Reflecting on 2023 | New Businesses & Anniversaries
As Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee rings in the New Year, we're reflecting on the wonderful things 2023 brought. Read on to see some of the highlights worth celebrating, from new restaurants to retail stores plus businesses that celebrated milestone anniversaries.
If you missed any of these new businesses in the central business district, make sure you add them to your list to visit in 2024.
New Restaurants, Retail Shops & More!
🍹 STIR Knoxville was one of the most anticipated openings of the year! A restaurant and raw bar that has it all: lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner famous for their craft cocktails made with artisanal ice (yes, it makes a difference!), plus fresh oysters, and a scratch-kitchen that promises and delivers. Find STIR in the Old City.
✨ Daché Boutique is a women's clothing store on the 100 block of Gay Street. Owner Darrien Howard has created a mix of clothing for every woman and hopes to see grandmother, mother, and daughter all shopping together. In 2024, the store will focus on athleisure and lounge wear.
🍕 One of the more unique food spots was DiCarlo’s Pizza. Why unique, you say? Only the dough is baked for a really crispy crust, then topped with sweet tomato sauce, fresh cheese, and pepperoni after the bake!
🍤 Fred Beans & Rice is the kitchen concept of Knox Brew Hub, bringing Cajun-style food to Downtown Knoxville, like soppin' shrimp, po' boys, and more. All pairs perfectly with a locally-brewed beer.
🍔 SmashCity opened their very own space in the Old City serving up delicious smash burgers, mouth-watering chicken sandwiches, crispy hand-cut fries, and craveable house-made sauces. Definitely a burger to put on your list!
🛎️ Hotel Cleo is a boutique hotel located in the newly-renovated Hope Brothers Building on Gay Street. It's a stunning hotel with no two rooms the same! Spend an afternoon with cocktail in hand at the French brasserie inside, Lilou.
🏠 Church + Henley welcomed new residents to Downtown Knoxville with 237 apartments. The apartment building comes with great amenities like a co-working lounge, pool, gym, pet spa and grooming station.
Serving Downtown residents and visitors alike, Valley Medical offers primary and urgent care services on Gay Street. In need of a quick caffeinated soda, snack, or other convenient item? Ian’s Market is a convenience store on Gay Street to fill the need of visitors walking through downtown.
✨ That's not all! Two unique Downtown Knoxville businesses expanded this year as well: William & Wylie moved their custom menswear shop to a larger space on Jackson Avenue, and Knoxville Fine Violins expanded their location on Clinch Avenue.
Milestone Anniversaries
Many businesses celebrated important anniversaries, showing their commitment and success in Downtown Knoxville! Let's celebrate them!
5 Years (Opened in 2018)
Corks Wine & Spirits
Cruze Farm Ice Cream
Eddie’s Health Shoppe
Five Thirty Lounge
Kefi
Kilwins
Matt Robbs Biscuits
Old City Athletic Club
Old City MedSpa
Sheer Inspiration Pole Fitness
Status Serigraph
Tommy Trent’s
10 Years (Opened in 2013)
Earthbound Trading
Pretentious Glass
Stock & Barrel
Urban Outfitters
15 Years (Opened in 2008)
Café 4
French Market
Square Room
20 Years (Opened in 2003)
Bliss
Downtown Grill & Brewery
Market Square Farmers’ Market
Urban Bar and Corner Café
30 Years (Opened in 1993)
Earth to Old City
The Foundry on the Fair Site
35 Years (Opened in 1988)
Calhoun's on the River
35+ Years
Pete’s Coffee Shop (1986)
Art Market Gallery (1986)
Chesapeake’s Seafood House (1982)
Lunchbox (1981)
Bistro at the Bijou (1980)
50+ Years
YMCA (1929)
Tennessee Theatre (1928)
100+ Years
Union Ave Barber Shop (1916)
Bijou Theatre (1909)
OP Jenkins Furniture & Design (1907)
Thanks to all who made 2023 a little brighter. #LoveDowntownKnox