Written by Jessica Carlisle
Owners Mo Farrouki and Kinsey Holliday opened Primo’s Italian Restaurant on Hudson Dr. in Elizabethton in May 2007. With Mo growing up in Morocco and Spain, working in many restaurants and gaining knowledge of the business, he also found his love for cooking. Kinsey worked as a server while in nursing school and enjoyed the customer service aspect as well as meeting new people. Then worked as an RN for a few years until the opportunity came for them to open The Black Olive on E. Jackson Boulevard in Jonesborough in August 2014. She decided to work full time with her husband in following his dream instead.
“When you come to eat at The Black Olive, we want you to be treated like, and to feel like family. Just like the town of Elizabethton represents!”. That mission statement, as well as the delicious, authentic food, speedy and courteous service, and a warm atmosphere The Black Olive gives to their customers, earned them a 2020 Reader’s Choice award for Runner up, as Best Italian Restaurant in the Tri-Cities!
Mo and Kinsey have decided to close Primo’s, but not to worry, they will soon be opening a second Black Olive just a few doors down in the former Beef O’ Bradys location on Hudson Dr. in Elizabethton! The move brings a larger lounge area, including a bar, serving their fresh juice, no pre-made mixes, craft cocktails as well as a wide variety of craft beer on tap! Be sure not to forget about their occasional “Moroccan Night” with authentic Moroccan cuisine and belly dancers! Giving back to their community that they appreciate so much is very important to the owners. By sponsoring local youth sports teams and donating to local charities and school functions as often as they can.
The new Black Olive is projected to open its doors mid January. Mo and Kinsey are very excited for this opportunity to continue the journey of Mo’s dream, love of cooking and the restaurant business!
