KaTom Helps Transform Concepts at Kerns Food Hall

Kerns Food Hall in Knoxville hosts a wide range of unique concepts under one roof, featuring everything from Ooh LALA Indian Kitchen, Hemingway’s Cuban Restaurant, and Kandilige Ghanaian Cuisine to T. Ralph's Burgers and Disco Chicken. However, launching and maintaining these ventures in a shared space comes with its challenges, particularly when designing efficient kitchens and sourcing specialized equipment.

The food hall is housed in the historic Kern's Bakery building, which was established in 1931 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. This has preserved an important piece of Knoxville’s heritage and revitalized South Knoxville by creating a hub for both locals and visitors.

Alex Dominguez, the entrepreneur behind the project, saw the potential to preserve the building’s historical charm while adding modern dining experiences, making Kern's Food Hall a must-visit Knoxville destination.

KaTom Restaurant Supply's expertise in layout design and equipment procurement has helped restaurateurs like the owner Ooh LALA and Hemingway’s navigate the managing of two very different culinary concepts.

According to ownership, KaTom’s proximity and support was a key factor when it came to outfitting the two restaurants. KaTom's warehouse being located just a short drive from the new food hall made it easy for ownership to quickly procure equipment whenever an urgent need arose.

Ooh LALA and Hemingway's presented a unique opportunity because the two concepts feature a conjoined kitchen that allows for more space and for staff crossover when needed.

Running a small kitchen requires a unique approach, as Dustin Cochran discovered with his concepts, T. Ralph’s Burgers and Disco Chicken Operating out of just 492 square feet, T. Ralph’s Burgers features a smash burger-focused menu, while Disco Chicken, which is set to open this spring, will offer gluten-free treats, serving an often-overlooked customer base.

KaTom’s tailored solutions and reliable service have helped maintain the seamless operation of this bustling venue, and KaTom’s team worked closely with Dustin to design layouts that made the most of his limited space.

"Space constraints forced us to innovate,” Cochran shares. “KaTom’s team helped us design a layout that maximized every square inch."

Their support extended beyond design; when critical equipment failed shortly after T. Ralph's opened, KaTom’s swift response ensured Cochran could stay true to the plan.

"Even though we’re a small operation, KaTom treated us like a top priority," Cochran said.

For chef Ramson Ayuba, transitioning Kandilige Ghanaian Cuisine goes beyond serving food—it’s about fostering cultural exchange and building community. His restaurant offers authentic Ghanaian dishes that are a rarity in Knoxville, introducing locals to new flavors and traditions.

Transitioning from pop-up events to a permanent space in Kerns Food Hall was no small feat. KaTom provided the guidance and equipment to ensure Kandilige’s kitchen was efficient and capable of handling the ambitious menu.

"Every day I fed, say, 200 kids in Ghana," Ayuba said. "So when I moved down here I decided to do the same thing. When I packed my daughter's food for school, she came back home hungry. I said, 'why are you feeling hungry?' She said she was sharing the food with her friends.

KaTom takes an approach that emphasizes collaboration, problem solving, and long-term relationships, making it an integral part of Knoxville’s evolving food landscape.

Whether it’s designing space-efficient kitchens for T. Ralph’s Burgers, sourcing specialty equipment for Ooh LALA, or ensuring the smooth operation of Kandilige Ghanaian Cuisine, KaTom consistently outdoes expectations.

As T. Ralph’s Burgers, Ooh LALA, Hemingway’s , and Kandilige Ghanaian Cuisine continue to thrive and Disco Chicken prepares to launch in the coming months, KaTom continues to support them. The company’s tailored solutions and dedicated support ensure these businesses are equipped to face the future.