Local business owners Antonia Poland and Cynthia Wood are bringing their expert culinary skills to Cambridge Square later this fall with a new comfort and soul food concept they are calling Davis Wayne’s. Ms. Poland and Ms. Wood are co-owners of the Chattanooga dessert and catering company Dipped Fresh. Cambridge Square is a residential, retail, and commercial community located off I-75’s exit 11 in Ooltewah.
Ms. Poland and Ms. Wood have been active in the Chattanooga catering community for six years. Their clients range from individuals who need help with receptions and parties to large-scale events with hundreds of professionals in attendance. While Davis Wayne’s will serve as a stand-alone restaurant — a request the two chefs have been receiving for years from clients and event patrons — Ms. Poland and Ms. Wood will continue their catering operation.
"For years we have received requests to open a restaurant that would allow our catering customers to eat the food they love so much on a regular basis. We have had several opportunities to open a location over the past few years. We declined those offers because, just like our cooking, patience and timing were key factors in finding the right fit. We believe the integrity of Cambridge Square and the supportive nature of the developers and the other retailers in the community, make this location a perfect fit for the Davis Wayne's concept. We are committed to offering our clientele the best in fresh ingredients and a healthier approach to traditional favorites. Sharing our passion for quality and superior customer service is a privilege and an honor that we take very seriously."
Davis Wayne’s will be located in a ground floor space (formerly occupied by Ceniza) on the public square that offers table seating as well as traditional lunch counter accommodations. There will also be covered outdoor seating. Initially, the restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner, with tentative plans to begin serving breakfast once operations have been underway for several months.
“One of the many charms of the Ooltewah community is its balance of new and traditional concepts,” said Jim Cheney, marketing director for the development. “With Davis Wayne’s, Ms. Poland and Ms. Wood are bringing a little bit of both. Their take on traditional comfort and soul food offers the regional fare that southerners crave, while also offering a sophisticated commitment to fresh ingredients and healthy alternatives. We are extremely excited about this concept and think it will be a great addition to the already fantastic restaurant scene at Cambridge.”
Davis Wayne’s menu items will include Braised Chicken, Slow Cooked Pot Roast, Grilled Pork Chops, Turnip and Mustard Greens with Spinach and Smoked Turkey Tails, Fried Corn, Green Beans and Sweet Potatoes. Desserts include Pound Cake, Key Lime Pie, Cheese Cake and Chocolate Cake.