Cooper Mays Trades Helmet for Hat, Launches BBQ Empire in Knoxville
Knoxville, TN – A seismic shift has reverberated through the heart of Volunteer Nation, as star Tennessee Volunteers center Cooper Mays has announced a surprising career pivot: trading his football helmet for a chef’s hat and launching his own barbecue restaurant in Knoxville. Mays, known for his dominant presence on the offensive line and his leadership on the gridiron, has embarked on a new venture that combines his love for food and his entrepreneurial spirit. His new BBQ restaurant, Mays’ Smokehouse, promises to bring a fresh, local flavor to the city’s thriving food scene.
For Mays, this transition marks a departure from the football field but also represents a new chapter filled with passion, creativity, and a drive to bring people together through delicious food. Having long been a fan of barbecue, Mays decided to follow his heart and launch a restaurant that reflects his roots, his commitment to quality, and his drive to build something lasting in Knoxville.
From Gridiron Glory to Culinary Creativity
Cooper Mays’ football career at Tennessee has been nothing short of impressive. As a standout center, Mays became one of the cornerstones of the Volunteers’ offensive line, earning the respect of coaches, teammates, and fans alike. His athleticism, work ethic, and leadership were key factors in Tennessee’s success on the field. However, even with all of his achievements in football, Mays has always had a passion for food—particularly barbecue.
“I’ve always had a love for cooking, especially when it comes to barbecue,” Mays shared in a statement. “Barbecue has always been a family tradition for me, and it’s something I’ve enjoyed with friends and teammates over the years. After spending so much time around food and cooking with my family, it just felt like the right time to bring that passion into something bigger.”
The decision to open a barbecue restaurant wasn’t made overnight. Mays spent years learning the ins and outs of the culinary world, perfecting his skills on the grill, and honing his craft in his spare time. He worked with local chefs, took cooking classes, and traveled to some of the best BBQ spots across the country to learn from the masters. Through this process, he developed a deep understanding of what makes barbecue great—perfectly smoked meats, mouthwatering sauces, and a sense of community that comes with sharing a meal.
“I’ve learned so much about how food brings people together, how it creates lasting memories,” Mays added. “Barbecue, in particular, has a way of doing that in a way that no other food can.”
A Family Affair: Building a Community with Mays’ Smokehouse
At the heart of Mays’ new venture is a desire to create something more than just a restaurant. Mays’ Smokehouse aims to be a gathering place for Knoxville locals and visitors alike—an atmosphere where people can enjoy great food, great company, and a sense of community.
The restaurant, located in the heart of Knoxville, features a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, complete with rustic decor and an open kitchen that allows diners to watch the magic happen as meats are smoked to perfection. The menu, crafted by Mays himself, boasts an array of mouthwatering barbecue options, including brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken, all cooked low and slow to deliver a deep, smoky flavor. But Mays’ Smokehouse doesn’t stop at just great barbecue. The restaurant also offers a selection of homemade sides, including cornbread, mac and cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
One of the standout features of the restaurant is Mays’ commitment to sourcing local ingredients whenever possible. Working with local farms and purveyors, Mays ensures that the meat is fresh, the produce is top-quality, and the flavors reflect the rich culinary culture of East Tennessee. This farm-to-table approach, combined with Mays’ own cooking techniques, sets Mays’ Smokehouse apart from other BBQ joints in the region.
In addition to the traditional restaurant experience, Mays has plans to host events, including live music, food festivals, and community gatherings, making Mays’ Smokehouse a true hub for the local community. Whether it’s a casual dinner with friends or a special event celebrating local food and culture, Mays’ Smokehouse aims to be a place where people can come together and enjoy the best that Knoxville has to offer.
The Business of Barbecue: Mays Brings a Winning Formula to the Table
While the transition from football player to restaurant owner might seem like a significant leap, Mays brings the same drive and determination to his new venture that he demonstrated on the football field. As a team leader, Mays knows the importance of hard work, discipline, and persistence, and he’s applying those values to his barbecue business.
“I’ve always believed that success comes down to preparation and execution,” Mays said. “In football, that meant working hard every day to get better. In the restaurant business, it means making sure every dish we serve is top-notch, every detail is taken care of, and every guest has a great experience.”
To ensure his success, Mays has surrounded himself with a team of talented chefs and hospitality professionals who share his vision for creating a one-of-a-kind barbecue experience. He’s also partnered with local businesses to promote his brand and engage with the Knoxville community. Whether it’s through hosting charity events, collaborating with local breweries, or supporting local farms, Mays is committed to giving back to the community that supported him during his football career.
Knoxville Embraces Mays’ New Venture
The response to Mays’ Smokehouse has been overwhelmingly positive. Knoxville residents, who have long been fans of Mays on the football field, are excited to support him in this new endeavor. The opening of Mays’ Smokehouse has quickly become one of the most talked-about events in the city, with locals flocking to try the mouthwatering barbecue and experience the unique atmosphere of the restaurant.
“I’ve been a Tennessee fan my whole life, and now I get to support Cooper in a whole new way,” said one Knoxville resident. “The food is amazing, and it’s clear that Cooper has put his heart into this place. It’s just a great addition to the Knoxville food scene.”
As Mays’ Smokehouse continues to grow, it’s clear that Cooper Mays has found his next passion and purpose. While his days on the football field may be behind him, his impact on Knoxville is far from over. Through his new restaurant, Mays is helping to shape the city’s culinary landscape while creating a space where people can come together and enjoy the simple pleasure of great food.
With his dedication to quality, community, and family, Cooper Mays is proving that success doesn’t always follow a straight path. Whether he’s on the football field or in the kitchen, Mays has shown that with hard work, passion, and a little bit of smoke, anything is possible.
Mays’ Smokehouse is now open in Knoxville, and if the early buzz is any indication, it’s poised to become a must-visit destination for barbecue lovers and Volunteer Nation alike.