The Cheesecake Factory to open this spring in West Town Mall

By ALEXIS ZOTOS
6 News Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) – A highly-anticipated restaurant will be opening later this year in West Knoxville.

A spokeswoman for the Cheesecake Factory confirmed Tuesday that the restaurant will be opening in the second quarter of 2013.

The business will be located in West Town Mall and will be built off of the existing mall structure.

Construction tape is up, and the area is fenced off.

The popular chain restaurant with an extensive menu that includes its world famous cheesecake is set to open on the east side of the mall near the Forever 21 and Tommy Hilfiger stores.

Many people in Knoxville though are unfamiliar with the restaurant.

"Well I don't know what a Cheesecake Factory is, is it a dessert place?" asked Knoxville resident George Poser.

"Well I've never heard of the Cheesecake Factory so I really don't know anything about it," said April Phillips.  

But even if they haven't heard of it, many were excited about a new place to eat.

"The more the merrier, you never can get in a restaurant here," Poser said.

Betsy Taylor hadn't heard the news she's excited.

"I work part time at the mall and I would love it."

The 7,500 square foot building will be an addition to the mall and will mean reduced parking at the mall.

These parking spots have already been roped off but according to plans submitted to the city, the mall already has 500 more spaces than required.

The architectural plans show traffic will be rerouted around the new restaurant which will include a larger sidewalk space to make the mall more pedestrian friendly.

 "I think it's a lot of growth. It means more money in the economy. I'm excited. I'm all for it, come on!," said Susan Gannell.

The Cheesecake Factory's website is already looking for applicants for the Knoxville restaurant, you can apply here.