YouTube star MrBeast is offering a new way to feast in Knoxville, using the growing concept of ghost kitchens to get burgers delivered to people’s homes.
Restaurant industry is in serious trouble due to the COVID-19 pandemic
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The virtual restaurant’s rollout was just one example of MrBeast’s philanthropic nature. The YouTuber, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, opened a pop-up drive-thru in North Carolina to hand out free sandwiches and free money.
While Knoxvillians will have to pay for their food, the money does benefit a local chain restaurant. The virtual restaurant, MrBeast Burger, is only available through delivery apps and is operating out of the Bravo! Italian Kitchen just off Kingston Pike.
K Brew CEO Pierce LaMacchia tapes an “X” on the floor to mark proper social distancing inside the coffee shop’s West Hills location on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. K Brew will be instituting several additional safety measures when it reopens on Friday, May 1, 2020. Among the measures are having employees use masks and gloves, drastically increasing their sanitizing routine, including sanitizing the ordering screens between each customer, and only using to-go containers.
Water Into Wine server Daniel Stringer, left, and restaurant owner Candace Viox moves the hostess table and two chairs outside of the restaurant’s entrance in Farragut on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Water Into Wine is opening their dining room on Friday, May 1, 2020, and one of the several safety measures the restaurant is taking is moving the hostess stand outside to control how many people are allowed inside the restaurant.
Water Into Wine employees work at the bar inside the Farragut restaurant on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Water Into Wine is opening their dining room on Friday, May 1, 2020, and some of several safety measures the restaurant is taking include removing bar seating and having employees wear gloves and masks while working.
K Brew CEO Pierce LaMacchia tapes off chairs to remove seating and encourage social distancing inside the coffee shop’s West Hills location on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. K Brew will be instituting several additional safety measures when it reopens on Friday, May 1, 2020. Among the measures are having employees use masks and gloves, drastically increasing their sanitizing routine, including sanitizing the ordering screens between each customer, and only using to-go containers.
Water Into Wine employees, from left, Kevin Thompson, James Scott and Gui Bassy work at the bar inside the Farragut restaurant on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Water Into Wine is opening their dining room on Friday, May 1, 2020, and some of safety measures the restaurant is taking include removing bar seating and having employees wear gloves and masks while working.
Water Into Wine owner Candace Viox removes table decor from socially distanced tables inside the Farragut restaurant on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Water Into Wine is opening their dining room on Friday, May 1, 2020, and some of the safety measures the restaurant is taking include spacing out tables, reducing table size to allow no more than six people at a table and replacing booth seating with material that is easier to wipe down between guests.
Water Into Wine server Daniel Stringer moves a chair outside to where the hostess table has been moved outside of the restaurant’s entrance in Farragut on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Water Into Wine is opening their dining room on Friday, May 1, 2020, and one of the several safety measures the restaurant is taking is moving the hostess stand outside to control how many people are allowed inside the restaurant.
Beau McKee, general manager at Not Watson’s, brings out a food and drink order for Michael Brady to be delivered to a resident at Fort Sanders on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.
Todd Lewis takes a to-go order over the phone at Sweet P’s Barbecue on Jackson Ave. in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday, April 17, 2020.
The take home menu from Sweet P’s Barbecue on Jackson Ave. in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday, April 17, 2020.
Todd Lewis brings a to-go order to a waiting car at Sweet P’s Barbecue on Jackson Ave. in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday, April 17, 2020.
A to-go order is filled at Sweet P’s Barbecue on Jackson Ave. in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday, April 17, 2020.
Josh Russell prepares food in the kitchen at Sweet P’s Barbecue on Jackson Ave. in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday, April 17, 2020.
O’Charley’s Regional Operations Manager David Cox and Service Manager Ryan Ontko pose with a delivery bag at the Knox County Fire Dept. Inskip-Norwood Fire Station 14 in Knoxville, Tenn., on Thursday, April 23, 2020. O’Charley’s Bar and Restaurant recently announced their ‘Hometown Heroes’ initiative which provides free meals to those on the frontlines of battling the coronavirus.
One of the to-go meals is prepared at Sweet P’s Barbecue on Jackson Ave. in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday, April 17, 2020.
Josh Russell prepares food in the kitchen at Sweet P’s Barbecue on Jackson Ave. in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday, April 17, 2020.
To-go aauces at Sweet P’s Barbecue on Jackson Ave. in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday, April 17, 2020.
Sweet P’s Barbecue staff brings a to-go order to a waiting customer on Jackson Ave. in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday, April 17, 2020.
Gary Conrad fills a to-go order at Sweet P’s Barbecue on Jackson Ave. in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday, April 17, 2020.
A to-go order from Sweet P’s Barbecue on Jackson Ave. in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday, April 17, 2020.
Gary Conrad takes a to-go order by phone at Sweet P’s Barbecue on Jackson Ave. in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday, April 17, 2020.
Walter the Corgi is the unofficial mascot at Albright Grove Brewing Company and may be seen greeting customers. Albright’s tasting room is closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but are selling their product to-go on Thursday, March 19, 2020.
Matt Miller of Good Golly Tamale, sets up his booth outside near the Nourish Knoxville farmers market in Knoxville, Saturday, March 21, 2020. The winter market is usually held inside Central United Methodist Church, but was held outside with extra precautions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Chris Taylor, left, fills a growler for a customer at ORange Hat Brewing on Thursday, March 19, 2020. The brewery’s tasting room is closed but still selling their beer to go. At right is Chris Travis.
Barista Matt Harter brews a cappuccino at Vienna Coffee in Regas Square in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, March 20, 2020. The cafe is adjusting its hours from 8-2pm and offering curbside service due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Knox Brew Tours’ Zack Roskop leads a Facebook Live brew tour at Pretentious Beer Co. in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, March 21, 2020. The coronavirus pandemic has led Roskop to begin live-streaming his tours. People can buy beers in advance and enjoy them virtually with Roskop and brewery owners. During the stream, he will ask for donations to Knox Brew Tours.
A small line forms for Cruze Farm’s curbside service in downtown Knoxville on Friday, March 20, 2020. Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon issued an executive order on Friday afternoon to close restaurants, bars, gyms and commercial event venues within city limits for two weeks, though Kincannon’s order will still allow restaurants to offer take-out and delivery service.
Outdoor seating has been put away at Downtown Bar & Grill in downtown Knoxville on Friday, March 20, 2020. Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon issued an executive order on Friday afternoon to close restaurants, bars, gyms and commercial event venues within city limits for two weeks, though Kincannon’s order will still allow restaurants to offer take-out and delivery service.
JC Holdway workers Hannah Mendoza, left, a server, and Abish Mendoza, a host, hold up care packages they picked up at The French Market in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, March 20, 2020. Both said they have lost many of their shifts due to declining traffic at the restaurant. Those who are eligible may pick up a care package between 11am and 3pm at the downtown location.
A long row of vehicles wait at a “Curbside Sghetti Cruise-Through” at Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille in Turkey Creek in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, March 21, 2020. With a minimum donation of $10, all proceeds directly benefitted the restaurant’s employees.
Promise Carter, center, and Megan Elsworth, right, deliver a salad and spaghetti meal to a customer during a “Curbside Sghetti Cruise-Through” at Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille in Turkey Creek in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, March 21, 2020. With a minimum donation of $10, all proceeds directly benefitted the restaurant’s employees.
Community members practice social distancing at the Nourish Knoxville farmers market in Knoxville, Saturday, March 21, 2020. The winter market is usually held inside Central United Methodist Church, but was held outside with extra precautions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Former Seasons chef and family friend Noah Allen helps prepare over 500 salads at a “Curbside Sghetti Cruise-Through” at Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille in Turkey Creek in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, March 21, 2020. With a minimum donation of $10, all proceeds directly benefitted the restaurant’s employees.
Whitney Donaldson takes orders from vehicles at a “Curbside Sghetti Cruise-Through” at Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille in Turkey Creek in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, March 21, 2020. With a minimum donation of $10, all proceeds directly benefitted the restaurant’s employees.
A patron who wished not to speak eats a meal at Colonel’s Cafe on Newcom Ave. in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, March 20, 2020. Business at the restaurant has been slow but many customers could be seen leaving with to-go meals.
Rosamaria Adams, of Knoxville, picks up a to-go meal at Colonel’s Cafe for a neighbor who lost their service sector job due to the coronavirus pandemic on Friday, March 20, 2020. Business at the restaurant has been slow, but many customers could be seen leaving with to-go meals.
Vienna Coffee in Regas Square in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, March 20, 2020. The cafe is adjusting its hours from 8-2pm and offering curbside service due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Knox Brew Tours’ Facebook Live brew tour at Pretentious Beer Co. in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, March 21, 2020.
A nearly empty Vienna Coffee in Regas Square in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, March 20, 2020. The cafe is adjusting its hours from 8-2pm and offering curbside service due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Knox Brew Tours’ Zack Roskop leads a Facebook Live brew tour at Pretentious Beer Co. with owner Matthew Cummings in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, March 21, 2020. The coronavirus pandemic has led Roskop to begin live-streaming his tours. People can buy beers in advance and enjoy them virtually with Roskop and brewery owners. During the stream, he will ask for donations to Knox Brew Tours.
A sticker notifies customers not to sit at the table at The French Market to stop the spread of coronavirus in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, March 20, 2020.
Community members practice social distancing at the Nourish Knoxville farmers market in Knoxville, Saturday, March 21, 2020. The winter market is usually held inside Central United Methodist Church, but was held outside with extra precautions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Executive Chef Deron Little brings out to-go spaghetti dinners at a “Curbside Sghetti Cruise-Through” at Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille in Turkey Creek in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, March 21, 2020. With a minimum donation of $10, all proceeds directly benefitted the restaurant’s employees.
Vehicles pull up to a “Curbside Sghetti Cruise-Through” at Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille in Turkey Creek in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, March 21, 2020. With a minimum donation of $10, all proceeds directly benefitted the restaurant’s employees.
Eggs from J & M Windy Acres farm are seen at the Nourish Knoxville farmers market in Knoxville, Saturday, March 21, 2020. The winter market is usually held inside Central United Methodist Church, but was held outside with extra precautions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Customers walk in and out of Total Wine in West Knoxville, Friday, March 20, 2020. The city of Knoxville order bars and restaurants to close due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Nick Barron, owner of Albright Grove Brewing sets out a sign on Thursday, March 19, 2020 to help promote sales while the tasting room is closed out of safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A worker takes an order by phone at Colonel’s Cafe on Newcom Ave. in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, March 20, 2020. Business at the restaurant has been slow but many customers could be seen leaving with to-go meals.
From left, Art Guzman, his son Adriel, 3, and health care provider and friend Jenny Jones say a prayer before their meal at Colonel’s Cafe on Newcom Ave. in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, March 20, 2020. Guzman said he is taking all the necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy during the coronavirus pandemic, and that getting out of the house for a meal with his son is part of his way of coping for his mental health.
A Cruze Farm worker takes orders while wearing a checkerboard face mask on Saturday, March 21, 2020 in Downtown Knoxville. Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon issued an executive order to close restaurants, bars, gyms and commercial event venues within city limits for two weeks on Friday afternoon, though Kincannon’s order will still allow restaurants to offer take-out and delivery service.
Community members practice social distancing at the Nourish Knoxville farmers market in Knoxville, Saturday, March 21, 2020. The winter market is usually held inside Central United Methodist Church, but was held outside with extra precautions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A cook prepares a to-go meal at Colonel’s Cafe on Newcom Ave. in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, March 20, 2020. Business at the restaurant has been slow but many customers could be seen leaving with to-go meals.
Neil Koonce sits alone at Vienna Coffee in Regas Square in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, March 20, 2020. The cafe is adjusting its hours from 8-2pm and offering curbside service due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Marc Atchley serves a customer in a early empty Vienna Coffee in Regas Square in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, March 20, 2020. The cafe is adjusting its hours from 8-2pm and offering curbside service due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Barista Matt Harter brews a cappuccino at Vienna Coffee in Regas Square in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, March 20, 2020. The cafe is adjusting its hours from 8-2pm and offering curbside service due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A cook places an order on the counter at Colonel’s Cafe on Newcom Ave. in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, March 20, 2020. Business at the restaurant has been slow but many customers could be seen leaving with to-go meals.
Colonel’s Cafe on Newcom Ave. in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, March 20, 2020. Business at the restaurant has been slow but many customers could be seen leaving with to-go meals.
The “Nina’s Baklava” at Colonel’s Cafe on Newcom Ave. in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday, March 20, 2020. Business at the restaurant has been slow but many customers could be seen leaving with to-go meals.
Kate Hensley, left, and Agne Rodzeviciute prepare a curbside service order at Calhoun’s on Pellissippi Parkway on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Whitney Donaldson delivers food to a curbside customer at Seasons Innovative Bar & Grill on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Many restaurants in the area are offering curbside service in response to social distancing.
A sign alerts customers to new hours and food specials at Litton’s Market and Restaurant in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Litton’s has dropped prices by 20% to keep on staff, has switched to throw-away menus cards, disposable silverware and condiments and cleans surfaces like the entrance every 30 minutes to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Seasons general manager Megan Ellsworth talks with customers on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Seasons is offering gift cards equal to the amount tipped as a way to help their staff.
Sarah Ludwin-Peery buys vegetables at the Nourish Knoxville farmers market in Knoxville, Saturday, March 21, 2020. The winter market is usually held inside Central United Methodist Church, but was held outside with extra precautions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Anjanette Hile takes an order over the phone at Litton’s Market and Restaurant in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Litton’s has dropped prices by 20% to keep on staff, has switched to throw-away menus cards, disposable silverware and condiments and cleans surfaces like the entrance every 30 minutes to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Gavino’s Pizzeria offers the joke, “What pandemic likes pizza, CorDOUGHna!” on its sign outside of the restaurant’s Bearden neighborhood location in Knoxville on Monday, March 23, 2020.
Daniel Barkdoll, head brewer at Albright Grove Brewing Company labels cans of beer to sell for curbside sales of their product while the tasting room remains closed due to COVID-19 on Thursday, March 19, 2020.
Business owners, Mary McGaharan, left, of Fitness Wisdom & Wellness, and Carrie Wagner of Knoxville Reflexology Group, took the opportunity to get together at Seasons Innovative Bar & Grill after their work has slowed during the Covid-19 pandemic on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Litton’s Market and Restaurant Front Manager Teresa Stroud wipes down the entryway to the restaurant in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Litton’s has dropped prices by 20% to keep on staff, has switched to throw-away menus cards, disposable silverware and condiments and cleans surfaces like the entrance every 30 minutes to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Nick Barron, owner of Albright Grove Brewing sets out a sign on Thursday, March 19, 2020 to help promote sales while the tasting room is closed out of safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Madison Johnson lets Jazz Lane same one of the beers at Orange Hat Brewing on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Orange Hat has closed their tasting room and are only selling growlers out of safety concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The brewery is the newest to the are and is currently in a soft opening. The official opening date is April 18.
Yassin’s Falafel House Peter’s Road location near Cedar Bluff in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Magpies Bakery front end manager Beth Loftis, center, bags an ordered cake for a customer at the bakery on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Magpies is also now offering curbside pickup.
Free hand sanitizer is given out at Yassin’s Falafel House in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Whitney Donaldson delivers dishes to diners at Seasons on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Seasons is offering gift cards to diners equal to the amount they tip as.a way to help their staff during the decline in business as a result of social distancing from Covid-19.
Litton’s Market and Restaurant Front Manager Teresa Stroud wipes down the entryway to the restaurant in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Litton’s has dropped prices by 20% to keep on staff, has switched to throw-away menus cards, disposable silverware and condiments and cleans surfaces like the entrance every 30 minutes to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Jacquie Litton serves up a baked good wrapped in plastic and delivered in a plastic container at Litton’s Market and Restaurant in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Litton’s has dropped prices by 20% to keep on staff, has switched to throw-away menus cards, disposable silverware and condiments and cleans surfaces like the entrance every 30 minutes to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Disposable silverware and condiments and throw-away menu cards are now used at Litton’s Market and Restaurant to combat the spread of coronavirus in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Inside Magpies Bakery at 846 N. Central in Knoxville on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Magpies is now offering curbside pickup.
Agne Rodzeviciute stands at the entrance to the curbside service entrance at Calhouns on Pellissippi Parkway on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
A take-out paper bag at Litton’s Market and Restaurant in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Litton’s has dropped prices by 20% to keep on staff, has switched to throw-away menus cards, disposable silverware and condiments and cleans surfaces like the entrance every 30 minutes to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Coffee and Chocolate posts changes in their policies due to coronavirus, Wednesday, March 18, 2020.
Litton’s Market and Restaurant is advertising their curbside pickup to help combat the spread of coronavirus in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Litton’s has also dropped prices by 20% to keep on staff, has switched to throw-away menus cards, disposable silverware and condiments and cleans surfaces like the entrance every 30 minutes to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Kina Williams delivers a to-go order to a vehicle at Litton’s Market and Restaurant in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Litton’s is advertising their curbside pickup to help combat the spread of coronavirus. Litton’s has also dropped prices by 20% to keep on staff, has switched to throw-away menus cards, disposable silverware and condiments and cleans surfaces like the entrance every 30 minutes to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Cru Bistro on Gay Street posts their new policies amidst coronavirus concerns, Wendesday, March 18,2020.
Anjanette Hile prepares a to-go order at Litton’s Market and Restaurant in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Litton’s has dropped prices by 20% to keep on staff, has switched to throw-away menus cards, disposable silverware and condiments and cleans surfaces like the entrance every 30 minutes to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Free hand sanitizer is given out at Yassin’s Falafel House in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Litton’s Market and Restaurant baked goods are wrapped in plastic and put in plastic containers to help stop the spread of coronavirus in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Litton’s has dropped prices by 20% to keep on staff, has switched to throw-away menus cards, disposable silverware and condiments and cleans surfaces like the entrance every 30 minutes to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Longtime customer Mary Gentry, of Fountain City, enjoys lunch and conversation with her cousin Carol Jarnigan at Litton’s Market and Restaurant in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Gentry said she will still visit Litton’s despite the coronavirus because it’s “the only time for social” for her. Litton’s has dropped prices by 20% to keep on staff, has switched to throw-away menus cards, disposable silverware and condiments and cleans surfaces like the entrance every 30 minutes to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
The management of Seasons Innovative Bar & Grill is coming up with ways to help its staff due to the decline in customers. One solution is offering gift cards to patrons equal to the amount they tip.
Magpies Bakery, at 846 N. Central in Knoxville on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, is now offering curbside pickup.
90/90 SLIDES
“We have put months of hard work into putting this together and can’t wait for our fans to have a taste of what we’ve cooked up,” MrBeast said in a news release. “We’ve had such a great response from our fans, and we’re excited to sign up more restaurants.”
The response was so overwhelming that nearly-300 locations participating in the virtual restaurant’s launch sold out of food the first night, the release said.
Not the only Knoxville ‘ghost kitchen’
MrBeast is partnering on this project with Virtual Dining Concepts, which creates virtual restaurants offering delivery-only food to benefit existing kitchens.
“I was reading about this concept, and it really makes a lot of sense from a business standpoint,” Demi Klonaris told Knox News. “If you already have a commissary kitchen and these necessary facilities, it really is an easy turnaround to create.”
Market research firm Euromonitor has estimated ghost kitchens could become a $1 trillion business by 2030.
MrBeast Burger is one of the latest ghost kitchen concepts to come to Knoxville, and, if everything goes as planned for Klonaris, it won’t be the last. __
Food inspired by friends
The food on MrBeast Burger’s menu includes sandwiches inspired by his three closest friends, who frequently appear in his videos to participate in expensive challenges and charitable acts.
Now that he’s entering the restaurant business, Mr. Beast is again relying on his friends — this time, to share how they like their sandwiches.
The Chandler Style burger is simply two smashed patties with cheese, while the Chris Style includes patties, cheese, bacon and fries. The Beast Style burger has pickles, onions and traditional burger condiments.
For some reason, his friend Karl likes grilled cheeses with an inverted bun. Nonetheless, it’s on the menu, along with a Nashville Hot Chicken Tender Sandwich, loaded fries and chocolate chip cookies.
MrBeast relied on Eric Greenspan, Virtual Dining Concept’s culinary director, to help craft the menu.
“We worked closely with Jimmy and his team to ensure every item on the menu was authentic,” said Robbie Earl, co-founder of Virtual Dining Concepts. “After many productive taste tests, we have a menu that everyone is proud of — and it is designed to easily operate out of any restaurant kitchen.”
Earl acquired the Bravo! brand last year, according to his company bio.
MrBeast Burger is available in four other Tennessee cities: Murfreesboro, Franklin, Memphis and Chattanooga. Restaurants offering one of Virtual Dining Concept’s brands can yield at least 30% from every sales dollar, according to its website.
VDC also offers other celebrity concepts, including Tyga’s Bytes. The chicken bites menu is being offered in Alcoa, according to delivery apps, and cookies by Mariah Carey are now available in Knoxville.
The company plans to offer Italian subs by Pauly D and tortas by Mario Lopez in 2021. Non-celebrity restaurant brands also are available for wings, hot dogs and more.
VDC’s culinary team provides training and recipes; restaurants provide the labor, facility and equipment they already are using.
MrBeast Burger food is available through third-party delivery apps, including GrubHub, Doordash, Postmates and UberEats. The virtual restaurant also has its own app that, according to the release, became the most downloaded app on iTunes and Google Play.
Ryan Wilusz: Knoxville’s downtown explorer and urban reporter
![a person holding a sign: MrBeast, a philanthropic YouTube star whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, poses with a bag of food from his MrBeast Burger virtual restaurant. The food is now available through a Knoxville ghost kitchen that shares an address with Bravo! Italian Kitchen just off Kingston Pike.](https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/foodnews/charitable-youtube-star-mrbeast-is-selling-food-out-of-a-knoxville-ghost-kitchen/"default":"load":"default","w":"80","h":"112","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1cB8GL.img?h=1119&w=799&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f&x=795&y=404","size3column":"load":"default","w":"62","h":"87","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1cB8GL.img?h=874&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f&x=795&y=404","size2column":"load":"default","w":"62","h":"87","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1cB8GL.img?h=874&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f&x=795&y=404")
![a sandwich cut in half on a plate: These MrBeast sandwiches, each named after the YouTube star and his friends, can now be ordered in Knoxville. The virtual restaurant's food is prepared at a local ghost kitchen.](https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/foodnews/charitable-youtube-star-mrbeast-is-selling-food-out-of-a-knoxville-ghost-kitchen/"default":"load":"default","w":"80","h":"25","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1cB2zm.img?h=248&w=799&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f","size3column":"load":"default","w":"62","h":"19","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1cB2zm.img?h=194&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f","size2column":"load":"default","w":"62","h":"19","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1cB2zm.img?h=194&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f")
![map: Knoxville can now use food delivery apps to order items from MrBeast Burger, a virtual restaurant started by philanthropic YouTube star MrBeast.](https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/foodnews/charitable-youtube-star-mrbeast-is-selling-food-out-of-a-knoxville-ghost-kitchen/"default":"load":"default","w":"80","h":"80","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1cAMu9.img?h=799&w=799&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f","size3column":"load":"default","w":"62","h":"62","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1cAMu9.img?h=624&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f","size2column":"load":"default","w":"62","h":"62","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1cAMu9.img?h=624&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f")
