Kevin Mezick, Manager
I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania and I started my restaurant career at the local country club as a way to help pay for college where I studied to be a Physician Assistant. Working at the club only made me realize my true passion for food and wine. I quickly became involved in the development of our local chapter of the National Wine Society and helped to develop an internship program for Penn State's culinary school.
After college I moved to Florida where I opened a restaurant in Fort Lauderdale for Dan Marino. I was able to experience a culinary diversity in Florida which I would have never been able to see elsewhere. After having my "fun in the sun" for a few years I discovered Knoxville, my true home, and fell in love with the area. What was supposed to be a 2 year stay has grown to 12 and I don't see a move in my future.
Since being in Knoxville I have done everything from high volume BBQ restaurants feeding crowds of Vol fans to fine dining at Dancing Bear Lodge/Blackberry Farm, as well as everything in between including food sales and event planning where we held weddings, wine dinners, proms and numerous fundraisers.
Through all of this some things have never changed, the passion I have for what I do and the true joy of being able to give people an unparalleled experience with amazing food and great wine.
Kellie Kinder, Manager
I grew up in Hattiesburg, MS and attended school at Mississippi State University and The University of London, England where I studied Criminal Justice. Upon returning from England, I moved to New Orleans where my restaurant career began. I worked as an opening team leader for Cuco’s, a Mexican restaurant, and opened many restaurants for them, both corporate and franchise.
I moved to Knoxville in 1987 and have been here ever since. I first managed Darryl's and The Silverspoon Cafe and then went to Gatlinburg and managed the Burning Bush and the Brass Lantern. I came back to Knoxville and created the Sunspot. It was named the "Best New Restaurant" it's first year and has since gone on to win many "Best of" accolades. I sold the Sunspot and went to The University of Tennessee as Catering Manager and later Director of The University Club. Upon leaving there, I worked at Bravo! Cuchina Italiano as a Sous Chef until joining the team at Cru.
I am totally sold on the concept of our Chef Inspired small plates and our fabulous wine selections. We really found a niche in Knoxville and have a great opportunity to inspire the palates of anyone! I am excited to be a part of the inspirations!
Geoff Kenney, Chef/Kitchen Manager
I am a native of south eastern North Carolina and a graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington. After graduating college I quickly found a passion for the culinary world and began my culinary education. I worked at several fine dining and casual upscale restaurants in Wilmington learning with each experience. Upon arriving in Knoxville in 2007, I helped contribute to the success of La Costa on Market Square and Nama Sushi Bar. I am extremely excited about sharing my culinary vision with the Cru concept.
