So the rumors are true, country singer Blake Shelton plans to open his third Ole Red restaurant and entertainment complex, this time in Gatlinburg, in partnership with Ryman Hospitality Properties.
Shelton, a Grand Ole Opry member, multiple award winner and coach on “The Voice,” opened his first Ole Red in his hometown of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, in September 2017, according to a Ryman news release. Shelton and Colin Reed, Ryman Hospitality Properties president and CEO, announced the new location in a Facebook Live broadcast on Ole Red Nashville’s page. It was watched by about 1,500 people at the time. Blake Shelton held a surprise show at the Wildhorse during CMA FestReed and is quoted as saying he hopes to open the Gatlinburg location in February or March of 2019. It should resemble the soon-to-open Ole Red Nashville, but without a rooftop bar, he said. “Gatlinburg is one of my all-time favorite places,” Shelton said in a news release. “This part of the country is full of people who love good food, great music, family and most importantly, a good time. That’s what Ole Red is all about, and I can’t wait to give my fans another place to have fun in Gatlinburg.” “Gatlinburg, it’s definitely a fun party town, but it’s kind of got a country atmosphere, so it’s basically a no-brainer,” he said on Facebook Live. Shelton said he wants Ole Red to add more of a late-night party feel to Gatlinburg. Other blogs are listed as stating, "The business name comes from his 2002 hit song “Ol’ Red.” The Gatlinburg location will be at 511 Parkway, currently the largely vacant Riverbend Mall." However this is not entirely true. For us locals, we know that the Riverbend Mall up until recently was still home to some well loved businesses in the area. I just walked by this building while doing business at Landshark Bar and Grill just up the street, and thought to myself, "Wow this should be a bar" and POOF here is the answer. Plans call for renovating the existing building, a $9 million effort to turn it into a 16,000-square-foot multi-level attraction, with a two-story bar and restaurant, retail space, performance venue, dance floor and outside terrace, according to Ryman Hospitality Properties. While Ole Red will feature lots of music, its primary driver will be food and drink sales, according to the company. The menu will include Hot Chicken & Waffles, barbecue, burgers and other Southern-style fare. Construction is expected to take about nine months, according to a Ryman spokesperson. Mayor Mike Werner touted it as “great news for Gatlinburg. “I am certain that Blake Shelton and Ole Red will resonate with our visitors and become a major draw to this area,” he said in the email. “The development will also provide new employment opportunities, not just for residents of Gatlinburg, but of the surrounding area. This is a win-win for all involved.” I must ask, does Gatlinburg need more "Employment Opportunities" at dead end jobs with no future? Are there not already a shortage of reliable staff in this area? Okay, okay, we will discuss that later. Gatlinburg City Manager Cindy Cameron Ogle said city officials are claiming that the development will be part of ongoing recovery from the November Gatlinburg Arson comited by 2 unnamed 15 year old boys from Anderson County, TN. We got a hint that this may be coming earlier this year, when legendary singer, pop icon and coach on the hit series "The Voice" stopped in to eat at a local restaurant I bartend at. This may not seem to make sense but, Kelly Clarkson happens to be married to Blake's manager and is quoted as stating, the following about working with her on "The Voice". "Having Kelly here—she's married to my manager—we've been friends forever," Blake added. "It was only natural that her being here in Los Angeles, working on this show, we're all going to get together and hang out." I wonder if we will see any celebrities walking on the strip anytime soon!
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