Google News: J.C. Holdway
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
