In a significant shake-up at the culinary hub of the city, Marble City Market will soon witness the departure of two of its dining establishments. Seoul Brothers and Bubbles & Cream, operated by sibling duo Vic Scott and Josh Coates, have set June 16 as their final day of service, forging an end to their tenure at Knoxville's first food hall. WVLT reported the closure based on a Facebook announcement from the restaurateurs.
The food hall had been home to Seoul Brothers since its inception in late 2021, serving up a blend of Korean and Southern cuisines. Bubbles & Cream, the complementary dessert outlet, followed suit nearly two years later, opening in May 2023. Sibling owners initially took to Instagram to break the news, stating, "Opening Seoul Brothers and Bubbles & Cream has been a dream come true for us in so many ways," and expressing their gratitude for the community's support. The Instagram announcement additionally teased potential "new things on the horizon," as per a report from Knox News.
Since its opening, Marble City Market has shown considerable churn in its vendor lineup. According to the market's portrayal of a 15,000-square-foot culinary marketplace, the turnover includes varied vendors and even a passage under new management. In announcing the closure, the siblings took the chance to offer an appreciative farewell, encouraging customers to visit for potential insider details on their next enterprise. "This dream would not have been possible without our friends, family and other local entrepreneurs that have supported us on this journey," Scott and Coates mentioned in their social media post, as covered by WATE.
During their operation, the Seoul Brothers brand expanded its presence, starting from a food truck to a fixture within the Real Good Kitchen before decisively opening within the food hall. The venture, an homage to their heritage and the food of their childhood, was also recognized when Vic Scott was named a 40 Under 40 honoree by Knox News earlier this year. The June 1 Instagram post reflected on the journey: "We can’t help but hope that our mother would be proud of what we have built in her honor," emphasizing the personal accomplishments tied to their business venture.
As the brothers prepare to say goodbye to Marble City Market, customers have a little over two weeks to enjoy their offerings before the venue bids farewelfth to the last of its original vendors. The future for the entrepreneurial pair holds the promise of new ventures, details of which seem poised to emerge from the heart of Knoxville's evolving food scene.
