Peyton Manning Talks About Returning to His Beloved Knoxville to Open His First Restaurant

Peyton Manning earned household name status as a Tennessee Volunteer. his career took root at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.Now retired from professional football, the proud Vols alum is coming back to the east Tennessee college town he once called home.He’s not moving, but he is opening a restaurant just steps away from that hallowed sports ground.Saloon 16 gets its name thanks to a pairing from Manning’s wife Ashley of his nickname, "The Sheriff" and his jersey number at UT, 16.The bar/restaurant concept will offer elevated bar fare and special experience for any Vols fan on a casual night out.It will be a part of Graduate Knoxville, the latest installment from Graduate Hotels, the collection of hotels catering to college towns.While Manning has invested in restaurants, Saloon 16 will be his first restaurant where he has ownership on the concept from day one.The hotel and Saloon 16 opened their doors August 13th, but are doing so responsibly, following state guidelines regarding safety