In The News


Learn about our latest projects and read the news from Oliver Smith Realty & Development Company.

Designer Wins Award for The Kennedy Interior

The American Society of Interior Designers presented the 2025 Design Excellence Award to the designers of The Kennedy, namely Juliana Kershen, Anita Summers, Keith Shutz, and Rebecca Duncan of The Johnson Studio. The group received gold in the Bars/Restaurants...

Culver’s Breaks Ground at New Sevierville Location

Culver’s broke ground for a new location on Dolly Parton Parkway in May in a deal brokered by Will Sims of Oliver Smith Realty and Development Company. The site will be the first Sevierville location for the franchise known for serving delicious burgers and custard....

Knoxville Restaurant Scene Expands, Earns Recognition

Dunkin opened its 12th location in Knoxville at 13038 Kingston Pike, formally the Backyard Burger, in a deal brokered by Garrett Holt of Oliver Smith Realty and Development Company. Will Sims of Oliver Smith Realty and Development Company brought STIR restaurant and...

Hotel Cleo Gives Visitors a “Boutique-Style Stay”

New hotels in Knoxville are developing to keep up with demand from visitors, leading to the growth of downtown. Knoxville is a unique city with experiences for every type of visitor, including University of Tennessee sports, theater shows, conventions, top quality...

New Ownership for Old City Building

GBX Fund Management, a fund focused on historic preservation,  purchased the property located at 111 State Street in a deal brokered by Will Sims of Oliver Smith Realty and Development Company. Previously the Old City Performing Arts Center. Mr. Sims moved the Old...

Midtown Bar Sold for $6 Million

A Nashville bar located in Midtown, previously Hopsmith Tavern, has sold for $6 million in a deal brokered by Brian Coyle and Oliver Smith of Oliver Smith Realty and Development Company. The property is located at 1903 Division Street and will be home to a new...

Bake Boys Pizza Opens in North Knoxville

Baker Boys Pizza opened their second location at 7438 Maynardville Pike in a deal brokered by Will Sims and Crosse Smith of Oliver Smith Realty and Development Company. This will be their second restaurant and they hope to become the community gathering spot, while...

Knoxville Eateries that Stood Out This Year

Knoxville News Sentinel put together its own list of other Knoxville eateries that made a strong impression on the public, two of which are concepts by Oliver Smith Realty. Lilou, a French brasserie, includes a menu with authentic cuisine and an extensive cocktail and...

Lilou and The Kennedy Make Top 10 on Grub Scout’s List

Lilou, an upscale French restaurant, was noted for its excellence across all courses and aesthetic dining area. Lilou is located on the ground floor of Hotel Cleo, a new development by partners Oliver Smith and Jim Turner of Oliver Smith Realty and Development...

Former Merchants of Beer Property Will Become Hotel Site

The former Merchants of Beer property sold for $5,150,000 in a deal brokered by Will Sims of Oliver Smith Realty and Development Company. The new ownership entity, Vector Hospitality Inc, plans to construct a Moxy Hotel by Marriot on the site to welcome visitors to...