New restaurant increases seating capacity for Albrecht by up to 30%
By: Heather Thomas, Associate Publisher
One of Cookeville’s favorite culinary destinations is about to turn the page on a new chapter. Seven Senses Food & Cheer, a beloved Westside restaurant known for its inventive Southern cuisine, is on the move and doubling down on its presence with the launch of a brand-new sister restaurant: Savor Cookeville.
Restaurateur and community leader Jay Albrecht has a bold expansion plan that includes relocating the Seven Senses Food and Cheer menu across the street to the former Blue Pig location at 35 W. Broad St. The new restaurant increases seating capacity for Albrecht by up to 30% during patio season and brings new energy – and outdoor dining – to the heart of Cookeville’s historic Westside district.
“This is more than a move,” said Albrecht. “It’s a reinvention. The new space gives us the flexibility we need to better serve our guests and continue evolving with Cookeville’s growing culinary scene.”
Doubling down – Jay Albrecht is opening a new restaurant
The Seven Senses menu, often praised for its creative takes on Southern favorites, will make its new home at Savor, a refreshed concept that builds on the restaurant’s existing fan base while elevating the dining experience. The new location features an expansive kitchen, dedicated lobby and bar areas, along with a spacious outdoor patio – amenities that were key motivators behind the relocation.
“An outdoor patio and a bigger kitchen aren’t just nice to have—they’re game changers,” said Albrecht. “Those are the kind of upgrades that allow us to serve more guests with greater efficiency and comfort.”
Two culinary and concept visions rooted in the Westside charm
While Savor will carry forward the spirit of the Seven Senses menu, the original location at 32 W. Broad Street won’t be left behind. Instead, it will temporarily close for upgrades before being reimagined as an entirely new culinary concept. That transformation is expected to take a couple of months.
The new Seven Senses will feature a lunch menu offering many items not currently available, allowing regular guests a greater variety between the two locations. Albrecht is considering his options for the evening menu, but he promises it will be something guests won’t find elsewhere in Cookeville.
“This is a chance to create something truly fresh while preserving the heart of what made Seven Senses special,” Albrecht noted. “The Westside is evolving, and we’re proud to be a significant part of that story.”
The dual-location strategy not only expands the menu offerings but also opens the door for new concept ideas and more shifts for Albrecht’s staff.
“We have such a talented team, led by head chef and general manager Andrew Ellis,” Albrecht said. “Two locations give us room to experiment, grow, and continue meeting the needs of our community and team. Anytime we get to play with food ideas that stretch our imagination and give guests something outside the norm, it makes us happy.”
With just under 100 indoor seats and 25 outdoor patio seats, Savor is poised to become a major player in downtown Cookeville’s dining scene. Its location, ambiance, and southern menu are carefully crafted to attract a wide range of diners, from locals grabbing a quick lunch to travelers seeking an authentic Cookeville experience.
“This really is the best-case scenario,” said Albrecht. “Having two strong restaurant concepts just steps apart allow us to be responsive and creative while staying rooted in this neighborhood we love.”
Albrecht hopes to have Savor open to the public by early August. Social media pages and a website (www.savorcookeville.com) will launch soon.
As Savor renovations near completion and the anticipation builds, one thing is clear. Cookeville’s Westside is about to get even more flavorful.
UCBJ photo.
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