Once upon a time, there was a beloved restaurant, an all-time favorite in Augusta. Over two decades, it was the topic of several publications. It was the go-to for every occasion: dates, business meetings, celebrations, etc. The Bee’s Knees was buzzing with a unique atmosphere and, in many ways, a pioneer in the CSRA. Today, this restaurant is a thing of the past.
In many ways, Augusta is not New York City or Chicago. Its restaurants are not led by chefs trained abroad. However, our beloved city is brimming with a rich history and an evolving culinary scene. Very few places capture the spirit of reinvention, like the building at 211 10th Street.
When Kristi and Eric Kinlaw opened the Bee’s Knees in 2002, it was something that Augusta had never seen before. Back in those days, craft beer was not popular, and the concept of tapas was unheard of in these parts.
It didn’t take long for the eatery to become one of the most beloved in the city. But as all good things end, so did this amazing establishment.
The Transformation
Back in 2019, Eric Kinlaw told the Augusta Chronicle that he was depressed. The pandemic didn’t help. They were forced to lay off about 40 employees. After a brief closure, the restaurant and the business model went through a period of transformation.
Kinlaw felt downtown was changing, and he no longer wanted a full-service restaurant. Offering a more sustainable and community-focused model, the Bee’s Knees became a coffee shop and antique store.
Unfortunately, in November 2022, Kinlaw announced Bee’s Knees permanent closure, sending shock waves to all the foodies in the CSRA.
Losing such an amazing restaurant in our area was painful. Elena Richards, a local writer and foodie, went as far as writing a love letter to the now-closed establishment.
New Beginnings
Once the home to the darling restaurant, this storied location has seen a transformation with the hopes of continuing the legacy.
Airs Reed and Robert Stokes have opened the doors, breathing new life into the building with their new venture, Lenox on the 10th. The new restaurant seeks to emulate The Bee’s Knees while adding its unique touch.
Drawing from their extensive experience in the food industry, Reed and Stokes have created a menu that honors the past while creating a path for the future. They have also introduced new crowd-pleasers.
This legacy is honored not only through food but also through events and experiences, from live music performances to a popular weekend brunch. The restaurant aims to be a gathering place for the community, much like its predecessor was.
Conclusion
The vaulted ceilings of the 137-year-old building still have plenty of stories to tell. As Reed and Stokes welcome patrons to the new Lenox on the 10th, they invite the community to take part in this new, exciting chapter.
With every dish, drink, and musical note, Lenox on 10th carries forward the values that made Bee’s Knees special, ensuring that the spirit of 211 10th Street continues to thrive in the heart of Augusta. Come, take a seat, and savor the flavors of a restaurant reborn, where the past meets the future in a delightful fusion of taste and tradition.
- Source: Augusta Magazine ↩︎