Chattanooga Welcomes a Brand New Dining Experience: 2nd American Restaurant
Get ready, Chattanooga! A culinary sensation is about to hit the vibrant Southside of our city. Daniel Lindley, the renowned chef with a knack for creating extraordinary dining experiences, is all set to unveil his latest venture, 2nd American Restaurant. This exciting new eatery will officially open its doors on Monday, October 14, at 1601 Cowart St., inside a stunning, historic building that dates back to the early 20th century.
A Journey to Create Something Special
For the past two years, Lindley has poured his heart and soul into designing this chic space. His vision is clear: he aims to create a cozy and familial dining atmosphere where people can come together to enjoy delicious food and meaningful conversations. Coming from a successful run with his Nashville establishment, 5th & Taylor American Restaurant, he felt that it was time to bring this vision to his own community.
“After years of success with 5th & Taylor in Nashville, it felt important to bring this concept to my hometown of Chattanooga, in my longtime neighborhood,” Lindley shared. His fondness for Chattanooga shines brightly through his words as he speaks about his desire to showcase what American cuisine can truly represent.
Art Meets Culinary Delight
But what’s a restaurant without a touch of art, right? Lindley and his team have thought of everything. Stepping into 2nd American Restaurant, diners will immediately notice the striking artistic elements that adorn the space. A life-size sculpture of Elizabeth “Quatie” Ross, the wife of Cherokee Chief John Ross, captures attention as it stands proudly in the dining room. The piece, crafted by local artist George Dawnay, tells a story of heritage and sacrifice that resonates deeply with Lindley’s vision.
Moreover, a massive mural created by Chattanooga’s own Mia Bergeron adds a splash of color and creativity that enhances the dining experience. Each piece was carefully selected to weave a narrative, allowing patrons to connect with the profound histories behind them.
The Culinary Team
To ensure that the food at 2nd matches the artistic ambiance, Lindley has brought together a powerhouse culinary team. Joining him as Executive Chef is his long-time friend and former colleague, Kenny Burnap, alongside Rebecca Barron, the current Culinary Director of both Alleia and 5th & Taylor. These chefs share a rich history, having collaborated for years at St. John’s Restaurant, where they built a fantastic reputation. Chef Barron herself has earned a James Beard Foundation nomination for Best Chef Southeast during her time at St. John’s, adding even more prestige to the team.
A New Identity for American Cuisine
Lindley has always been passionate about redefining American cuisine. “I have always disliked that American cuisine is often referred to as ‘melting pot cuisine,’ thus lacking any meaningful identity,” he explained. His goal with 2nd is to acknowledge our shared food experiences and develop a unique narrative for what American cuisine can signify in a restaurant setting. This approach is sure to resonate with diners looking for something authentic and homey.
Reserve Your Spot!
Mark your calendars and get ready to indulge your taste buds at 2nd American Restaurant. To make reservations and be part of this amazing journey, be sure to check out their website at 2ndamerican.com. With its thoughtful design, artistic elements, and heartfelt culinary creations, 2nd promises to be a must-visit destination in Chattanooga.
So, whether you’re a food lover, an art enthusiast, or just looking for a cozy place to enjoy a meal with friends and family, 2nd American Restaurant is where you want to be! Get ready, Chattanooga; something special is about to unfold in our beautiful city!
