Knoxville burger fans can start warming up their appetites again. Burger Boys, the South Knoxville burger stand that shut its Chapman Highway window in May 2025, is officially on its way back. Owner Jeffery "Andre" Bryant says the operation will reopen near North Broadway and Claiborne Place, nearly a year after he sold the Chapman Highway parcel to allow construction tied to Kern’s Food Hall. The news has regulars buzzing, especially those who remember the long lines and made-to-order burgers that turned the tiny stand into a local fixture.
Owner Bets Big On Comeback, Credits Local Landlord
In a social media update summarized by WATE, Bryant called the return "a long journey" and publicly thanked Calvin Lee for giving "the little guy a shot." He said he has put his home, cars, and credit on the line to bring Burger Boys back. According to WATE, Bryant also plugged 2-for-1 Burger Boys gift certificates and said the reopening is expected within weeks. The station reported that those details line up with what Bryant has been posting on his own accounts.
Closed To Clear Way For Kern's Food Hall Entrance
Burger Boys closed its Chapman Highway spot on May 7, 2025, after Bryant agreed to give up the parcel so developers could reconfigure the entrance for Kern’s Food Hall, local coverage noted. WVLT reported that the stand had been in business since 2017 and that Bryant described the closure as part of a broader redevelopment push in South Knoxville. Reporting on the food hall has detailed how traffic patterns and access changes along the corridor have helped drive sales and the shutdown.
New North Broadway Spot, Same Burger Boys Vibe
The new location will take over the recently closed Wendy’s building near North Broadway and Claiborne Place, giving Burger Boys a very different setup from its old walk-up stand. The site offers a full building footprint and curb access, which Bryant did not have on Chapman Highway, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel. Bryant has not shared a firm opening date but has told followers that his team expects to be ready in the coming weeks, as earlier reported by WATE. He has urged customers to follow Burger Boys’ social channels for the official grand opening and menu details.
Locals Cheer Return Of A Neighborhood Favorite
Neighborhood message boards and longtime customers have greeted the tease of a comeback with enthusiasm, swapping memories of made-to-order burgers and the friendly, low-key atmosphere that grew over eight years at the Chapman Highway stand. Inside of Knoxville has tracked the Kern’s Food Hall project and the surrounding corridor changes, including Bryant’s earlier public support for the development, underscoring how the area has been reshaped in recent years. For now, Bryant’s social posts remain the clearest guide to what happens next, and Knoxville will get its next big update when Burger Boys finally drops that grand opening date.
