Behind the Menu: Jim Klonaris’ Recipe for Iconic Restaurants and Resilience

Our guest today is Jim Klonairs. Jim and his wife, Lori Klonaris, make up a dynamic team that has changed the face of Knoxville's hospitality and restaurant scene for the past 30 years. Together, they are the co-founders of Spaces in the City, where Lori is the CEO, and Jim is the creative genius behind the iconic Knoxville restaurants and spaces like the Kalamata Kitchen, Cafe4, Kefi, Vida, The Vault, The Press Room, The Square Room, City Catering, and Bella in Maryville. Jim is a serial entrepreneur, having worked in multiple industries, including hospitality, janitorial, consulting, real estate, and commercial development. 

Jim earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture, Interior Design, and Graphic Design from the prestigious University of Tennessee. Jim is also active in his local community, supporting the Prison Ministry Men of Valor as an executive board member.

I am excited to learn more from Jim and what he has learned as a serial entrepreneur, the leaps he has made in his journey, how he overcame bankruptcy early in his career, and the importance he places on education and personal growth.