Chick-N-Sack Opens New Downtown Knoxville Restaurant

The former food truck brand now occupies the space previously held by Sweet P's Downtown Dive.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Openings & Closings

A rustic brick storefront with warm wood accents and clear glass windows on a sunny street in downtown Knoxville. — Chick-N-Sack has transitioned from a mobile food truck to a permanent downtown Knoxville location, occupying the former Sweet P's Downtown Dive space. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Chick-N-Sack has officially opened a standalone restaurant in downtown Knoxville. Owned by former professional basketball player James Boo Jackson, the establishment replaces the former Sweet P's Downtown Dive.

Why it matters

The opening marks a significant milestone in the growth of the brand, which began as a food truck and previously operated as a vendor at the Marble City Market.

The K-Town Krack seasoning associated with the brand is now available in 30,000 stores nationwide. This retail distribution marks a significant growth metric for the product line since the business plan was first created in 2013.

The players

James Boo Jackson

He is a former professional basketball player who owns and operates the Chick-N-Sack brand.

Sweet P's Downtown Dive

This former restaurant previously occupied the downtown Knoxville space now utilized by Chick-N-Sack.

The details

Operating in the building that formerly housed Sweet P's Downtown Dive, the new location signals a transition from mobile vending to permanent brick-and-mortar operations. The brand previously served customers at the Marble City Market before making this move into the downtown dining scene.

2013: James Boo Jackson created the original business plan for the brand.
2022: Chick-N-Sack began its tenure as a vendor at Marble City Market.
2025: Sweet P's vacated its downtown Knoxville location.
October 24, 2026: The grand opening event for the restaurant concluded.

Market Landscape

This opening reflects the broader trend of local food truck operators transitioning into permanent brick-and-mortar dining spaces. By securing a downtown location, the brand shifts its strategy to compete more directly with established city-center restaurant chains.

Local diners can now access the full Chick-N-Sack menu at a permanent downtown site rather than relying on food truck availability. The move provides a stable venue for customers who previously frequented the brand during its tenure at Marble City Market.

The takeaway

The successful expansion of a local food truck into a permanent restaurant demonstrates the viability of scaling regional culinary brands. Aspiring business owners should note that building a retail presence often involves years of test-marketing through smaller venues.