The Orangery, named after Marie Antoinette’s greenhouse at Versailles, has achieved legendary status with first-class food, wine, and service along with Old World charm and elegance. Kristopher Kendrick and Frank Gardner opened The Orangery Restaurant in 1971 with Mr. Gardner as chef and Mr. Kendrick as host. The restaurant then, as new, was filled with furnishings and antique architectural details, which Mr. Kendrick had rescued from old structures in Knoxville, New York, Paris, and numerous other cities. Mr. Kendrick’s passionate interest in restoration eventually led him away from daily involvement in the restaurant and his daughter, Karen, took over the business. With Karen’s dedicated guidance, The Orangery grew in scope and became East Tennessee’s most award-winning restaurant. Her pursuit of excellence has consistently raised the bar for innovated cuisine in our area. The Orangery has played host to lavish wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, Christmas parties, opera parties, bar mitzvahs and events too numerous to mention. At the same time it has never strayed from the mission of serving Knoxville’s most delicious food for both lunch and dinner.

In 1984, tragedy struck The Orangery in the shape of a devastating fire, which burned it to the ground. The beautiful art pieces were lost and many in the community grieved for the Kendrick family. Undaunted by this disaster, Karen opened for dinner that same evening in a borrowed downtown location. Construction on the new Orangery began right away with Kristopher using his amazing talents to create an even more magical facility. On September 1, 1986, the new Orangery Opened with an elaborate “Phoenix” ball, so named to celebrate our resurrection from the ashes. The new Orangery, now twenty years old, was more spacious and beautiful than years before with private dining rooms and a Phoenix ballroom on the second floor.

The Orangery has changed a lot during the 35 years it has been in business. Kristopher, Karen, and Stuart Kendrick (Karen’s son) have different styles and have all left their mark. Kristopher Kendrick had the original vision and created a home for his rescued treasures, a home he opened to others so they, too, could enjoy the things he loved. Karen Kendrick, who took over in the mid-‘70s, gradually renovated the restaurant, giving careful attention to every detail and expressing her quietly elegant style. Stuart Kendrick, current general manager and wine steward, has made improving the already impressive wine collection his mission. Each is equally passionate about preserving The Orangery’s Old World charm. With a third generation Kendrick in place, The Orangery will surely remain Knoxville’s home to superb cuisine amid the carefully restored splendor of the city’s heritage.

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