One of the things I love most about the city of Knoxville is that it’s a big city, but still has that small-town feel. Nowhere else can you feel the small-town vibe like you can in Knoxville’s local small businesses. While the city boasts plenty of well-known chains, it’s the small businesses that truly make Knoxville special.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, here’s your guide to some of the best small businesses in Knoxville that you can support:
For the Foodies
- The Tomato Head: A Knoxville favorite, The Tomato Head is a popular, laid-back eatery offering creative pizzas, sandwiches, and salads made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a vibrant, artistic atmosphere.
- Penne for Your Thoughts: Known for their Italian-American fusion menu, Penne offers an experience focused on delivering high quality food in a fun atmosphere with creative menu names!
- K Brew: For a coffee experience with a local touch, K Brew is a favorite for Knoxville’s coffee lovers. This cozy café offers locally roasted coffee, delicious bagels, and an inviting atmosphere. Whether you prefer a classic drip coffee or a specialty latte, K Brew serves up expertly brewed cups of Joe that are hard to beat.
- Richy Kreme Donuts Knoxville: This popular donut shop offers up a wide variety of donuts with a recipe that has been used since 1948!
- Sam and Andy’s: Sam and Andy’s features a relaxed, diner-like atmosphere with warehouse decor and a milkshake bar!
- Knox Dough: A place that combines rolled ice cream, edible cookie dough, and pizza cones into a mouthwatering experience! It’s the perfect treat for kids and adults alike.
- Ham’N Goodys Café and Bakery: Famous for their lemon cookies, they offer a ton of other cookie flavors as well as breakfast and lunch at various locations around Knoxville.
- Proper Popcorn: Gourmet small-batch popcorn hand-crafted right in Knoxville with over 50 flavors!
- Humble Hog: This barbecue restaurant is located in downtown Knoxville and offers a range of traditional barbecue as well as more fun items.
- Altruda’s: A traditional Italian restaurant that has been around for 28 years offering an intimate dining experience with a focus on homemade dishes.
For the Shoppers/Gift Givers
- Knoxville Soap and Candle Company: Known as a premier artisan gift shop, this shop specializes in locally handcrafted gifts and merchandise.
- Bradley’s Gift and Home:Knoxville Chocolate Co. offers delicious, hand-crafted sweets with a variety of Tennessee-themed designs and packaging. They also feature a selection of other Volunteer State-themed gifts.
- The Village Exchange: A lifestyle boutique with apparel for all ages, home décor, and gifts with a Tennessee theme too. Perfect place to find a baby shower gift!
- Southern Made: TN Southern Made (formerly Spoiled Rotten) offers an extensive collection of stylish and sophisticated boutique clothing and accessories.
- Happy Envelope: This design studio creates custom invitations and stationery for various occasions including weddings.
Flowers
- Flourish Flowers: Unique floral shop with a per-stem bouquet bar. You can create-your-own bouquet or have one of their designers create a custom order for you.
For the Kiddos
- Little Valley Play Café: This indoor café boasts a private party area for birthdays, an imagination play town and a soft play area designed for children ages 7 and under to enjoy.
- Liza Moz Pottery: A locally owned art studio offering ceramics painting, canvas painting, classes, and birthday parties!
- Smart Toys and Books: This toy store has a large selection that includes educational toys and also features a play area with a pirate ship.
For Pets
- River Dog Bakery: A pet boutique that sells food, toys, and treats including custom-made cakes. It also includes a self-service dog spa.
Knoxville’s small businesses are part of what gives the city its unique charm and sense of community. From cool shops to local eats, supporting these places helps keep Knoxville’s vibe alive! So the next time you’re out and about, check out what these spots have to offer. Still want to support local but not sure when you can make it to some of the above mentioned places? You still can! Leave a review on Google, share on social media, or set up a spirit night with your local school or workplace just to name a few ways to show your support.
This list isn’t complete, so if we have missed one of your local favorites, make sure to let us know so we can add it!
