William Bagley Announced New Knoxville Barbecue Restaurant
The restaurateur and partner Daniel Schuh are planning to open Scruffy Pig on North Central Street by late 2026.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Live Poll
Do new restaurant openings generally make the local dining scene in your area better?
Founder William Bagley has revealed plans for a new barbecue restaurant called Scruffy Pig in Knoxville. The eatery will be located in the building on North Central Street that previously housed Hops and Holler.
Why it matters
The project represents a new effort by Bagley to apply his extensive restaurant industry experience to a fresh concept. He aims to leverage lessons from his previous ventures to establish this location as a staple for local barbecue enthusiasts.
The new facility will accommodate 40 guests indoors and feature an outdoor beer garden with space for 100 people. This follows the founder's history of managing a chain that once reached six locations before its closure.
The players
William Bagley
He is a restaurant founder who previously operated the six-location Archer's BBQ chain and the Fire and Smoke restaurant.
Daniel Schuh
He is an event space owner and landlord who is partnering with William Bagley on the Scruffy Pig project.
The details
The restaurant, which plans to serve staples like brisket, ribs, and sandwiches, will occupy the space left vacant by the closure of Hops and Holler. Founder William Bagley is collaborating with landlord and event space owner Daniel Schuh on the establishment.
Timeline
2011: William Bagley opened the original Archer's BBQ.
2022: Hops and Holler closed its doors.
2023: William Bagley opened and closed Fire and Smoke.
October 13, 2026: The Scruffy Pig website launched revealing the menu.
End of 2026: Target timeframe for opening the restaurant.
Market Landscape
This venture follows the established pattern of property reuse on North Central Street, where existing hospitality infrastructure is frequently recycled by new operators. It positions Bagley to regain a local foothold following the closure of his previous restaurant projects.
Residents can expect a new dining option to join the North Central Street corridor by the end of 2026. The inclusion of a large outdoor beer garden will provide additional space for social gatherings in the local neighborhood.
The takeaway
Bagley is aiming to revitalize his presence in the local restaurant market by utilizing a high-capacity outdoor space. Future customers should look for updates as the construction and development phase progresses toward the 2026 target.
Further reading
For more on local dining, visit the Knoxville Openings & Closings section.
More information
View menu details and project updates on the Scruffy Pig restaurant website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Knoxville News Sentinel.
Live Poll
Do new restaurant openings generally make the local dining scene in your area better?
