The Future of Dining in The Smokies: What’s Missing?

These are the restaurants we wish would come to the Smokies

On one hand you could make the argument the Smokies have quite enough places to eat thank you very much. And we get that. What does a drowning man need with a cup of water after all?

But, in the mountains, there’s a lot of similarities. A lot of sameness. And as we’ve traveled around, we’ve seen restaurants and styles that would either work well in the mountains or just make us happy.

There were a lot of options here now. But several of them are coming or will be coming to the region soon. I expect Whataburger and In and Out Burger to be announced any time. Culver’s is under construction. Jack in the Box is already in Western North Carolina. I also thought maybe White Castle but most of the Southerners I know prefer the inferior Krystal’s.

We also briefly considered Skyline Chili, but that cinnamon flavor is an abomination. In fact, we are convinced that there is some kind of cultish mind control that tricks the people of Cincinnati into liking it. Like Mr. Carlson at “WKRP” was dropping subliminal messages along with those turkeys.

With this in mind, the following is a list of restaurants that we would like to see in the mountains.

1. Biscuitville

I’m surprised this chain with more than 80 locations in the Carolinas and Virginia hasn’t made its way into the Smokies. While it might not want to compete with the all of the breakfast locations in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg proper, I’d think something out near the interstate would do gangbusters.

What is Biscuitville other than nearly impossible to spell? A delicious chain of restaurants specializing in fantastic breakfast options featuring a variety of proteins. It’s Hardee’s with a little more class and the good sense to understand that their business is biscuits and they should close at noon. It’s a special place and we need it in the mountains.

2. Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen

I became acquainted with Pappadeaux’s through the location off the Windy Hill exit above Atlanta on I-75. It’s better known as the Truist Park exit, but Pappadeaux’s was there first.

Specializing in somewhat upscale Cajun food, Pappadeaux’s would fill a much-needed niche in the mountains. In the olden days, it was hard to get good Mexican or even Tex Mex in the mountains. Today you can’t walk from one distillery to another without passing three or four pretty legit taco places. And while a lot of the “American” style restaurants give you some Cajun-inspired options, the only real Cajun place is down in Wears Valley at Papaw’s Catfish Kitchen.

Pappadeaux’s is part of the Pappas Family of restaurants with four Georgia locations, all north of Atlanta and nearly 40 overall in places like Texas. There are 10 in the greater Houston area, Colorado and Arizona. The larger Pappas Restaurant group has 9 other franchises including Pappasitos Cantina, Pappas Brothers Steakhouse and more.

What’s on the menu at Pappadeaux’s? Wonder and delight, mostly. Leslie’s favorite is the Pasta Mardi Gras – linguine tossed with crawfish, andouille sausage & cremini mushrooms in a tomato cream sauce topped with jumbo grilled shrimp. But you could close your eyes, point at the menu, and get something great. Suggestions include the snapper, Jumbo Shrimp Brochette and any of the fried platters.

3. Tazikis Mediterranean Cafe

Continuing the theme of filling a niche, there’s not much Greek food in the mountains. Understandably so, I suppose but with locations in Powell and Bearden – greater Knoxville – it seems like we could get one of these somewhere in Sevier County, maybe if they ever gear up the development near Buc-ee’s. That would be a great spot.

It started in Birmingham in 1997. Tazikis’ menu is what you’d expect. Start with a variety of homemade dips, add some salads, Gyros, pita and more and you’ve got a fresh and delicious eatery that would give a nice shot of variety to the mountain culinary scene.

4. Wagamama

Leslie and I first tried this U.K. based Pan Asian restaurant while on vacation in London. The chicken katsu curry was my favorite. But while the menu was common in the U.K., it would certainly stand out in the mountains, though still not as much as the Titanic or a museum dedicated to Alcatraz.

In 2024, there were 161 Wagamama’s in the UK alone, with plans to increase that number to over 200. The brand also has franchises in 22 countries, including seven in the U.S., mostly in large cities on the East coast. I say it’s time we make it eight and put one of those suckers on the strip in Gatlinburg.

Do you have a favorite restaurant that should come to the mountains? Be sure to let us know on our socials!