MONTEAGLE, Tennessee (WDEF) - A landmark on top of Monteagle Mountain burned on Tuesday. "With a broken heart to let everyone know that our beloved Smoke House restaurant in Monteagle, Tenn. has burned to the ground. However, fire officials were able to prevent the flames from reaching the cabins and hotel. The music room is gone. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) - Jim Oliver's Smoke House Restaurant and Trading Post in Monteagle was destroyed in a fire Tuesday night. The Olivers' business has provided jobs and a road to the future for local residents for decades, she said. "I didn't get my country ham breakfast," she lamented but seemed to be enjoying her home-cooked lunch. orientation: "portrait", Jim Oliver died in May 2007. Starting a drive-in, 12 years later in 1975, Oliver opened the Smoke House restaurant with 14 employees, 80 seats, a gift shop, and a full menu. House Salad Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cheese, Cucumbers, Onions w/Texas ToastDressings: Ranch, Italian, Blue Cheese, Thousand Island $6.95 Add Grilled Chicken, Bacon, Smoked Sausage or Pulled Porkto House Salad for additional $4.95 each. contact Chief Garon Brewer by messaging the Monteagle Fire Rescue Page, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Every Weekend you can come and enjoy Hot Food, Cold Beer, and Cool Live Music at our outdoor facility, THE SMOKE HOUSE PATIO GRILL! Oliver learned of the fire mid-afternoon on April 27 from the business's marketing and music director, Marla Sitten, and when he got to the property black smoke was billowing out the back door as flames began to rage inside, he said. We are just heartbroken and devastated at what happened with the fire yesterday. The lodge portion of the business was saved, Rodman said, but the restaurant and gift shop familiar to most folks are a total loss. Contact Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569. Oliver sat at a table in front of a wood stove inside the new venue Friday. Crews from multiple fire departments, including Monteagle, Cowan, Winchester, Tracy City and South Pittsburg, convened on the scene to battle the blaze. The establishment now lies in smoldering ruins on the town's Main Street, near Interstate 24 where the restaurant's neon sign has called people to the dinner table for years. Relax in one of our comfortable Mountain Lodge rooms or one of the quiet rustic private Cabins w/fireplace & jet tub, sitting on the back of the 20 acre property. Now, there's nothing left but rubble. I cried. Lori Burrows photo Founder Jim Oliver passed away in 2007, leaving the restaurant to his son, James, and his family. is one of the few owners I know that will just go sit with every customer. We live, work and play right here in the Tennessee Valley. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The grill, opened in June, operates three days a week Friday, Saturday and Sunday with live music until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. We now call it 'The Smoke House Patio Grill,'" he said. For Monteagle, "it's an incredible loss," Rodman said, noting the restaurant was in business before the town was incorporated in 1962. Many of you know already is it has been in the news and it has been a devastating day for the entire Smoke House family. The iconic restaurant has been a staple in Monteagle for over 60 years and was the home to several antiques and pieces of country music history. It was part of their history. Big sitting decks on the back of the Lodge overlook the beautiful 20 acres out back. The Smoke House Lodge. Get 'MID-WEEK DISCOUNTS' from The Smoke House on Cabin Rentals, Free Activities, and More! Required fields are marked *. They said their brother, Charlie Knott, had worked at the smokehouse years ago and their families had been very close over the years. Organizers said the event at a nearby pavilion from 4-8:30 p.m. is for. A GoFundMe was created to help the owners rebuild. Open Friday & Saturday 11am 9pm (Grill closes 9pm; Non-grill items available until 9:30pm), Sunday 11am 4pm. detail_page_enabled: true, Charlie Louvin said in the early days the brothers worked thirdshift at Peerless Woolen mills in Rossville. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. We are your neighbors. The blaze broke out at Jim Oliver's Smoke House Restaurant at850 W Main St. inMonteagle about 4 p.m., Monteagle Fire and Rescue Chief Geron Brewersaid. In a Facebook post, the owners wrote, Thankfully the tenacious firefighters would not give up, and they were able to save the lodge and cabins, which without a doubt would have burned down without their determined efforts to stop it.. The grill's menu is different from the old restaurant because the smokehouse was lost, he said. All rights reserved. They would do a 15-minute radio show from 5-5:15. 2023 TheSmokeHouse.com. It turns out, it was the perfect place to launch our BBQ baby that's gained fans in St. Louis and awards far beyond. In 1960, Jim Oliver started building his reputation for cooking and excitement, according to Smoke House History. According toThe Grundy County Herald, the fire broke out around 4 p.m. and crews from multiple departments responded. My prayers are for each of you as you attempt to recover from this stupendous loss," Monteagle resident Kay Witt Sanders wrote. When Ken Holloway and I visited the Grand Ole Opry in the early 90s Charlie had a picture made with us and the original hung in Jim Olivers museum. Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. We have insurance but it will never cover what we lost and were going to need help. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. It truly was an I-24 and Tennessee icon.". Tuesdays fire at Jim Olivers Smokehouse on Monteagle Mountain apparently destroyed hundreds of historical items of the Louvin Brothers country music stars. See Our Daily Menu and Take-Out Options. The fire began in the kitchen of the restaurant. Charlie Louvin died of cancer in 2011. 18 6 Fire hazard!!! }; Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. They would do a 15-minute radio show from 5-5:15. We now call this venue our Smoke House Patio Grill; serving Hot Food, Cold Beer, and Cool Music every weekend (see Menu). Copyright 2023, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Inc. Apr 28, 2021 at 06:36 am by WGNS (MONTEAGLE, TN) A middle Tennessee landmark is just a memory, as Jim Oliver's Smokehouse Restaurant and Trading Post burned to the ground Tuesday (4/27/2021).. discovery: { October 24, 2021 at 9:01 PM Oct. 24MONTEAGLE, Tenn. The iconic neon sign for Jim Oliver's Smoke House called people to dinner atop Monteagle Mountain for six decades, but in a matter of. "Been going in there since I was a kid. Charlie Louvin said in the early days the brothers worked thirdshift at Peerless Woolen mills in Rossville. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); function evvntDiscoveryInit() { 1 of 2 The Smokehouse Restaurant and Trading Post was quickly consumed by flames Tuesday afternoon. A family from Cleveland, Tennessee, made that discovery Friday morning. Crews from multiple fire departments responded, including. Rice said they enjoyed their overnight stay but she was disappointed her morning staple wasn't available. Jim Oliver's Smokehouse in Monteagle has been damaged in a large fire. number: 3, The building that burned harks back to 1975 when it was constructed from the ground up, replacing previous versions dating back to 1960, The Bee Hive Drive-In and the Monteagle Diner, according to historical information on the Olivers' website. Less than a week ago a large fire destroyed Jim Oliver's Smoke House. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Oliver, the namesake's son, who has revived a restaurant operation behind the rubble of the former smokehouse in a small venue on the property that was once just a pavilion for outdoor events. Monteagle Fire Department officials asked people to avoid the area of the restaurant on West Main Street as crews responded to the large fire. It was our little deal. Nice lobby with fireplace. "I stayed all evening and watched everything that we had accumulated over 60 years burn up in a matter of hours," Oliver said. Stay tuned. All rights reserved. $165. I hope you find comfort in the fact that there are probably many many stories like mine in regards to the restaurant that people will remember past and present. Since she's been with the operation, the place has hosted more than 2,500 music events and has even become "a musician's vacation spot," she said. But, thankfully the tenacious firefighters would not give up, and they were able to save the lodge and cabins, which without a doubt would have burned down without their determined efforts to stop it.. Charlies family apparently donated the museum items to Oliver and he re-opened the museum in his Smokehouse at Monteagle. The accommodations features free WiFi throughout the property. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. Pots were dirty with scrambled egg residue on them. Firefighters respond to fire at Jim Oliver's Smokehouse in Monteagle.
Photo: Monteagle Fire Dept. "The restaurant was open at the time of the fire, and it started on the backside of the kitchen," Brewer said Wednesday. See all 25 travelocity Reviews "The lodge atmosphere was a nice change from the usual hotel stops while travelling. TheGrundy County Emergency Management Agency, Sewanee Police Department andSequacheeValley Electric Cooperation were also on the scene. "prerollTemplate":"https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x480&iu=/132916964,1079947/wdef.com/chattanooga&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&vpos=preroll&unviewed_position_start=1&correlator=1688612128&cust_params=category=Chattanooga%2CFeatured%2CGrundy%20County%2CHamilton%20County%2CLocal%20News%2CRegional%20News&video_position=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wdef.com%2Fjim-olivers-smokehouse-destroyed-fire%2F&post=343850" Great option if going to a show at the caverns. Photo Galleries. not to mention real fudge and salt water taffy. They said their brother, Charlie Knott, had worked at the smokehouse years ago and their families had been very close over the years. submission: { Thanks for everyone who tried to help us today," he posted. Save big on popular items during Amazon Prime Day 2023. Former Vol Grant Williams Headed From the Celtics to Dallas in NBA Trade, Braves Collect 19 Hits to Beat Cleveland 8-1, Driving Our Economy Forward: Nutrapothica, New Bible themed exhibit to be featured in Cleveland. "People in our area know about it [the fire] but the travelers that have come here for years and years, they may not know about it," she said, noting people every day find their beloved stop gone. "The Smoke House fire is an unspeakable loss for the Oliver family, their employees and the town. You felt like you were home, says Stephen Carter, Local resident. Get 'MID-WEEK DISCOUNTS' from The Smoke House on Cabin Rentals, Free Activities, and More! Erin Blankenship said she last visited around 2008 while the children never got to see it. Been going ever since. 2023 TheSmokeHouse.com. All Kids Menu Items served with one side for $5.9520 Hamburger Served on a Bun or Toast21 Cheeseburger Served on a Bun or Toast22 Bacon Cheeseburger Served on a Bun or Toast23 Grilled Cheese Served on Toast24 Fried or Grilled Chicken Tenders25 Hot Dog Served on a Bun. partner_name: "WDEF", Grundy County Sheriff Clint Shrum confirmed to Channel 3 the fire at Jim Oliver's Smokehouse on W. Main Street in Monteagle. 1,517 reviews. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Special Offers! This was before the 1891 erection of the Walnut Street Bridge, more, I was going through some more boxes of my radio goodies and found a tape that Floyd Cramer sent me of his playing his signature song Last Date on the Grand Ole Opry in 1962. The Lodge has 80 rooms, 21 cabins featuring 1,2, 3 BR cabins; full kitchens Jacuzzi Tubs Fireplaces. Though it was closing in on midday, fog shrouded the mountaintop, something Oliver doesn't like because travelers sail right past without ever seeing the 20-acre Oliver operation that includes a motel, cabins and trails, all left untouched by last April's fire. var field59 = field59 || {}; SIDES $2.95 for individual sides French Fries, Corn, Green Beans, Baked Beans, Fried and Peppered Brussel Sprouts, Sliced Tomatoes, Cucumber Salad, Cole Slaw, Fried Okra, and Onion Rings Pork Skins By The Bag, EAT HERE OR TAKE AWAY $6.95BUY 6 GET ANOTHER BAG FREE! "This fire has really touched the hearts of a lot of people," Sitten said. "We discovered this place when I was in Illinois and we stopped here," Potter said. All rights reserved. People got married here, people celebrate their anniversaries here, they come here for special occasions, and they love it because its old and its nostalgic and everything in it is from the heart, Sitten said. unseals previously blacked-out, Feds target edibles almost identical to kid snacks, Father of the bride, teen who tried to save friend, Trump posted what he said was Obamas address, prosecutors, Two months after Charles IIIs coronation, Scotland, Meta takes aim at Twitter with the launch of rival, Parents hoping for answers about missing daughter, Man dead after 7 people reportedly shot at him, Man sought for attacking woman in church parking, Nashville 4th of July Fireworks 2023 | VIDEO, New TN law requires more notice of eviction for seniors, BestReviews.com - Top gifts to make everyone happy this summer. Around 4pm Tuesday evening, more than 2 dozen fire departments responded to the scene of a large fire involving the famous Jim Olivers Smokehouse. The historic restaurant and music venue served as a symbol of community in Monteagle. This is Monteagle here," Caldwell said. 844 West Main Street Monteagle, Tennessee 37356 (931) 924-2268 jdoliver@thesmokehouse.com . }. Copyright 2023, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Inc. The owners of the restaurant ask for the communitys prayers during this difficult time. We are just heartbroken and devastated, Marla Sitten said. Those included Winchester, Cowan, South Pittsburg, Decherd,and Tracy City. The Smokehouse Lodge has a fantastic takeaway buffet and sit down service attached to their giftshop. GOOGLE Virtual Tour of the way it looked before the fire on April 27, 2021. Smokehouse Restaurant Smokehouse Restaurant Claimed Review Save Share 843 reviews #2 of 13 Restaurants in Monteagle $$ - $$$ American Barbecue Vegetarian Friendly 850 W Main St, Monteagle, TN 37356-7027 +1 800-489-2091 Website Menu Closed now : See all hours See all (323) Ratings and reviews 4.0 843 RATINGS Food Service Value Atmosphere Details Its not just the building itself that was lost. The Louvins joined the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in 1955. He estimates the loss was well over $1 million. Meanwhile, Oliver looks ahead with the same undying optimism and work ethic that made his father famous. Hischildren, James David and Betsy Oliver, took over the family business after he passed. "Monteagle Mountain has suffered a great loss," Grundy County Sheriff Clint Shrum posted on the department's social media page. MONTEAGLE, Tennessee (WDEF) - A landmark on top of Monteagle Mountain burned on Tuesday. It's not a person but it was something that they had love for. NOTE: Unfortunately, due to a fire in the restaurant on April 27, 2021 our Historic Restaurant & Trading Post was totally destroyed. "Employees did try to put the fire out before calling the fire department.". "I stayed all evening and watched everything that we had accumulated over 60 years burn up in a matter of hours," Oliver said. The Smoke House PATIO GRILL is OPEN for Indoor & Outdoor Dining Service! "We're shocked," said Barbara Potter, who was with her daughter, Erin Blankenship, her husband, Greg, and their small children, Will and Kennedy. Oliver learned of the fire mid-afternoon on April 27 from the business's marketing and music director, Marla Sitten, and when he got to the property black smoke was billowing out the back door as flames began to rage inside, he said. Ask Your Server For Todays FlavorsHomemade Fried Pies $6.95BUY 6 GET ANOTHER PIE FREE!Add scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream; 1 $1.95, 2 $2.95, 3 $3.95, Add Cheese.$1.00 Add Bacon.$1.00Add House Salad for $3.95Sandwiches Served w/pickle and 1 Side ItemChoice of Bread: Bun, White or Wheat Toast, 30 Hamburger w/ Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, Pickle, Mayo or Mustard $9.9531 Cheeseburger w/Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, Pickle, Mayo or Mustard $10.9532 Bacon Cheeseburger w/Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, Pickle, Mayo or Mustard $12.9533 BLT on White or Wheat Toast w/ Mayo $7.9534 Pulled Pork Sandwich Served w/ a Side of Cole Slaw $11.9535 Grilled Smoked Sausage Served w/ Grilled Onions and Peppers w/Mustard $9.9536 Marinated Grilled or Hand Breaded Fried Chicken Strip Sandwich $9.95(Served w/Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, Pickle and Mayo )37 Southern Style Grilled Cheese w/American Cheese $6.95, Served w/ 2 sides and 1 piece of Texas ToastAdd a House Salad for $3.9540 8oz. Oct. 24MONTEAGLE, Tenn. The iconic neon sign for Jim Oliver's Smoke House called people to dinner atop Monteagle Mountain for six decades, but in a matter of hours on April 27 the roadside mecca was reduced to smoldering rubble and memories. Rome2Rio makes travelling from Miami to Monteagle easy. Collins Parker. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. His father's legacy will carry on, Oliver said. The fire broke out around 4 p.m. CDT Tuesday in the rear area of the landmark restaurant, Monteagle Mayor Marilyn Campbell Rodman said Wednesday morning. Other attractions include Big Foot Adventure with Zip Lines and RV Camping, Adventure Off Road Park for 4 wheel drive vehicles, and Historic University of the South great sightseeing. MONTEAGLE, Tenn (WDEF) - Jim Oliver's smokehouse restaurant was a well known roadside attraction that put Monteagle, Tennessee on the map. Everyone loves the smokehouse family, this restaurant, this business is a family, said Lee-Pahanish. Delivery & Pickup Options - 136 reviews of The Smokehouse Lodge & Cabins "Snuggled just off I-24 is this gem. }, For now, the Patio Grill gives people back a little of what was lost, she said. , while the rest of the Oliver family's campus was undamaged. "We're shocked now that it's gone.". Its a miracle that we were still open right now and that we were even open yesterday. Years later when Jim passed away, his children took over the business. Photos: Monteagle Fire Department Details here:. It's almost an historical site. Potter said some of her family was from the area of Monteagle and nearby Tracy City. This outdoor pavilion has been something we've used for outdoor functions for groups over the years. The brothers were very popular in the 40s, 50s and 60s. His father's legacy will carry on, Oliver said. Firefighters were able to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby cabins. If you need a last minute gift, this is a great place to shop. Awful experience. Fortunately, the fire was contained and other structures on the property were saved thanks to firefighters and equipment from fire departments in the neighboring Tennessee towns of Winchester, South Pittsburg, Manchester, and in Alabama, Scottsboro and Crow Mountain. map: false, FRIDAY 11AM 9PM (Grill closes 9pm; Non-grill items available until 9:30pm)SATURDAY 11AM 9PM (Grill closes 9pm; Non-grill items available until 9:30pm)SUNDAY 11AM 6PM, 1 Fried Okra Served w/Bistro Sauce $6.952 Fried and Peppered Brussels Sprouts, Served w/Bistro Sauce $8.953 Basket of French Fries $6.954 Basket of Onion Rings $6.955 Basket of Hand Breaded Fried Pickle Chips $6.95(Served w/ Choice of Ranch or Bistro Sauce)6 Hand Breaded Chicken Tenders $8.95(Served w/ Choice of Ranch, Bistro or BBQ Sauce)7 Order of Fried Pork Skins $6.95(Served w/Choice of Ranch, Bistro, BBQ or Hot Sauce). Visit the Caverns for unique music concerts, go ziplining, hike mountainous trails around beautiful waterfalls and more! publisher_id: "7057", Reach her at nalund@tennessean.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund. unseals previously blacked-out, Feds target edibles almost identical to kid snacks, Father of the bride, teen who tried to save friend, Trump posted what he said was Obamas address, prosecutors, Two months after Charles IIIs coronation, Scotland, Meta takes aim at Twitter with the launch of rival, Parents hoping for answers about missing daughter, Man dead after 7 people reportedly shot at him, Man sought for attacking woman in church parking, Nashville 4th of July Fireworks 2023 | VIDEO, New TN law requires more notice of eviction for seniors, BestReviews.com - Top gifts to make everyone happy this summer. Middle Valley Church Of God Sunday Topic Is Freedom, Dr. Rita Carr To Speak At SCWN July 27 Marketplace Luncheon. But Oliver refused to throw in the towel. Since she's been with the operation, the place has hosted more than 2,500 music events and has even become "a musician's vacation spot," she said. We need u here now, says Sitten. (READ MORE: Monteagle: Stop and the 'Top of the Rock'). FRIDAY 11AM 9PM (Grill closes 9pm; Non-grill items availabe until 9:30pm)SATURDAY 11AM 9PM (Grill closes 9pm; Non-grill items availabe until 9:30pm)SUNDAY 11AM 6PM. Making the Smoke House a great vacation retreat and a quick overnight getaway for couples and families. "It's like losing a celebrity that everybody loved. They posted to their Facebook page on Wednesday morning stating they hope to get power, water, telephone and gas services restored soon. Also, were close to The Caverns, a unique Live Music Venue featuring great Music Artist from around the globe in a unique underground cavern; The Caverns is home to the popular PBS TV show, Bluegrass Underground. The hotel and cabin is still standing. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. "We're shocked," said Barbara Potter, who was with her daughter, Erin Blankenship, her husband, Greg, and their small children, Will and Kennedy. According to The Grundy County Herald, the fire broke out around 4 p.m. at Jim Oliver's Smoke House Restaurant and Trading Post. The Smoke House PATIO GRILL is OPEN for Indoor & Outdoor Dining Service! We are heartbroken about our loss, but we are steadfast in our determination to move forward and with your help, keep the ball rolling. I can't imagine the loss you feel. Mobile App|Weather App | WDEF Email Sign Up. The Smoke House Is Unique Vintage Nostalgic Authentic, 80 miles SE of Nashville - 40 miles NW of Chattanooga Interstate 24 Exit 134. } } 3.4 Pleasant.