I am ecstatic to be able to tell you THE RUMORS ARE FALSE!!! The Chow Hall Restaurant, 5706 Emory Road, has NOT permanently closed.

I was stunned to read online the information that they had closed forever. How could that be? I was just there! It was way too early to call, so I did the next best thing: I started texting my friends. Sure enough, one of them had heard the rumor and checked it out, finding it to be false.

This quaint restaurant had been reported on by the Dining Duo before, but we, being new to the job, felt sure that we weren’t the only two people who hadn’t discovered it yet. So, off we went to Emory Rd. to check it out.

Walking into the Chow Hall, the first thing you notice is all the military posters, pictures, and memorabilia on the walls and displayed throughout both dining rooms. The second thing you notice is how humble you suddenly feel.

Our waitress was at our table immediately, taking our drink order and helping us rookies decide what to order.

Duo One ordered a hot dog with chili, onions, cheese, and sauerkraut along with tater tots. The hot dog was so loaded with all my “additions” that I had to eat it with a fork! No way could I pick it up without wearing part of it! It tasted incredible.

Duo Two went for the Cheeseburger and onion rings. Everything was hot, cooked exactly as requested, and delicious. Not a crumb was left.

Before we left, the owner, David Brice, took a break from his Chef duties to share a little info about the restaurant and its history. All the pictures, hats, etc. have been donated by friends, family, and customers. Just looking around can send shivers down the spine and make the heart swell with pride.

This small ordinary building that dishes up really good down-home food actually started with David Brice announcing to his stunned wife, “By the way, I quit my job today!”

And popular opinion is very glad that he did.

The Chow Hall is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon through Fri. It is CLOSED on Saturday and Sunday 

Dining Duo is looking for the “hidden gem eateries “where the locals fill the breakfast and lunch hour; those local haunts tucked into the out-of-the-way or right on the way places missed in the hustle and bustle of the day. Please email us your recommendations at knoxtndiningduo@gmail.com.