Southern Cross Real Estate Partnership, has purchased the Sullivan’s building at 121 West Broadway in downtown Maryville from West Properties. The building formerly housed a JC Penney’s store, and for the past 20 years has been home to Sullivan’s Downtown restaurant which will be closing on June 6. Sullivan’s Rocky Hill location in Knoxville will remain open under its same management.


Southern Cross has already signed a lease with Pistol Creek Hospitality Group which will be opening a new restaurant called Bella in the former Sullivan’s space. Bella is a Tuscan grill concept offering fresh salads, meats, poultry and seafood. Owner Lori Klonaris says “The goal is to bring a fresh and lighter approach to Italian regional dishes to downtown Maryville.”

Bella will be managed by Spaces in the City, the team that created and operates Café 4, Kefi, Vida, The Vault, and The Press Room in Knoxville. Spaces in the City is led by President Lori Klonaris, Corporate Executive Chef TJ Saunders, and VP of Business Development Chris Williams.

The building will undergo a complete renovation to create an elevated and refined dining atmosphere with a full bar. The menu will remain affordable and Bella will be open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Opening for Bella is planned for late summer 2021.

Lori Klonaris went on to say “We see a lot of potential in downtown Maryville and are excited to be a part of its revitalization. Maryville is a beautiful city, and we are looking forward to becoming a part of this community.”