A world-class Steinway player piano sets the mood inside Sweet Audrey’s intimate piano bar, where mosaic tile floors, moody lighting, and an inviting 14-seat bar capture the timeless charm of a New Orleans jazz club.
For months, we’ve been sharing the spaces, art, and details taking shape throughout Grandiflora, Knoxville’s newest event venue opening spring 2027. Now, inside Sweet Audrey’s, tile is being laid, custom furnishings are on order, and the New Orleans-inspired personality of our piano bar is starting to show.
One of the first features to make an impression is underfoot. Sweet Audrey’s custom ceramic tile floor combines a classic black-and-white diamond pattern with a Greek-style border and an intricate mosaic “rug” at its center.
“It’s a style embraced in the late 1800s and early 1900s and often seen in New Orleans, where so many historic buildings have been preserved,” says Sean Hackett, lead architect with McCarty Holsaple McCarty (MHM). “We wanted the floor to bring character and elegance to the room, but also to be durable enough to stand up to plenty of use.”
On the walls, Venetian plaster in deep teal and fabric panels work together to add texture and ambience to the room while helping absorb sound. The walls curve gracefully into an elevated cove ceiling, where a lighter blue softens the space.
Sweet Audrey’s bar promises to be another showstopper, bringing together a tile footrest, sculptural metal front, quartzite top, and custom millwork, all set against a glowing botanical mural. Just steps away, a top-of-the-line Steinway player piano takes center stage against the glass wall overlooking the Courtyard.
“When all those pieces come together, it’s going to be spectacular,” Sean says. “I can’t wait to sit at the bar and listen to someone play piano.”
Lush floral wall panels at Sweet Audrey’s bring the elegance of the Grandiflora magnolia bloom indoors, creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere.
INSPIRED BY THE MAGNOLIA
Like so much of Grandiflora, Sweet Audrey’s draws inspiration from nature, particularly the magnolia tree. In the Grand Hall, the former church sanctuary, deep chestnut and rich wood tones pair with neutral walls, echoing the tree’s trunk and limbs. “As you walk from the Grand Hall into Sweet Audrey’s, you transition to a space where the colors, finishes, and textiles are more reminiscent of the magnolia bloom,” says MHM architect Lauren McCarty, who selected many of the fabrics and finishes for Grandiflora. “So you see lots of floral elements harkening back to that bloom.”
Hand-blown glass fixtures with delicate petal-like shades cascade from the ceiling, while matching sconces cast a warm glow around the bar. Floral fabrics transform acoustic panels into decorative elements, and marble tables, sumptuous velvet sofas, and a palette of muted jewel tones give the space a lush, organic elegance.
Together, these details create a soulful setting made for live music, close conversation, and shared moments. It’s the vision our founder and president, Phil Lawson, has held from the start. A lifelong jazz enthusiast, Phil dreamed of an intimate, cozy venue where musicians share their craft and guests truly unwind.
Soon, that dream will come to life in Sweet Audrey’s, named in loving tribute to Phil and Janet Lawson's granddaughter, Audrey. Like its namesake, Sweet Audrey’s is destined to be unforgettable.
Meet the Team Behind the Magic at Grandiflora
ALLIE WELCH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
While most people arrive at a career in special events after working in other fields, Allie Welch was practically born into it. Growing up in Nebraska, where her parents are in the restaurant and venue business, Allie spent many of her weekends setting up for receptions, rolling silverware, and bussing tables. “You could say events and hospitality are in my blood,” she laughs.
Allie Welch, Executive Director
While studying at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Allie worked as an event coordinator for a local nonprofit and fell in love with the behind-the-scenes planning that goes into events of every size. After college, she became a wedding planner and coordinator, helping brides bring their dream days to life.
That background served as the perfect springboard for her role at Grandiflora. Allie joined us in 2022 and was our only staff member until this year. Working alongside our founder and president, Phil Lawson, she has been part of every step of Grandiflora’s development, from the first blueprint to the first brick.
“So much thought and attention to detail have been poured into this project,” she says. “That meticulous work is going to be evident for our guests. They’ll see and appreciate how everything is planned and positioned so that events run smoothly and efficiently.”
Today, as executive director, Allie is our main point of contact for clients, vendors, and event partners, and she oversees our staff and daily operations. With our official opening set for spring 2027, she is managing countless details while looking ahead, finding new ways to share Grandiflora’s one-of-a-kind spaces with the community.
Some of her favorite work happens behind the scenes. "It is fun to think through and create the processes for client inquiries, event day flow, and expectations," she says. "I am just so excited to see our spaces come to life and the different ways our clients will decorate and use them to suit their own tastes."
She also looks forward to the moments when countless small details quietly come together to create a magical experience, like the pause just before the bridal processional. “I can’t wait to be there with our bride as we open the doors to the Grand Hall,” Allie explains. “She's giddy and nervous, and we know all the months of planning have been well worth it for her dream day."
Whether guests are joining us for a lively concert, an intimate jazz night, or a milestone wedding, Allie wants everyone to feel the depth of care woven into every corner of the venue. “I hope visitors feel genuinely cared for and find Grandiflora to be a joyful respite,” she says. “A little getaway where they can connect with one another and truly enjoy the moment.”
We couldn’t agree more. As we prepare to open our doors in spring 2027, our entire team is pouring its hard work, passion, and heart into every detail, and we can’t wait to welcome you.
