b'The intention for Amici is to bring something to the table that feels unique and exciting for Blount County, says Sauls. We are very proud to be a part of the Blount County culinary scene, and cannot wait to see what the future holds!New owners of Foothills Milling Company Ray and Ashley Schwartz are sprucing up and investing in history at the iconic restaurant. No strangers to the restaurant business as owners of Hot Rods 50s DinerFoothills Milling Company Border Springs and The Hop, Ray also owned aroasted rack of lambfine-dining restaurant in Florida before settling in Blount. we are growing our own herbs and We are honoring the res- some vegetables that we will use in taurants history and giving it athe restaurant, explains Ray.1920s/1930s vibe, says Ray.Over at The Walnut Kitchen, This building is 100 years old. WeChef/owner David Rule just keeps wanted to put some of the his- asking customers what they want, tory back into it. We even boughtthen finds a way to give it to them.a 1920s Studebaker and parkedA native of Maryville with four-it here because this space use togenerations of history in Blount house a Studebaker dealership. County, Rule has married home-Changes at the beloved res- town comfort with culinary excel-taurant arent jaw-dropping, norlence at The Walnut Kitchen.are they intended to be, says Ray.His generosity is also endear-She just needed a little facelift,ing him to his hometown, as wine general sprucing and expansion indinners, Chefs tastings and other the kitchen area. We have a newspecial events are often found at bourbon menu and a new patioauctions for charities and local area. You can now make reserva- nonprofits.tions online through our websiteOther changes on the restaurant in addition to calling, and we arescene include a name change for a opening on Sundays. favorite downtown restaurant. Bar-When harvest season rollsleys Taproom and Pizzeria on West around, Ray and Ashley will addBroadway is keeping the menu, some farm-to-table dishes to themusic and full-selection of brews mix. We have a 25-acre farm, sobut changing its name to Bluetick Tavern. Ownership of the restau-rant remains with Randy Burleson and Aubreys Restaurant Group.For a list of area restaurants that are Chamber members:https://www.smokymountains.org/where-to-eat/everythingAmicimaryville.comFoothillsmillingcompany.comthewalnutkitchen.comOne of The Walnut Kitchens signature starters.www.BlountPartnership.com 25'