Grabbing a cup of joe or a burger from Pete's Restaurant, known by many as Pete’s Coffee Shop, has been a must-do for anyone living in or passing through Knoxville for 35 years.

The diner, which first opened its doors May 21, 1986, has grown a cult following over the years. Owner Pete Natour shared a little bit about that history with Knox News to celebrate the restaurant's anniversary.

Q: What is the best part about being located in downtown Knoxville?

A: We love being a part of downtown’s small business community. Most of our customers work downtown and visit us frequently, so we get to know them well. Business professionals will come in here and discuss ideas with us or simply vent and share about their day. It feels like a small, but strong community of folks helping each other out. We also love our repeat college students and families who come for weekend brunch.

Q: Which SEC fans are the best tippers?

A: It’s close between the Vols and Alabama, but Alabama fans tip the best. We think it’s because they’re always happy from winning.

Q: What has been the most impactful customer interaction over the years?

A: There are two customers who would come eat at Pete’s every single day, Caesar Stair and Arthur Seymour. Ironically, they were both lawyers. It was meaningful to sit, talk and eat with them every single day. Seymour passed away a few years ago, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we could not see Stair for quite some time.

Q: Pete's has become famous for celebrity appearances. What has been the best celebrity encounter?

A: Harrison Ford. His photo always gets the best responses from visiting customers.

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Q: What was the most random celebrity appearance?

A: Kiefer Sutherland.

Q: Which celebrity had the biggest appetite?

A: Lou Ferrigno, also known as the Incredible Hulk, which explains the large appetite!

Q: Which celebrity comes to Pete's the most?

A: Actor Richard Grieco.

Q: Why “Pete’s Coffee Shop” instead of “Pete’s Diner?”

A: When Pete’s opened 35 years ago, coffee shops were not on every corner, and they certainly weren’t what they are today. In fact, Pete’s doesn’t even serve lattes and espressos. When people come looking for those items, we happily refer them to one of downtown’s coffee shops. Pete’s proudly serves breakfast and lunch and so a few years ago, we began making the name transition to ‘Pete’s Restaurant’ to better represent what we serve.

Q: What is the best special Pete's has ever served?

A: Pete’s Breakfast Special.

Q: What are the most popular items on the Pete's menu?

A: For breakfast, people love two eggs with bacon or sausage and two blueberry pancakes. For lunch, it’s the burger! We give generous portions at Pete’s. It’s how we’ve always eaten at home in my family and it’s how we want to serve our customers.

Q: What is the most underappreciated item on the menu?

A: The Rueben sandwich. It’s a great price for a great sandwich, too.

Q: Does Knoxville like bacon or sausage better?

A: Bacon.