OUR STORY
J.C. Holdway restaurant is named after Chef Joseph Lenn's late uncle, Joseph Charles Holdway, or “Uncle Joe,” as Lenn called him. The restaurant honors the lifelong bachelor, who frequented local food establishments, returning only to those that offered exceptional experiences and service. Lenn’s passion for food started as a teenager with lessons on cooking from his grandmother and mother, further bolstered by the stories of Uncle Joe’s food adventures.
It is our goal at J.C. Holdway to provide a quality, unforgettable experience, one that would never disappoint Uncle Joe. Opening J.C. Holdway in his hometown of Knoxville has been Lenn's dream since the start of his professional career. He is honored to be able to celebrate the exceptional producers of the South while cooking over a wood-fire grill.
By using wood-fire techniques, Lenn’s restaurant provides a nod to cooking in an old-world way. While the restaurant uses the latest in wood-fire capabilities, Lenn was inspired by the ways of rural Appalachia before today’s modern conveniences were available. He believes the flavor imparted by wood cannot be replicated by gas or electric cooking and elevates the dish. Lenn created J.C. Holdway with the intention of providing more than just a place to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. We aim to cater to those seeking a quality meal for any occasion.
JOE HOLDWAY
Joseph C. Holdway, known as "Uncle Joe," grew up during the Depression, served in the U.S. Army during WWII, and graduated from the University of Tennessee. He had a successful career in accounting with AT&T/South Central Bell. A lifelong bachelor who lived simply, Uncle Joe cherished time with family, friends, and his hobbies, which included playing duplicate bridge and following sports, especially the Red Sox, Braves, and UT teams. Standing at an imposing 6'4", with a booming voice and generous spirit, Uncle Joe was unforgettable—always greeting you with a joke, a small bottle of Coke, and a guaranteed good time.
As a man with no interest in cooking, Uncle Joe dined out for every meal, becoming a regular at a variety of restaurants. His loyalty to establishments offering a quality experience inspires us at J.C. Holdway to deliver the same exceptional experience to our guests—an experience that, like Uncle Joe, is simply unforgettable.