KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Sweet P's Uptown Corner in Fountain City was temporarily closed after a car crashed into and damaged the building in early August, according to a statement from the restaurant.
On Aug. 26, they said the restaurant was open for group catering orders. Over the last three weeks, they said they temporarily moved workers to their downtown location and closed the restaurant so it could go through structural repairs.
As of Friday, they said the restaurant was structurally stabilized and planned to rebuild with the support of their landlord, Baxter Properties. However, they said the building would continue to be closed to the public.
Anyone who wants to place a group catering order can call 865-306-2727 or visit the restaurant's website.
"We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have reached out to us and every person who stopped to eat and offer encouragement at our Downtown Dive location!" the restaurant said on social media.
The Knoxville Police Department is investigating the crash and said it happened around 5:30 a.m. Sunday. The car was left at the scene, but the driver had left before officers arrived. Police said they know who owns the car, but could not say if that person was driving at the time.
They also said that the passenger was sleeping when the car crashed.
KPD said the driver has not been identified yet. No injuries were reported.
A nearby business' security camera captured the incident as it happened.
"I woke up to lots of texts and voicemails. And honestly, I was actually relieved when I finally found out what happened because you never know what it could be no one was hurt," said the owner of the store. "No one was in the building. So when I found out it was a car, clipping the corner of the building, I was somewhat relieved."
The restaurant was closed and no employees were inside the building at the time, according to the statement.
According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Tazewell Pike had to be closed to southbound traffic at Sanders Drive due to structural issues affecting the building following the incident.
The speed limit is 40 mph in this area because it includes schools and it gets very busy during the day. KPD says they have had six crash reports at the Tazewell Jacksboro intersection over the past three months, including this one.
"They need to put a speed bump," said Roy Corum, who lives nearby. "That would do if they had a patrolling here because of the school 30 minutes a day course I know. We're short on patrol cars short on policemen. But maybe they could use volunteer help to help control the traffic because it's very dangerous."