“Italian with a Side of Southern”
Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Discover East Tennessee’s Best-Kept Dining Secret
By Tom Irmen
If you’re in search of that perfect dining experience that combines a comfortable, casual atmosphere, great service, excellent food, and prices that will leave your budget intact, then look no further than Angelo’s Brick Oven in nearby Lenoir City.
Under new ownership, Angelo’s has become a labor of love for a family that wants to create the best hometown restaurant in Loudon County. The Dix family has undertaken a well thought-out plan for transforming Angelo’s, largely in response to the input of its customers. Husband and wife team Ron and Teri Dix, along with their sons Mark and Ryan, and Ryan’s wife, Sarah, have listened carefully to your suggestions, and the “proof is in the pudding” you might say.
While dining there recently, numerous changes were both apparent and much appreciated. Angelo’s now has a brighter, more open feel to it. Not blinding bright, but a softer, brighter lighting that makes reading the menu a breeze.
“We’ve carefully selected new colors and wall treatments to create a more casual, brighter atmosphere throughout the restaurant,” said Teri. The family theme has quietly been woven into the décor. “All the old photos of people on the walls are Ryan, Sarah and Mark’s grandparents and great grandparents. Some date back to about 1900.” The response from guests thus far has been very encouraging. “They seem to like the warm family atmosphere we’re trying to create.”
The menu additions have also been well received. While maintaining its classic Italian entrées, Angelo’s has expanded its menu to include a variety of “Southern” specialties designed to offer something for everyone in your dining party. According to Teri and Mark, “Many people have expressed their appreciation for our expanded menu that appeals to just about everyone. A new selection of steaks, classic popular appetizers, and new burgers we call Too Good To Be True Burgers have really been a hit.”
The wait staff is enthusiastic and most attentive. They enjoy sharing their menu favorites and are quite eager to answer all of your questions and make recommendations.
The Dix family’s commitment to hospitality is apparent from the moment you enter Angelo’s. The wait staff, which includes their daughter, Lindsay, has been made to feel as if they were extended members of the Dix family itself. They all demonstrate the same family hospitality. In fact, I was somewhat surprised to learn, but delighted nonetheless, that our waiter was not a family member.
Finally, I can assure you that you’ll find Angelo’s Brick Oven’s pricing every bit as pleasing as the ambiance, menu selection, food quality and great service. Entrees begin at as little as $5.95 for a classic pasta dinner, and Angelo’s also offers daily specials including a Senior Buffet Day on Wednesdays for only $6.99.
“What most customers find surprising is that despite our affordable pricing, we’ve made no compromise to quality or portions,” says Executive Chef Mark Dix.
While Ron and Ryan are more the behind-the-scenes force at Angelo’s, you’ll likely see Teri and Mark in the restaurant on a daily basis. In fact, Teri and Mark encourage you to introduce yourselves to them, as well as to offer your own thoughts and suggestions.
Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, the entire Dix family and its extended “team” family invite you to discover for yourself East Tennessee’s best-kept dining secret: Angelo’s Brick Oven.
Angelo’s Brick Oven
175 Kelsey Lane
Lenoir City, TN 37772
(865) 988-9288
www.angelosbrickoven.com
