Knoxville, TN — On a bright Tuesday, East Side residents gathered for a milestone moment as City Councilman Denzel Grant served as Master of Ceremonies for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration of Rosarita’s Mexican Cantina.Watch the speeches here

Located at 2816 E. Magnolia Avenue, Rosarita’s now occupies the former Long John Silver’s building just east of Cherry Street. The new Mexican cantina brings full-service, sit-down dining back to a stretch of Magnolia that has long been hungry for fresh options and community energy.

The East Side is clearly in transition, and this opening feels like a tangible sign of momentum. Developer Jeffrey Nash’s The Courtland Group have completed the first of their three Park City Village Condos, which are now on the market. These projects, along with broader revitalization efforts, suggest the Magnolia Corridor is fast approaching a genuine renaissance — with new housing, improved streetscapes, and renewed interest in the area.

During the ceremony, Councilman Grant took time to recognize former Councilwoman Gwen McKenzie, honoring her contributions to the district and the community.

If you’ve been looking for a reason to head over to the East Side, this is it. Stop in at Rosarita’s Mexican Cantina, enjoy some good food, and experience the changing energy of one of Knoxville’s historic corridors.

The restaurant is open daily, serving up classic Mexican favorites in a space that once housed fast seafood. Whether you’re a longtime East Knoxville resident or just discovering the area, Rosarita’s is a welcoming new addition worth checking out.

Address: 2816 E. Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN

Phone: (865) 910-0687

What do you think — ready to give it a try? Drop a comment below if you’ve already visited or if you’re planning to head over soon. Here’s to more positive developments on the East Side!