Mayor Wear Cuts Ribbon at Billy Goat Tavern in Pigeon Forge

Local officials, business community and public turned out Tuesday to officially welcome the Billy Goat Tavern to Pigeon Forge.

Owners Thomas and Sandye Horne held a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, to launch their new casual dining restaurant, the Billy Goat Tavern, and treated those who attended to a sampling of select menu items and beverages. Pigeon Forge Mayor David Wear and City Manager Earlene Teaster helped owners and staff cut the ribbon and Pigeon Forge Commissioner Ken Maple salso attended.

Located on the Parkway in what was once a restaurant named O’ Charley’s, the building has undergone extensive renovation on the inside. Beyond the entry lies a large main dining area and full service bar with both large tables and comfortably padded booths. Sports fans will appreciate the large televisions lining the walls and that the bar carries both NFL Sunday Ticket and ESPN Gameday. A separate dining room in the rear can accommodate private parties or meetings.

The Hornes say they have been overwhelmed with local support and positive reviews since a soft opening began on July 6.

From Left to right: CJ Brooks, staff; Sarah Pitkanen, staff; Jeff Cain, bar manager; Julia Taylor, assistant manager; Emily Watson, service manager; Chloe Thomas, staff; Pigeon Forge Mayor David Wear; Tom Horne, owner; Earlene Teaster, city manager; Sandye Horne, owner. Photo: City of Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.

Thomas and Sandye are excited to use their extensive restaurant experience and customer service skills to provide customers a top-notch dining experience. Thomas is a veteran of the restaurant industry with 30 years of experience creating menus, opening restaurants and even working with celebrities such as Paula Deen and her sons, Bobby and Jaime Deen.

“We invite everyone try The Billy Goat Tavern,” says Thomas Horne. “We pride ourselves in our high quality food and service in order for all customers to leave satisfied.”

The restaurant boasts a farm-to-table menu that includes appetizers, entrees, desserts and even a kid’s menu. The bar specializes in local brews with 24 craft beers on tap, craft cocktails and fine wines. Menu offerings include everything from salads and sandwiches to steak and seafood. Everything is made in-house and locally sourced when available. According to the owners, the menu will rotate 3 to 4 times a year in order to introduce seasonal items.

Billy Goat Tavern is located at 2167 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.