J.C. Holdway

James Beard Award–winning and Knoxville-native Chef Joseph Lenn opened J.C. Holdway in 2016 after working in acclaimed kitchens in Charleston, Nashville, and at Blackberry Farm. The restaurant has earned national recognition from Esquire, Garden & Gun, and The New York Times, which named J.C. Holdway one of the “50 Best Restaurants in America” in 2025. J.C. Holdway is also recommended by the MICHELIN Guide, and Chef Lenn was named a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Chef.

J.C. Holdway offers wood-fired, seasonal Southern cuisine rooted in craftsmanship, hospitality, and consistency. Our team is committed to thoughtful service, strong fundamentals, and a professional, respectful workplace focused on growth and excellence.