Succeeding in the restaurant industry is hard, and finding great partners can be even harder. Having done both, Gemini Hospitality feels like it has struck gold.
Gemini Hospitality co-founders Jimmy Loup and Jim Saunders are looking to elevate their company after sealing a deal with Knoxville-based real estate firm Dominion for the rollout of several upcoming restaurant concepts. Lucky Bird, a rotisserie chicken restaurant coming to Gay Street, is one of those projects.
"What excited us most about Dominion was how naturally our organizations fit together," Loup shared in a statement to Knox News. "There are real synergies between our teams, our experience and the way we think about building businesses long term."
The groups first joined forces
earlier this year to open Earl's, a fast casual restaurant near Suttree Landing. Dominion has become a known name in South Knoxville after developing South Banks at Suttree Landing and other residential complexes in the neighborhood, including the City South apartments on Sevier Avenue.
Dominion President Peter Hall and CEO Mark Taylor knew the ins and outs of the development world. But to open Earl's alongside South Banks, they needed a restaurant group to fill their gaps. They found a perfect fit with Gemini, which has made its name through multiple elevated dining concepts, including Bella and The Raven in Maryville.
Gemini also recently opened The Armory in Maryville and is planning a 6,000-square foot Italian steakhouse for the Lone Tree Pass development on Gay Street. Together with Dominion, it has taken over the closed Bonefish location at 6610 Kingston Pike with help from Will Sims of Oliver Smith Realty, but we don't know yet know what will fill that space.
"Knoxville's food and hospitality scene is continuing to evolve, and we believe there is tremendous opportunity to be part of what comes next," Hall shared in a statement to Knox News. "Partnering with Gemini Hospitality allows us to bring together a shared vision for thoughtful development and exceptional experiences."
Restaurant ventures represent a new chapter for Dominion, but not a departure from its roots. The company will continue to develop residential projects across Knoxville, including two on the same street just north of downtown: Reilla on 5th and MAC on Fifth.
Reilla on 5th is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, while MAC on Fifth is expected to open by the following summer. Beyond its 144 apartments, the latter project will feature 10 ground-level live-work units reserved for local entrepreneurs, creating space for residents to live, work and sell their products under one roof.
Knox News reporter Joanna Hayes covers restaurants and retail for the business growth and development team. Email: joanna.hayes@knoxnews.com; Instagram: @knoxeat65. Sign up for Joanna's Eat65 email newsletter to get the latest drink and dining news, as well as restaurant recommendations, at knoxnews.com/newsletters.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Powerhouse partnership could shape Knoxville's next wave of restaurants | Exclusive
