Knoxville food lovers have double reason to celebrate this week, as two beloved restaurant brands have announced plans to bring their flavors to the Heart of the city.

Flying Biscuit Café, the fan-favorite Southern breakfast and brunch chain, has signed a lease for a new downtown Knoxville location, according to Franchising.com. Known for its creative takes on classic comfort food — think fluffy biscuits, creative egg dishes, and hearty Southern staples — Flying Biscuit has built a devoted following across the Southeast. The new Knoxville outpost will mark an exciting addition to the city’s growing culinary corridor.

Meanwhile, Hattie B’s, the Nashville-born hot chicken institution that has earned a devoted national following, is also opening a Knoxville location, according to WKRN News 2. Hattie B’s is widely credited with helping spark the hot chicken craze that has swept the country, and its arrival in Knoxville signals just how much the city’s food scene has grown in recent years.

Together, the two announcements paint a picture of a downtown Knoxville that continues to attract quality dining options and invest in its culinary identity. For residents and visitors alike, more choices mean more reasons to explore the city’s streets, support local jobs, and gather around a good meal.

Both openings are sure to generate buzz well beyond opening day — and if the lines at Hattie B’s other locations are any indication, Knoxville diners may want to arrive early. Stay tuned for opening dates as both restaurants prepare to welcome their first guests.

Sources: Franchising.com, WKRN News 2