Cumberland Avenue, nicknamed The Strip, features several classic establishments that generations of University of Tennessee students have come to love. However, as the university grows larger, each year brings new businesses to the area to cater to evolving needs. This fall, popular restaurant chains such as Whataburger, Jimmy John’s, CAVA, Taco Bell and others will be opening and ready to serve the community.
Whataburger
The Texas-based burger chain, Whataburger, is coming to 1830 Cumberland Ave., located below the TENN student apartments. As explained by Whataburger marketing manager Chrisy Lambert, the restaurant will feature 24/7 service with breakfast served from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m. Campus organizations can place large orders with Whataburger, which can be packaged in convenient boxes. Additionally, Lambert notes that the restaurant’s interior design merges the history of both Whataburger and the University of Tennessee.
Jimmy John's on the strip. Friday, Aug. 8, 2025.
Jimmy John’s
Jimmy John’s, located across the street from Literboard, boasts sub sandwiches made with fresh ingredients that can be picked up in person or delivered right to your door. According to their website, the restaurant will be open from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday, with the latter half of the week being open until 4 a.m. They also offer catering services and a Jimmy John’s Rewards loyalty program.
CAVA
CAVA, a chain known for its Mediterranean cuisine, will be opening adjacent to Whataburger at 1834 Cumberland Ave. Per Knoxville News Sentinel, it will share a building with Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers on the street level of the TENN student apartments. CAVA features build-your-own bowls and pita wraps in a fast-casual dining atmosphere.
Cumberland Food Hall
According to Knoxville News Sentinel, Cumberland Food Hall is set to open on the bottom level of the Hub apartment complex on Cumberland Ave. in the spring of 2026. The University of Tennessee is leasing the space through Aramark Educational Services, which means that students will be able to pay with dining dollars, VolCard and flex payments. The restaurant design presents both counter service and food lockers from a wide variety of vendors, including Zen Sushi & Wok, Athenian Grill and Big Orange Grill. Although specific hours have yet to be released, Knoxville News Sentinel states that it will be open for lunch and dinner.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is set to reopen at 1900 Cumberland Ave. after it was previously shut down for renovations on December 30, 2024. According to Fox News Radio, the restaurant’s new layout consists of two floors but will lack a drive-thru due to city zoning agreements. The restaurant will focus on mobile orders and is set to open in May of 2026.
Bonus: Hydr865
Located on the second floor of the University Commons (near Publix), Hydr865 offers IV infusion therapy bags, including a selection of bags specifically geared towards students that can aid in hangover relief, immune system support and other health concerns. Founder Kelly Absher states that Hydr865 advertises Thirsty Thursdays, in which infusion therapies are 20% off. Hydr865 also offers medical weight-loss options to clients. Appointment scheduling can be completed online at the Hydr865 website.
