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Brown Bag Knoxville: Best Catering & Takeout Buying Guide
Discover the best of Knoxville’s locally owned shops and hidden treasures with our Brown Bag Knoxville shopping guide. Whether you’re searching for unique gifts, stylish fashion, or artisan eats, this guide connects savvy shoppers to the city’s vibrant retail scene. Perfect for locals and visitors alike, find everything you need to plan a rewarding shopping adventure in Knoxville.
Brown Bag Knoxville: Types, Uses, and Key Comparisons
Choosing the right “Brown Bag Knoxville”—whether for a quick lunch, a large gathering, or meal planning—can seem overwhelming given the variety of options available. Below is a comprehensive guide that breaks down the most popular types, their key features, and how you can make the best choice for your needs.
Comparison Table: Types and Applications of Brown Bag Knoxville
| Type / Application | Ideal For | Key Features | Minimum Order Size | Customization Options | Price Range per Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Store Lunch | Quick, healthy meals | Fresh, made-to-order, fast casual | 1 | Side/dessert choices | $10–$14 |
| Bulk/Bulk Takeout | Meal planning, family meals | Large pans of mains & sides, reheatable | 6 (weekday pickup) | Mix & match mains | Varies |
| Business Catering | Office lunches, corporate events | Full-service catering, set menus, disposables | 10 (weekday), 100 (Sat. catering) | Additional sides | $12.95–$13.45+ |
| Event Catering | Weddings, large parties | Delivery/setup, wide menu variety | 10 (weekday), 100 (Sat. catering) | Themed menus | $12.95–$13.45+ |
| Holiday Catering | Seasonal gatherings | Special holiday dishes, desserts | 10 (weekday), 100 (Sat. catering) | Holiday-specific | $12.95–$13.45+ |
Types of Brown Bag Knoxville Options
1. In-Store Lunches
Brown Bag Knoxville’s in-store option is perfect for busy professionals and casual diners in downtown Knoxville. Operating on weekdays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the menu emphasizes simple, healthy, and satisfying American cuisine. You can dine in, carry out, or order online for convenience.
Popular menu items:
– Grilled Chicken Breast Plate
– Caesar or Spinach Salads
– Redskin Mashed Potatoes
– Jalapeño Corn Casserole
– Teriyaki Chicken with Noodle Salad
Their fresh salads, non-fried proteins, and wholesome sides make these lunches a standout in the fast-casual category.
2. Bulk/Bulk Takeout
Ideal for meal planning, family gatherings, or stocking up for a busy week. Bulk takeout lets you order pans of mains like grilled chicken or teriyaki steak, plus large helpings of sides such as smoked gouda mac & cheese or sautéed vegetables. Reheating is simple, making this option both cost-effective and convenient.
Features:
– Bulk order pans serve 15 (side dish size)
– Minimum orders as low as 6 for weekday pickup
– Designed to reduce stress when feeding groups at home
3. Catering Services
a. Business Catering
Brown Bag is a favorite for office lunches and business meetings in Knoxville. Menus are designed with efficiency and satisfaction in mind: set entrees (chicken, steak, barbecue, etc.), a selection of salads and sides, plus dessert.
Key perks:
– Hassle-free ordering (online, phone, or email)
– All necessary disposables included (plates, cutlery, serving utensils, cups with drinks)
– Salad options to suit all diets
b. Event & Wedding Catering
For larger celebrations, including weddings and banquets, Brown Bag’s catering menus scale up beautifully. From setup to breakdown, their seasoned staff deliver reliably excellent meals alongside professional service.
Unique highlights:
– Saturday events require 100-person minimum
– Menu customization available for theme or dietary requirements
– Holiday menus with seasonal options like oven roasted turkey and honey ham
Material Choices: Packaging and Serviceware
Brown Bag Knoxville is known for eco-friendly, practical, and disposable packaging that meets catering and takeout needs. Key points include:
- Eco-Conscious Disposables: All catering orders include compostable or recyclable plates, utensils, and napkins.
- Sturdy Pans for Bulk Orders: Aluminum pans retain heat for easy transport and reheating.
- Serving Utensils and Cups: Provided as part of the catering package when drinks are included.
- Optional Pellet Ice: A unique touch for cold beverage service with catering.
- Wheelchair Access: All locations are fully accessible.
Usage Occasions: When to Choose Brown Bag Knoxville
1. Business Lunches and Office Meetings
Brown Bag’s catering makes corporate events stress-free with robust, crowd-pleasing menus. Orders can be made for as few as 10 people on weekdays, ensuring flexibility for both large and small businesses.
2. Family Gatherings & Reunions
Bulk takeout and catering allow families to focus on spending time together, not cooking. Full meals or individual pans provide options for any gathering size.
3. Weddings and Special Events
Brown Bag’s reputation for reliability and menu variety make it a wedding vendor of choice. Custom menus and setup options ensure every guest is satisfied.
4. Holiday Parties
Pre-order for holiday-specific menus (oven-roasted turkey, honey ham, winter green salad), and let Brown Bag handle the cooking and logistics.
5. Meal Planning and Busy Weeks
Busy families and professionals can order bulk portions of grilled meats, sides, salads, and desserts to cover meals all week, easily reheated as needed.
Matching Brown Bag Knoxville Options with Your Needs
Selecting the right Brown Bag experience depends on your specific needs:
- For daily lunch: Choose the in-store menu or online carryout—fresh, healthy, and quick.
- For group meals at home: Go with bulk takeout options for mains and sides.
- For office meetings: Order lunch catering with set menus, including drinks and sweets.
- For major events: Opt for full-service catering, customized to your preferences or event theme.
Pro Tip: Consider ordering a variety of salads and sides, such as the Baby Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing and Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese, to satisfy both classic and adventurous eaters.
Practical Tips & Best Practices for Choosing & Using Brown Bag Knoxville
- Plan Ahead: Place catering orders at least one day in advance for guaranteed availability.
- Know the Minimums: Weekday lunch catering starts from 10 people; Saturday events require 100-person minimum (Knoxville).
- Mix & Match: Customize your order with a mix of mains and sides to maximize variety.
- Accommodate Dietary Needs: Ask about gluten-free or vegetarian options—Brown Bag can accommodate.
- Pickup vs. Delivery: Decide whether you want to pick up at your convenience or schedule a delivery (delivery fee varies by distance).
- Consider Reheating: Bulk items are easily reheatable—ideal for meal planning throughout the week.
- Secure Parking: Downtown location offers nearby garages with free nights and weekend parking.
- Outdoor Seating: Enjoy your meal outside at the Gay Street location during good weather.
- Add Drinks & Desserts: Enhance any meal with gallon beverages and crowd-pleasing banana pudding or brownies.
- Bulk Sauce Containers: Order signature sauces and dressings by the pint or quart for extra flavor.
Technical Features & Specifications Comparison
| Feature / Menu Option | Classic Menu | BBQ Chicken Menu | Fajita Bar | Baked Potato & Chili Bar | Teriyaki/Asian Menu | Bulk Pans (Sides) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Protein | Grilled Chicken | Grilled BBQ Chicken | Chicken, Steak | Turkey Chili | Teriyaki Chicken | N/A |
| Included Salad | Spinach or Caesar | Any BB Salad | Any BB Salad | Any BB Salad | Ginger Salad | N/A |
| Sides | Mashed Potatoes | Mac & Cheese, Beans | Salsa, Chips | Fritos, Baked Potato | Sautéed Veggies, Rice | Jalapeño Corn, Mac & Cheese |
| Bread | Rolls | Rolls | Tortillas (corn/fl.) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Dessert | Brownies | Brownies | Brownies | Brownies | Brownies | Banana Pudding/Brownies |
| Price per Person (Starting) | $12.95 | $13.25 | $13.25 | $12.95 | $13.45 | $35–$40 (serves 15) |
| Add-ons | Steak/Pork upgrades | None | Steak, Queso extras | None | Steak/Pork upgrades | N/A |
| Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Via side selections | Via side selections | Ask for modifications | Ask for modifications | Sides/Salads | Yes, by ingredient |
| Order Minimums | 10 (weekday) | 10 (weekday) | 10 (weekday) | 10 (weekday) | 10 (weekday) | 6 (pick-up bulk orders) |
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Conclusion
Brown Bag Knoxville offers a flexible, affordable, and consistently high-quality solution for every meal occasion in the city—from quick weekday lunches to large-scale event catering. With a foundation of healthy, thoughtfully prepared entrees, diverse sides, and exceptional service, Brown Bag stands out as Knoxville’s go-to for fresh American meals. Whether you’re meal planning for a week, hosting a family event, or treating your team, you’ll find menu options and service styles tailored to your exact needs. Making the right choice is as simple as matching your occasion to the right menu and placing your order—Brown Bag handles the rest.
FAQ
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What are the hours and locations for Brown Bag Knoxville?
The Downtown Knoxville Brown Bag is open Monday through Friday, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at 800 S. Gay Street. A second location is in Hardin Valley. Both offer carryout, dine-in, and catering. -
What types of meals can I order from Brown Bag?
You can select from in-store lunch plates, bulk takeout pans, and a variety of catering packages featuring grilled proteins, fresh salads, and hearty Southern sides. -
What is the catering order minimum?
Weekday catering requires a minimum of 10 people. For Saturday catering, there’s a 100-person minimum (in Knoxville). Bulk carryout can be ordered for as few as 6 people for weekday pickup. -
Does Brown Bag accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes! Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are available upon request. Call or email for a complete list of accommodating items. -
Can I dine outdoors at Brown Bag Knoxville?
Yes, the downtown location offers outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying your meal on nice days. -
Are utensils and serving items provided with catering?
All catering orders include plates, serving utensils, napkins, and cups (when drinks are ordered). Delivery-specific options may include pellet ice. -
What sides and desserts are most popular?
Customer favorites include smoked gouda mac & cheese, redskin mashed potatoes, jalapeño corn casserole, and banana pudding. -
How far in advance should I place my order?
Place your catering order at least 24 hours in advance to ensure availability. For last-minute needs, contact the restaurant directly to check options. -
Is there delivery, or do I need to pick up my order?
Both options are available. Delivery fees depend on your location and order size; pick-up is free and available during operating hours. -
Can I customize my order for events like weddings or holidays?
Absolutely. Menus can be tailored to the event, guest preferences, or dietary requirements. Special holiday menus are also available seasonally.
This comprehensive guide helps you match Brown Bag Knoxville’s many strengths to your unique dining or event needs. Enjoy fresh, flavorful food and a seamless experience every time you order.
