The Knox Sets December Soft Opening in Historic Duluth House

A 127-year-old house on Duluth’s Town Green is preparing for its next life as an all-day restaurant, wine bar and gathering place.

The Knox is expected to soft-open in December at 3579 W. Lawrenceville St. An exact opening day has not been announced.

The new timetable brings the long-delayed restaurant closer to welcoming customers. Earlier plans called for an opening in early 2026, but its owners now anticipate a December debut.

Built in 1899 as a home for Duluth’s first mayor, John Knox, the house later became Park Cafe & Wine Bar and then Epicurean Restaurant and Wine Market. The building is one of the historic landmarks overlooking the city’s downtown gathering space.

The new restaurant will offer different experiences throughout the day. Lunch will center on a deli with premade and made-to-order sandwiches, salads, wine and ice cream. In the evening, the dining room will shift to table service with small plates and a full bar.

At least 14 sandwiches are planned, including a sweet Italian with fig jam, chipotle chicken, meatball, roast beef and grilled cheese. Customers will be able to choose focaccia or a hoagie roll, with wedge, Caesar and Southwest salads among the lunch options.

The evening selection is expected to include sliders, charcuterie, fried ravioli, spinach and artichoke dip, flatbreads and a bruschetta board. Weekend brunch is also planned.

The bar is planned to carry 18 taps, including beer and house wines, along with wines by the glass and bottle and a seasonal cocktail selection.

Co-owner Kenneth Smith told Atlanta Magazine that he wants visitors to be able to pick up lunch, wine or ice cream to enjoy on the Town Green, as well as sit down for a longer meal. The address is within Duluth’s open-container district.

The renovation also expands the property’s role as an entertainment venue. The Knox’s plans include a roughly 4,000-square-foot patio, two indoor-outdoor bars, a stage for live music and a video wall for sporting events. An upstairs private dining room is planned for gatherings.

Smith, Alex Head and Ryan Lucht are leading the project. The design preserves elements of the original house while adding more room for outdoor dining and entertainment.

For downtown Duluth, the opening will return regular activity to a familiar building beside the Town Green. The combination of daytime counter service, evening dining and outdoor entertainment is intended to make the historic house useful to visitors throughout the day.

The December debut remains a soft-opening target. Final hours have not been announced.