Cooker really satisfies. Even if you can’t manage to save room for the

decadently sinful grand finale of Snicker pie at the newly opened Cooker

Bar and Grille, you will leave with a smile on your face. From start to

finish, the food is tasty, the service is fast and friendly and the prices

are fair. But oh, that Snicker pie.

The establishment, located on Major Generals Road across from Copelands on

Kingston Pike, is an offspring of the abundantly successful chain that

includes 66 Cookers. This latest addition opened its doors to Knoxville on

Monday and promises to deliver great food at great prices.

“I expect a whole lot of smiles and a whole lot of people,” general manager

Chris Beecham said of the opening day. “We’re ready to show Knoxville what

Cooker is all about.”

Smiles will no doubt be bountiful at Cooker, as the restaurant feels like

home, the service like family and the food like a dream. The atmosphere

inside Cooker is clean and relaxing, with a traditional American feel to

it. The large wooden bar is inviting with its specialty drinks, including

cool frothy smoothies, while the booths are quiet and comfortable. Black

and white photos cover the walls and give patrons something to look at

while their anticipation builds.

Stomachs won’t growl for long though, as Cooker prides itself on fast and

friendly service. Starters like Buffalo Wings and Fried Green Tomatoes whet

the appetite as the menu tempts with its variety of “American Specialties.”

“Everyone can find something to eat whether they’re 6 or 86,” Beecham

said.

Decisions are the hard part at Cooker. But no matter which way your taste

buds take you, large portions of perfectly satisfying foods will not leave

you disappointed–or hungry. Crisp salads boasting fresh medleys of

ingredients serve as the perfect break between starter and entree. In

addition to beautiful pastas and sandwiches, Cooker offers entrees ranging

from Cajun Catfish Fillet and Homemade Meatloaf to Grilled Salmon and Prime

Rib.

One might expect prices to reflect the quality and quantity of this vast

array of fine foods and service at Cooker. However, appetizers for around

$5 and entrees for less than $10 keep the bellies–and wallets–full.

“The value here is a little better than most restaurants,” said Beecham.

“Because we make everything from scratch, we serve a little more.”

There will be no complaints about portion size, as the food leaves you

searching for room for dessert and longing for a bigger belt. But dessert

cannot and should not be missed at Cooker. Even if it is just to see how

beautifully presented the cakes and pies are, or to take one spoonful of

Cooker’s grand finale, dessert is a must.

Though they offer such favorites as Key Lime Pie and Brownie Decadence, the

Cooker Ice Cream Pie is like a gift from above that no person on earth

should deny themselves. It is essentially a Snicker pie, oozing with mocha

hot fudge and caramel, blessed with toasted almonds and Snicker candy bar

chunks. It is better than the perfect end to the perfect meal and will

punctuate the wonderful Cooker experience with an exclamation point and a

smile.