Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
The casual dining franchise Quaker Steak & Lube® is opening its first restaurant in Tennessee right here in Sevierville.
If you have driven through the intersection of the Parkway and Collier Dr. in Sevierville, you may have noticed Mr. Gatti’s Pizza closed and the building under renovation. Quaker Steak & Lube announced on Monday that it signed a franchise development agreement with Tri C, Inc., also known as the Collier Restaurant Group, to launch the brand in Tennessee by opening a restaurant on the site of the former Mr. Gatti’s Pizza.
“Lube Nation is ready to take Tennessee by storm and share our love for Best Wings USA. We’re excited to introduce residents and visitors alike as we expand our presence throughout the Volunteer State,” said Greg Lippert, president and chief executive officer of Quaker Steak & Lube. “Tri C, Inc. brings a wealth of restaurant industry knowledge to our brand as our newest franchise partners and we look forward to helping them build continued success in Sevierville.”
There are currently more than 55 Quaker Steak & Lube restaurants across 16 states and Canada. The restaurants have a motorsports themed décor with race cars suspended from the ceiling, motorcycles and gas station memorabilia. The menu features an array of casual fare, including steakburgers, sandwiches and street food. However, the restaurant is best known for its wings and the 25 different wing sauces available.
The Sevierville location is slated to open June 2015 and the company expects it will add 150 jobs to the area.
“We are excited to join the Quaker Steak & Lube family as its newest franchise partners and introduce the brand to the Tennessee market,” said Brent Collier, Quaker Steak & Lube franchisee. “We look forward to leveraging our experience in the restaurant and tourism industries to showcase Lube Nation favorites including our Award-Winning wings to families visiting and living in the area looking for a fun, motorsports-themed environment to enjoy with their children.”
Collier owned Gatti’s. Collier owns Quaker Steak. How many jobs were lost when Gatti’s shut down? Now subtract that from the 150 Quaker Steak will be hiring to get the TRUE number of jobs being brought to Sevierville.