Zoo Knoxville's new cafe, Asian Trek; image courtesy of Zoo Knoxville

Zoo Knoxville has a new dining option for visitors. The eatery sits in Asian Trek and offers great views of Gibbon Trails and Langur Landing. The Beastro Café is now open. The cafe features signature Asian-inspired menu items created by Executive Chef Richard Harris. The menu includes the Asian Burger, Vietnamese Chicken Salad, Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich, a variety of stir fry options, and a selection of grab-and-go sandwiches and salads.

With the opening of the Beastro, the zoo has expanded their commitment to sustainable operations and reducing plastic waste. They use reusable plates and cutlery in the dining area and offer more beverages in recyclable aluminum cans.

The opening of the Beastro completes the $18 million Boyd Family Asian Trek expansion and provides zoo guests the convenience of amenities on the east side of the park. Zoo Knoxville saw the need for expanded dining options. Attendance grows each year with a projection of welcoming more than 800,000 annual visitors by 2025. The Beastro is also an optional venue for private catered events after hours.

Zoo Knoxville is a nonprofit entity situated on 53 wooded acres just east of downtown Knoxville. Zoo Knoxville features exhibits of wild animals in natural habitats and is world renowned for its efforts in conservation and species survival. Zoo Knoxville is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Knoxville’s largest attraction, the zoo is open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Currently, the zoo is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Beginning Monday, May 25, the zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. For more information visit zooknoxville.org.