Aerospace MRO Giant StandardAero Taps New CEO for October Transition
StandardAero, the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based aerospace engine maintenance giant with a major facility in Maryville announced June 2 that Russell Ford is retiring as chief executive officer after 13 years leading the company. The company’s board of directors has appointed Paul McElhinney, currently a lead independent director, to succeed Ford as CEO effective Oct. 1. Ford […]
Alcoa’s First In-N-Out Burger Clears Planning Commission Hurdle
Alcoa’s first In-N-Out Burger has moved a step closer to reality. The Alcoa Municipal-Regional Planning Commission approved concept plans and a related subdivision plat for the restaurant development at Springbrook Farm June 18. A representative of In-N-Out Burger declined to comment on an anticipated construction schedule. The proposed restaurant would be located on Tesla Boulevard […]
The Possum Set to Bring Old-School Southern Cooking to Maryville This Summer
Jack Townsend wants The Possum to feel like “a pocket in time that doesn’t exist anywhere else.” The Maryville native and chef-owner is set to open his first restaurant this summer at 313 N. Houston St. The restaurant’s unlikely name traces back to a tattoo Townsend got around 2019 — a possum eating a slice […]
Just Love Coffee Cafe Owner Brings New Ideas to Walmart and Springbrook Farm Locations
A Long Island transplant who has called East Tennessee home for two decades has taken over Just Love Coffee Cafe’s two Alcoa locations — and she’s wasting no time putting her stamp on both. Lydia Donahue, who spent her career as a director of operations in the restaurant industry, acquired the Franck Street cafe and […]
National Car Wash Chain MOJO Relocates Headquarters to Alcoa
MOJO Car Wash, one of the nation’s largest express car wash platforms, has relocated its corporate headquarters from Dallas to Alcoa, establishing its home base at the 3205 Alcoa Hwy. Pure Magic Car Wash location. The move, completed in March, brings the company’s central operations to a market where it already has an established footprint. […]
Two Sisters Trading Company to Open July 1 at Foothills Mall
A new gift and home décor shop built on a decade of retail experience and a love of creative design is coming to Foothills Mall. Two Sisters Trading Co. is set to open July 1 next door to Bath & Body Works, the first brick-and-mortar venture for sibling co-owners Heather Raines and Wendy Giguere, who […]
Tatooed Taco to Begin Construction This Summer on Broadway Avenue
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 […]
Elite Suites to Open Unique Salon Concept at Foothills Mall in October
Elite Suites Salon Studios will open its first Blount County location at Foothills Mall in October, marking both the company’s third site and its first franchise location. Owner Kim Hennessy said the Maryville build-out will be the company’s largest yet, with more than 30 suites — outpacing the 28 at West Town Mall and 23 […]
Collectibles and More Relocates from Mall to Springbrook Farm
A sports card and collectibles shop that built a following at Foothills Mall has relocated to Alcoa’s fast-growing Springbrook Farm development, trading mall hours and rules for a community-focused storefront with room to grow. Collectibles and More, owned by Josh Elswick, 37, opened May 1 in the Shoppes at Springbrook Farm. His father, Chuck Elswick, […]
Little Arrow Base Camp to Host Grand Opening of New RV Park Concept in Townsend
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort will open a new RV park next month, expanding its Townsend footprint with a separate 38-site concept built around the property’s walkable surroundings. Little Arrow Base Camp, at 8429 Tennessee Highway 73, is set to open by July 1 on the former Hollow campground site, General Manager Allie Jackson said. The […]
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 […]
Women’s Pro Golf Tournament Coming to Green Meadows in August
Tour Vision Promotions and Green Meadow Country Club will host the Smoky Mountain Championship presented by Food City women’s golf tournament in Alcoa, Aug. 3-8. The Epson Tour is the official qualifying tour of the LPGA Tour, the world’s leading competitive destination for female professional golfers. Assistant Tournament Director Stan Norris said the tournament will […]
Maryville Martial Arts Studio Building Sold, Owner Vows No Interruption
Championship Martial Arts owner David Church said the business will remain open without interruption as staff look for their next home. The property, located at 1906 W. Broadway Ave., Maryville, was sold to Knoxville-based Tailwater Properties on March 26. Tailwater, which offers development, brokerage and real estate investment, has listed the building for lease. In […]
Leadership Blount Class of 2026 Graduates Celebrate Year-long Program Completion
Thirty-eight Blount County professionals completed Leadership Blount’s flagship program last week, capping a year of immersive community education and hands-on service projects that touched everything from suicide prevention to caregiver support to child advocacy. Founded in 1990 as a partnership between the Blount County Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Blount County, Leadership […]
Sandwich Shop, Bakery Bring Homemade Flavor to Foothills Mall
A Nashville-trained home cook with Sicilian roots has opened a scratch-made sandwich and artisan fudge shop to Foothills Mall. Tasha Florin and her husband Matthew opened Sandwiches and Stuff earlier this year, expanding what began as Fudge and Stuff Bakery, a vendor-event side business the couple operated at locations including the 407 Flea Market. When […]
Chroma Energy Completes 1.8-megawatt Solar Project in Maryville
Chroma Energy completed a 1.8-megawatt solar installation on Mint Road in Maryville in April. The project is a partnership with Silicon Ranch and supplies energy to the Maryville electrical grid. Operators say the new panels will help the Maryville Electric Department meet growing demand for electricity in the burgeoning county. The solar array located at […]
Blount County Family Revives Dormant Townsend Mini Golf Course
A Blount County family is putting the finishing touches on a revamped miniature golf course in Townsend, with plans to open Cades Cove Golf in time for the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games May 16-17. Tina and Jerry Simmerly, along with their sons Casey, 20, and Ryne, 24, have spent months renovating a course […]
A-Thai Food Truck Opens First Brick-and-Mortar Location in Maryville
A popular Thai food truck has planted roots in Blount County with its first permanent location. A-Thai opened May 1 at the Food Lion Shopping Center on Old Knoxville Highway in Maryville, occupying the space previously held by John Henry’s Soup Company. Owners Onnicha and David Dickens initially launched the business through catering in 2022 […]
Arconic Foundation Awards $625,999 to 20 East Tennessee Nonprofits
The Arconic Foundation has awarded $625,000 in grants to 20 East Tennessee nonprofit organizations, with a significant share of the funding directed to programs spanning education, environmental sustainability and human needs. Chad Birge, Arconic Tennessee Operations Director of Manufacturing, called the 2026 allocation “possibly the largest in the history of the location,” noting that all […]
Twisted Sister Juice Bar, Indoor Farmers Market Opens at Huts Location
Sisters Debra Dana and Amber McGraw reopened Twisted Sister Juice Bar and Indoor Farmers Market at the Huts Development on Highway 321 near Heritage Middle and High schools in February, where they offer healthy, organic juices, protein bowls, gelato and coffee. “We’re actually doing better here than we were doing before we left the store […]
Subs & Such Celebrates 43rd Birthday by Raising Money for Non Profit
Subs & Such will celebrate its 43rd year in business May 1 by challenging members of the community to help raise $43,000 to support Isaiah 117 House — a national nonprofit with a Blount County location that provides temporary shelter to foster children awaiting placement. In addition to donating 43 percent of the restaurant’s daily […]
Maryville Entrepreneur Launches Private Ground Transport Service
A Maryville entrepreneur has launched Blount County’s sixth ambulance service, filling a gap in non-emergency medical transport as the county’s population continues to grow. Jim Caughron, owner of CTS Ambulance Service, spent three years navigating state licensing requirements before receiving his permit from the Tennessee Department of Health. The company operates as a private ground […]
Commission Offers Free Real Estate Licensing Program for Students
Tennessee high school seniors can now launch a real estate career before graduation — at no cost. Now in its third year, the Tennessee Real Estate Commission’s High School Senior Real Estate Licensing Program is accepting applications for this free path to earning the base education required to sit for Tennessee’s real estate pre-licensing exam. […]
Chrisman to Open Slice & Tap Pizza Restaurant at Green Meadow Plaza
Collin Chrisman is preparing to open Slice & Tap Pizza at Louisville and Hunt roads in the Green Meadow Plaza this summer. “I’ve always wanted to get into business for myself,” Chrisman said. “It’s a great location and we know the area really well, but then I also just love pizza.” Although the previous tenant […]
Maryville College Computer Science Pioneer to Retire after 25 years
Dr. Barbara Johnson, the associate professor who built Maryville College’s Computer Science major from the ground up, will retire at the end of the 2025-26 academic year after more than two decades shaping the program and its students. Johnson joined the Maryville College faculty in 2001, shortly after earning her Ph.D. from the University of […]
Tyler Brothers Farm Equipment Earns Blue Diamond Blue Chip Status
Maryville-based Tyler Brothers Farm Equipment, Inc. has been named a Blue Diamond Attachments Blue Chip Dealer, the highest dealer tier in Blue Diamond’s program, and will now carry the company’s full lineup of attachments, parts and accessories, with a flagship focus on brush cutters. The Blue Chip Dealer Program is reserved for top-tier dealers and […]
Greenback Nutrition Soft Launches New Store in Old Museum Building
Longtime Greenback resident Michelle Williams soft-launched Greenback Nutrition on April 7 in the former Greenback Museum space between the Greenback Diner and the new museum location on Morganton Road. “I’m working with the owner of Southern Twist, Christi Kawa, to provide our community with more options for healthy food,” Williams said. For the past 18 […]
Maryville College Expands AI Summit to Businesses and Nonprofits
Maryville College is bringing its second regional AI summit to the Downtown Center May 12–13, expanding beyond last year’s focus on classroom applications to include business and nonprofit uses of artificial intelligence. The summit will gather professionals to discuss how AI is reshaping day-to-day work and its varied cultural and environmental implications, with sessions tied […]
Rustic Roots Kitchen Opening Across from Public Library, Greenway
Amy Fuentes and her husband, Bert, are working to renovate the former In and Out Pizza — later Rocky’s Jamaica Sunrise — building owned by George Ling on Cusick Street across from the Blount County Public Library to open Rustic Sunrise Restaurant this summer. “It’s going to be a full-service, homemade comfort food restaurant,” Fuentes […]
Navy Veteran Opens Back Nine Golf Franchise at Springbrook Farm
Local entrepreneur and recently retired U.S. Navy aviator Antonio Alemar is set to open his first Back Nine indoor golf facility next month in Springbrook Farm near Just Love Coffee Cafe. The Back Nine is an indoor golf simulator franchise that allows members to play golf year-round in a climate-controlled setting. The Alcoa location features […]
Mac’s Pharmacies Consolidates Lowe’s Drug Store, City Drugs
After almost 100 years of operation, Lowe’s Drug closed its East Broadway location last month to consolidate with City Drugs on Lamar Alexander Parkway. “There were a number of factors that came into play,” explained Mac’s Hometown Pharmacies CEO Morgan Hunnicutt. “One of the biggest factors was the battle against Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)” like […]
Rage Room Adds Franken Dogs Restaurant to Service Offering
Rocky Top Rage Room owners Brittany Willis and husband Tim Williamson expanded their Maryville business in February by opening Franken Dogs at 1811 W. Broadway Ave. Franken Dogs operates next door to the rage room and serves customizable hot dogs and specials, along with canned and bottled beverages. About 95% of the menu centers on […]
Maryville College Grad Earns Partner Role at LeConte Wealth
Maryville College graduate Alex Willard has been promoted to partner at Le Conte Wealth, where he will serve as director of Purpose-Built Planning and client advisor. “Alex has earned this through his passion for helping clients, embracing our team-first culture, and developing into a leader in both internal and community endeavors,” said Kevin Painter, managing […]
Ayoka Ranch to Open 10,000 Square Foot Venue Near Tail of the Dragon
After four years of planning and construction, Alyssa and Brendan Nickle will host their first event at Ayoka Ranch in April. The event center sits on 58 acres near the Tail of the Dragon and includes a 10,000-square-foot event barn, groom’s lounge, bridal suite and plans for 19 onsite rental cabins. “We’re wrapping up construction […]
Brumit Restaurant Group, Inc. to Open Arby’s Restaurant on US. 411
Multi-brand restaurant company Inspire Brands will open its 134th Arby’s store this month at 2107 U.S. Highway 411 South, near the Waffle House and where Secure Self Storage is under construction, according to District Manager Rebecca Clark. Clark said she is seeking management staff and that construction on the building should begin this month. The […]
Sellars Becomes Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Charles “Charlie” Sellars has been named superintendent of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park after more than a year as acting superintendent, park spokesperson Katie Liming announced in late February. Raised in Clyde, North Carolina, Sellars became acting superintendent in January 2025 after former superintendent Cassius Cash resigned to become CEO and president of the […]
Maryville College Launches Online Alumni Business Directory
Maryville College has launched a public-facing alumni business directory to promote Scot-to-Scot support after graduation. The free listing service offers alumni-owned businesses the opportunity to connect and display branding at their workplaces. “We’ve been working to make sure alumni are connected with students, connected with the Career Center to offer mentorship, internships, job opportunities and […]
Siemens Breaks Ground on Pellissippi Place Manufacturing Facility
Leading German multinational technology conglomerate Siemens AG has begun construction of an 82,000-square-foot medical device research, development and manufacturing facility at Pellissippi Place, according to Jeff Muir, communications director for the Blount Partnership. Construction is expected to take 18 months to complete. Founded in 1847, Siemens employs more than 318,000 people worldwide, but estimates for […]
Waylon’s Place Reopens in Townsend with New Management and Vision
Townsend family restaurant Waylon’s Place reopened March 1 under new general management, according to owners Keith and Shawna Freant. Missy Loveday has worked in the restaurant business for more than a decade and brings experience from Riverstone Family Restaurant, Good Vibes & More in Townsend, as well as several restaurants in Gulf Shores, Alabama. “I […]
2026 Tennessee vacation guide released
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development released the 2026 Vacation Guide heavily focused on Dolly Parton’s impact on the state’s tourism industry. The 150-page magazine, produced by Franklin-based Journal Communications, Inc., is distributed to an estimated 500,000 visitors annually and helps boost local tourism by serving as a how-to travel guide for visitors, said TDTD […]
Blount County School Board Approves Restroom Updates, Security Vestibule Construction
Restrooms in the Heritage High School commons area will be updated, and security vestibules will be constructed at seven county schools after the Blount County Board of Education approved funding for the projects. Planning for a new elementary school in Walland, however, was put on hold at the Feb. 5 meeting to allow board members […]
Rush Hemp Farms Moving Operations to NC
Rush Hemp Farms owner Ryan Rush said his business will relocate some of its operations to North Carolina this year. The move is a response to passage of House Bill 1376 and Senate Bill 1413 which became law January 1. The law bans the sale of products with high levels of THCa, THCp, and other […]
Cadform 3D prepares to open manufacturing location in Greenback
Greenback business owners William and April Lewellyn purchased the building at 6700 Morganton Rd. near the caution light where they are making improvements in preparation to move three dimensional printing operations for CADform 3D. “The majority of what we manufacture are industrial parts that companies cannot find on the market anymore,” April said. For example, […]
Wildflower Garden Center Preparing to Open Location in Rockford
Crews began working to open the Wildflower Garden Center on Old Knoxville Highway where Innovative Garden Center was located before moving to the Midland Plaza. “We’re going to open just after Spring because obviously the building has been sitting there for so long and nothing is really up to code,” said owner Amber Houser. While […]
Broadway Commercial Real Estate Upgrades Bring Three Additional Storefronts to Area
The former James Upholstry Building underwent extensive renovation and code compliance updates in December to create three storefronts across from the new Eagleton Baseball Fields on East Broadway. “Our objective is to attract tenants who will benefit from the enhanced facilities and contribute to this vibrant location,” said Pete Dedes, Commercial Realtor with The Real […]
Lamberts Open New Locations on Broadway
After suffering a major setback this year when the building where they launched both businesses was sold and began undergoing major renovations, Angela and Charlie Lambert moved both Southern Pies & Bake Shop Cafe and Flooring Solutions to their new location at 1116 and 1118 E. Broadway, Maryville. “We were already outgrowing our downtown space,” […]
Blaze Pizza Franchise Closes Alcoa location
Blaze Pizza closed its only Blount County location in December, with staff clearing equipment from the building as late as Dec. 30. The Hunters Crossing, Alcoa location opened in 2018. A statement issued by the company called the move “necessary” but did not go into detail on why the business closed its doors. The future […]
Broadway Commercial Real Estate upgrades bring three additional storefronts to area
The former James Upholstry Building underwent extensive renovation and code compliance updates in December to create three storefronts across from the new Eagleton Baseball Fields on East Broadway. “Our objective is to attract tenants who will benefit from the enhanced facilities and contribute to this vibrant location,” said Pete Dedes, Commercial Realtor with The Real […]
Allevia Technology buys Historic bank building
Longtime friends and business partners Stefan Wilson and Drew Miles purchased the historic Bank of Maryville building originally built in 1915 at the corner of Cusick and Broadway, Downtown Maryville. Allevia Technology began vacating two locations on East Broadway to establish its new headquarters in the bottom floor of the building in December. “I have […]
RT Lodge & Carriage House changes leadership
After more than 20 years as the General Manager of Oldham Hospitality’s RT Lodge, Gary Doyle passed the reins to Kelley Harris at the end of 2025. Doyle began his hospitality career at the first Ruby Tuesday restaurant opened in Knoxville in 1972. He became the innkeeper and manager at Blackberry Farm in 1980 […]
Lambert’s Open New Locations on Broadway
After suffering a major setback this year when the building where they launched both businesses was sold and began undergoing major renovations, Angela and Charlie Lambert moved both Southern Pies & Bake Shop Cafe and Flooring Solutions to their new location at 1116 and 1118 E. Broadway, Maryville. “We were already outgrowing our downtown space,” […]
