The Rebuilding is Ongoing One Year After a Fatal Fire in Gatlinburg: The Latest News
The Towne Center Plaza was home to a fatal fire in Gatlinburg that claimed the life of one person last year, and the new building for the businesses that were lost will soon return. There were four businesses that either suspended operations or moved to a temporary location: Pucker’s Sports Grill, China Bazaar, Cafe 420, and Gifts of Gatlinburg.
The owner of Pucker’s, Chad Kennedy, was interviewed for the story on WVLT news in Knoxville, and he confirmed the business is returning to a bigger and better place next door to the large building being constructed. He states that the menu will have more options, including more bar offerings and a cocktail menu. He is happy to have more visibility on the Parkway, saying it’s good to be out of the basement.
He also mentioned a moonshine speakeasy will be in the new construction, so that’s an intriguing surprise that’s sure to spark conversation, but we will soon find out, as the building is expected to be completed around March 2024 with all four businesses opening around summer. Progress is coming along quite nicely, and I can definitely see it as I stroll the Parkway 4 or 5 times a week.
I’ll admit Pucker’s never struck me as inviting to tourists, but I have heard many who loved the old location. This new one sounds much more appealing, and I will likely give it a shot as long as I don’t have their patrons staring weirdly at me and others walking by like before. Sorry, it didn’t really feel like a vibe I wanted to embrace.
Regardless of what you think about a new structure going up in Gatlinburg, it’ll be nice to see people returning to work. Many employees were displaced by the tragic fire in this location last October, and I’m sure it will be a happy day when they open next summer. Stay tuned for more developments, as I’ll be sure to bring you the latest as its happening here in Gatlinburg!
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