Lucky Bird is bringing rotisserie chicken to downtown Knoxville, with a new restaurant planned for 412 S. Gay Street, in the former Babalu space.
The concept comes from Gemini Hospitality, the Knoxville-based restaurant group led by co-founders Jimmy Loup and Jim Saunders. Lucky Bird is one of several new concepts the group is developing as it expands its restaurant portfolio.
While the team has not yet released a full menu, rotisserie chicken will be at the center of Lucky Bird. The restaurant is also expected to feature a full bar, giving the new spot a mix of casual dining and drinks in one of downtown Knoxville’s busiest restaurant corridors.
The menu is expected to give diners some flexibility when it comes to the main attraction, with options ranging from individual portions to larger servings of rotisserie chicken. More details on the food and beverage lineup are expected as the opening gets closer.
According to Knox News Lucky Bird will occupy the former Babalu restaurant space on South Gay Street. Babalu closed in 2025 after previously operating at the location, leaving the prominent downtown storefront vacant.
The new restaurant is also part of a growing relationship between Gemini Hospitality and Dominion, a Knoxville-based real estate and development company. The two previously partnered on Earl’s, a fast-casual restaurant at South Knoxville’s South Banks development.
Gemini Hospitality has been steadily building its Knoxville-area portfolio. The group is behind restaurants and entertainment concepts including Bella, Raven Steakhouse + Lounge, Earl’s and The Armory in Maryville.
The project is still taking shape, and the company has not announced an official opening date or released the complete menu. For now, Lucky Bird’s social media pages are teasing the upcoming restaurant, with the concept expected to bring a new rotisserie chicken option to downtown Knoxville.
