Patel Adds Amoco Pumps to 321 Smoke Shop on Lamar Alexander Parkway
A new Amoco station opened this week at 1805 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy., the next step for an east Maryville convenience store that has been expanding steadily since opening in 2021. Owner Jay Patel said gas pumps were always part of the plan from the day his family acquired the property at auction in 2020. […]
Longtime Area Guitarist Opens East Tennessee Guitars in Louisville
A lifelong guitarist and guitar trader has brought a new shop to Louisville. David Thomas opened East Tennessee Guitars on April 1, offering pre-owned guitars at prices he says typically run $500 to $1,000 below Guitar Center retail. Thomas, a Louisville resident who spent 40 years as a salesman for a pump company before retiring, […]
The Grotto Fills a Specialty Houseplant Gap in Blount County
When Plant People Botanical Boutique closed its doors in March 2025, local plant enthusiasts were left without a dedicated shop close to home. Chelsea Foster noticed — and decided to do something about it. Foster opened The Grotto at 357 Sanderson St. in Alcoa on May 15, bringing a curated houseplant shop back to Blount […]
Tattoed Taco to Begin Construction This Summer on Broadway Ave.
James Tomiczek, the developer behind The Greenway Village near Gamble Avenue, is preparing to construct an elevated Mexican food restaurant concept at 205 W. Broadway Ave. in downtown Maryville. Tentatively named “Tattooed Taco,” the restaurant will have a price point aimed at an accessible middle ground in downtown dining. “It’ll probably be more than your […]
Summertime Sips to Bring Loaded Teas, Snacks to Foothills Mall July 1
Frankie Kelley has spent the past several months feeding his family and friends a lot of tea. It is, he said, part of the research and development process for Summertime Sips, his loaded tea and specialty beverage shop scheduled to open July 1 in Foothills Mall. “Everyone that comes over (to our house) gets a […]
