A beautiful colonial home built in 1964 by Harry Wagner, later sold to boxer John Tate and eventually purchased by Rex Bradford Jones in the mid-80’s is the stunning location of a new restaurant and tea room pleasing the tastes of folks all around Knoxville. Residents of East Knoxville, particularly, are delighted with this new addition to dining venues in their part of town. Featuring homemade quiches, soups, salads, sandwiches, (including various “specials”) and luscious desserts, Abner’s Attic is the perfect place for any special occasion hosted in our tea room.

Visitors to the tea room may also shop for gifts – from antique furniture and vintage linens to specialty teas and tea pots. Indeed, a wide assortment of unique gifts make shopping for special friends and family pure pleasure in this lovely setting.

Rex and his staff invite you to visit with them whenever and as often as you can. As the holidays rapidly approach, many delightful plans are underway for the Tea Room. Click here for map and directions.

Rex was born and raised in the Knoxville area. His mother, Frances Wylie Jones graduated from the University of Tennessee as a Home Economist. She worked with the Power Board demonstrating how to cook in the new electric kitchens. She had her own radio show, “It’s Tops” on WNOX sharing recipes and giving tips on how to cook with electric appliances. It was natural for Rex to follow in the food business since he was exposed to her experimenting with new recipes and cooking techniques at home.
Rex worked in the food service industry throughout high school and college.

He started his own business in 1982 and became the concessionaire for the Knoxville Zoo. He operated the Environment Restaurant which was the first table service restaurant in the nation within a zoological park. At that time he began catering weddings and business functions as well.

Eventually Rex opened Abner’s Attic Restaurant in the Baker Peters House while still continuing to provide outside catering.

It became apparent to Rex that his real love was being a custom caterer and working with customers to provide quality, one-of-a-kind events to suit their needs.