100 - How He Saved a Beloved Knoxville Diner | The Pete’s Restaurant Story
What does it take to buy a local institution — and bring it back without losing what made people love it?
On this episode of Big Orange Business, we sit down with Jake Lrander, the owner of Pete's Restaurant and Coffee Shop, a longtime Knoxville diner with deep roots in the community.
Jake purchased Pete’s from the original owner in 2024 and took on a challenge many entrepreneurs face: how do you modernize a legacy business while respecting its history?
In this conversation, we talk about:
- Why Jake decided to buy Pete’s instead of starting from scratch
- How he preserved the classic diner vibe locals love
- Bringing back weekend breakfast and lunch
- Adding new life with a beer garden
- What’s gone right since reopening — and what surprised him most
This episode is a must-listen for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone who loves Knoxville’s local food scene.
🎙️ Subscribe to Big Orange Business for real stories from East Tennessee business owners.
