Cheers at Choto fire cause ‘undetermined’
Questions linger for restaurant tenants
On Wednesday, June 10, the couple awoke to several messages with one horrifying theme: their beloved lakeside restaurant, Cheers at Choto, was engulfed in flames.
More than a month later, after an investigation by Knox County Sheriff’s Office, the fire was “officially ruled undetermined,” according to multiple reports.
The Batsons claim they were not notified by anyone of the investigation’s change in status, despite renting the property as tenants since 2019.
“We were not notified by anyone and found out about it on the news at 7:50 in the morning,” Amy Batson said. “I’m sure the property owner knew about it and did not inform us. I was completely shocked. I woke up, looked at Facebook and thought, ‘Wow.’ We were all over the news and had no idea.”
Once the news broke, the Batsons were flooded with calls and texts yet again.
“It was uncomfortable and surprising,” Amy Batson said. “We have a lot of questions that have not been answered.”
She noted they would like to see the physical report with the findings from the investigation, wanting more insight for how that conclusion was reached.
She did add that, despite the local investigation being closed, “both insurance companies are still under investigation for tenant and property owner.“
As for what lies ahead, a rebuild of the restaurant does not seem likely — at least not for the same location — despite local businesses offering to help with the effort.
“That was not an interest of the marina owners,” Nick Batson said. “Didn’t want any part of it.”
“That’s been the hardest part, that we can’t bring it back,” Amy Batson added. “The lack of support from the property owner has been sad.”
The Batsons estimate they have sunk approximately $80,000 into the restaurant since its opening seven years ago.
The costs have gone toward a new heat and air unit, a new roof, a septic system and, among other items, a tiki bar added more recently, according to the Batsons.
The couple owned the restaurant’s equipment, renovations and everything inside the building — but not the building itself.
“When we got the building, it had spray paint and nothing in it,” Amy Batson said.
She and her husband have claimed marina ownership is not willing to refund the Batsons for any of the money they put into the restaurant.
Further, they allege that the owners told them “not to spend any more money or do any more updates because he would tear it down in the future.”
They also allege the marina ownership group’s attorney sent a notice just last week requesting rent payment for the month of July, despite the restaurant burning down in early June.
Note: the farragutpress reached out to the ownership at Choto Marina but has not received a response.
Moving forward, the Batsons said other marinas have reached out about opening a restaurant there, so they are weighing their options.
“It’s never going to be the same as it was before, but we would try to make it as close as possible to that same environment,” Nick Batson said.
He did thank several people and companies for their support: musicians JLuke, Chase Countiss, Jason Ellis, Vaughn Sutherland; fundraiser organizers Kristin and Dan Williams, Jessica Ellam Aesthetics, Nauti K’s, Bacados and many other local restaurants; and special customers, such as Fran and Debbie, Jimmy and Sherri, Tucker McGuire, Craig and Michelle.
“We would like to say thank you to the community for being so supportive through all of this,” Amy Batson said.
