Knoxville will now get a taste of Italy, as a new Italian restaurant opens its doors downtown; the ribbon cutting and grand opening for Baggio’s Italian Restaurant took place Monday morning, with some patrons staying on for their first lunch service.

The new restaurant is at 124 South Second Street; it’s owned and operated by Baggio Querimi, who also operates the successful Luigi’s Italian Cafe in Des Moines.

His wife Maggie Qerimi is manager for the Knoxville location; she tells KNIA/KRLS News they want to bring Luigi’s atmosphere and its best entrees to town.

“Yes, absolutely; we’re trying to do pretty much the same recipe as there…because I think Knoxville needs that recipe as well, and it’s just a real Italian recipe,” Qerimi says.

Baggio’s is at the site of the former Red Rock Grill and Still; the Qerimis decided Knoxville was in need of a high-quality restaurant, and this was the ideal location to set up. They have spent the last few weeks renovating and preparing the building for its grand opening.