Under Construction: Cheddar's to feature flaming waterfall and 400-gallon fish tank

photo Larry Westbrook works on a double-sided waterfall for Cheddar's restaurant on Gunbarrel Road.

Project: Cheddar's restaurant.

Owner/Contractor: Greer Companies.

Location: Gunbarrel Road at Hamilton Village, across from entrance to Hamilton Place.

Architect: Murphy Graves Trimble, Pllc.

Size: 8,600 square feet.

Scope: This upscale casual American restaurant will seat 355 diners and maintain a staff of about 200 employees. The building will feature a patio with a double-sided flaming waterfall. Inside, a 400-gallon freshwater aquarium will divide the bar from the dining room. Cheddar's is utilizing Tennessee River rock and old Chicago brick. The restaurant will include a signature 1977 paddle fan in the main dining area.

"Overall our new prototype is contemporary, upscale casual look," said Lee Greer, president of Greer Companies.

Timeline: Construction will be finished mid-November. The restaurant could open mid-December or early January.

History: Greer Companies is developer and owner/operator of Cheddar's restaurants and Hilton and Marriott hotels. The real estate company employs 7,000 people and operates 40 Cheddar's in seven states.

Future: While nothing is yet decided, Cheddar's could open a second restaurant in Chattanooga -- perhaps in the Hixson area -- in the next couple of years.

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