Businesses See Variety Of Changes
BY AMY ROSE | STAFF WRITER
The past year saw many changes for local businesses, from relocations and expansions to closures and new ownerships.
The Greeneville Commons shopping center got a new owner in 2025.
An affiliate of Hackney Real Estate Partners purchased the 224,139-square-foot shopping center from Brixmor for $26 million. Matthews, a commercial real estate investment firm based in Nashville, announced the sale in September.
The Richmond, Virginia-based buyer worked with Matthews, a news release stated.
The Commons opened in 1990 and is now home to restaurants, businesses and several national retailers including Marshalls, Hobby Lobby, and Tractor Supply Company.
The shopping center with access from both Tusculum Boulevard and Andrew Johnson Highway was previously owned by New York-based Brixmor, which owns and operates approximately 360 retail centers across the country.
The property has experienced significant momentum since 2019, with the recent addition of 11 new tenants totaling 129,223 square feet, further strengthening its appeal and consumer draw. The center is currently over 90 percent leased to national retailers, providing investors with long-term stability and performance, the press release noted.
Anchors such as Ross, Hobby Lobby, Five Below, and Marshalls headline the center, supported by a mix of national tenants including Bath & Body Works, Workout Anytime, Xfinity, GNC, and Rack Room Shoes, the press release added.
The buyer identified Greeneville Commons as an excellent fit for its fund and a strategic long-term investment within a growing Tennessee market. With a strategy centered on sustained growth, Hackney Real Estate Partners aims to further solidify Greeneville Commons as a premier retail hub, according to the press release.
BIG LOTS REOPENS
Across Andrew Johnson Highway from The Commons, Big Lots reopened in May after months of restructuring and much anticipation about the discount retailer’s future.
Variety Wholesalers, the company that acquired 219 Big Lots stores in several states, shared a list of Tennessee stores and their reopening dates in April.
The list showed Greeneville was among six Tennessee stores to reopen May 15.
Variety Wholesalers, based in Henderson, North Carolina, reopened stores in four rounds: April 10, May 1, May 15 and June 5.
Greeneville’s Big Lots store started a going-out-of-business sale Dec. 19, 2024, but a week later the struggling discount retailer announced changes that would result in some stores staying open.
Big Lots announced Dec. 27, 2024, it would be sold to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, and Variety Wholesalers Inc. planned to acquire 200-400 Big Lots stores and keep them open under the Big Lots brand name.
The announcement came after Big Lots filed bankruptcy in September 2024, failed to sell to a private equity firm, and started going-out-ofbusiness sales at all stores.
Then Gordon Brothers began announcing lists of hundreds of stores that would have their leases sold, meaning they would not remain as a Big Lots. Greeneville was not on those lists.
On Feb. 3, the Greeneville store showed up on a list filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of Delaware by attorneys for Big Lots.
This list showed 200 stores in 15 states, including Greeneville, slated to have their leases transferred to Variety Wholesalers, Inc., meaning they would remain open under the Big Lots brand.
Big Lots has been located at 1475 E. Andrew Johnson Highway for decades and completed a store remodel and grand re-opening in 2013.
Just right up the highway from Big Lots, Tommie’s Plumbing moved into 1665 E. Andrew Johnson Highway, relocating from its Bandy Road location. The new location is in the former Badcock furniture building next to Sav-Mor Foods grocery store.
Walking distance from the new Tommie’s Plumbing location, Kentucky Fried Chicken closed and relocated to a new building two miles east on the highway.
The relocation was practically seamless in October.
It’s worth noting that the previous KFC location does not sit on a sink hole as previously reported after a conversation with an employee.
Greeneville Tattoo Co. also relocated along East Andrew Johnson Highway. The new, more spacious location with a level parking lot is at 2024 E. Andrew Johnson Highway.
The business’s former location at 2565 E. Andrew Johnson Highway is now occupied by Greeneville Gold Rush.
American Greetings Adds Jobs
In January, American Greetings announced plans to add more than 100 jobs at its local manuacturing facility in 2026.
A statement from the company’s Corporate Communications said, “Following the acquisition of new gift wrap equipment, American Greetings plans to expand our local workforce by more than 100 jobs at the Greeneville facility in 2026.”
The new positions include press operators, machine operators, power truck operators, and maintenance roles, the statement said.
American Greetings’ local facility at 101 American Road, Afton, produces primarily printed wrapping paper and ribbon.
A young Rheatown native purchased the country store in his community, remodeled the building, and has continued its deli and popular Saturday night bluegrass sessions.
Eighteen-year-old Avery Armstrong held a daylong grand opening celebration Oct. 28 at Rheatown Country Store & Deli.
Rheatown Store is located 345 Rheatown Road, not far from the road’s intersection with East Andrew Johnson Highway.
Cuz’s Drive Thru in Baileyton
reopened in January under new management. The restaurant is located at 535 Van Hill Road.
In downtown Greeneville, the historic Palace Barber Shop reopened with multiple barbers after being closed for a few months when the previous barber retired.
The barber shop, is located at 209 W. Summer St. Journey Physical Therapy & Balance Center expanded by opening a second location, a new 3,200-squarefoot facility at 3000 Monarch Pointe, adjacent to its current facility.
The Greene County Partnership held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 15 for the location that provides several new services, including: speech therapy, occupational therapy, and pre- and postpartum pelvic floor recovery.
Q Care Medical relocated in October from East Andrew Johnson Highway to 1001 Tusculum Blvd., next to Casa Express Italian Restaurant. Vigor Medical is moving into the former location of Q Care Medical.
At least three local businesses adjusted their format, opting to leave their storefronts for mobile formats. Brumley’s Expressions boutique on the Asheville Highway and Westown Florist on West Main Street switched to online shops.
The Greeneville Graze charcuterie business on Depot Street left their brick-and-mortar location to operate from a food truck.
NOTABLE CLOSINGS
Unfortunately, at least three wellknown businesses closed in the past year.
Baileyton Antique Mall & General Mercantile announced on Facebook in December, “This place was never just antiques—it was community. Every piece held a memory and every visit meant the world to us. As this month ends, our doors will close. Thank you to all our vendors and customers for being part of our story.”
The Food Country USA grocery store in Mosheim closed in October.
The store at 6766 W. Andrew Johnson Highway had been open in Mosheim for more than 25 years.
At the time of Mosheim’s closing, the regional chain, based in Abingdon, Virginia, had eight additional stores — one Tennessee location in Mountain City, and seven stores throughout Southwest Virginia.
A recent search of the grocer’s website shows just four remaining locations, all in Virginia — Abingdon Fort Chiswell, New Castle, and Saltville.
And most recently, the GameStop store in Morgan Pointe shopping center closed Jan. 8. The video game retailer has been closing locations nationwide reportedly in an ongoing effort to reduce costs and adapt to changes in shopping habits.
Other businesses saw changes in Greeneville and Greene County in the past year — too many to name here.
For more information on business changes, see my Business Bits column, published as needed in Thursday’s edition or online at www. greenevillesun.com/business.
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Avery Armstrong reopened Rheatown Store. SUN FILE PHOTO
Big Lots reopened in 2025. SUN FILE PHOTO
The Greeneville Commons got a new owner in 2025.
SUN PHOTO BY AMY ROSE
Kentucky Fried Chicken moved to a new building in 2025.
year.
Many New Businesses Opened This Year
BY AMY ROSE | STAFF WRITER
From restaurants to pet salons, a number of local businesses opened in Greeneville and Greene County in the past year.
Some of the new businesses have unique business models.
They include Echo Station, a pour-your-ownbeer venue with board games, live music, and other fun events.
Play Town on the Baileyton Highway offers a place for families with young children to gather for a variety of interactive programs.
Collaborative Entertainment Collective on Village Drive offers services to support entertainment and the performing arts.
Other new businesses of note include: pet specialties at Play ’N Stay, Barky Barbers, and Furr-Ever In Style; Corner Garage Bar at the intersection of College and Church streets, Cowboy Collective boutique on Tusculum Boulevard, Green Market and Deli in the Glendale Community, Greeneville & Co. Real Estate, Pizza Hut with a drive-thru, Wire & Wood acoustic coffeehouse near Mosheim, and Wootermae’s restaurant on Village Drive.
A number of new businesses had ribbon-cutting ceremonies conducted by the Greene County Partnership.
They include: Agape Oasis kennels and grooming, Azalea Orthodontics, Beck’s Bodywork massage therapy, Carter’s Corner restaurant, Double B Creations beverage truck, East Tennessee Safe & Door Dr., Heavenly Natural herbal shop, Little Lou’s Creamery, Petros food truck, Rebel Fork Kitchen, The Sewing Bee, Thread the Needle Stitchery, Triple Crown Equipment, Both a groundbreaking ceremony and ribboncutting were held for the new facility of Troyer Post Buildings, a family founded post-frame construction company, at 5950 West Andrew Johnson Highway.
Other new businesses opened in Greeneville and Greene County in the past year — too many to name here.
In addition to new businesses that opened in the past year, several new businesses have announced plans to open soon.
They include: the Eternal Water bottling facility at the former Greene Valley Developmental Center site, Holiday Inn Express on West Andrew Johnson Highway near Aubrey’s restaurant, a Wing Stop restaurant on East Andrew Johnson Highway near the intersection with the Erwin Highway, and a Dutch Bros drive-thru coffee business in the parking lot of Lowe’s Home Improvement.
For more information on new businesses, see my Business Bits column, published as needed in Thursday’s edition or online at www. greenevillesun.com/business .
For a list of local businesses, visit the Greene County Partnership’s website at www. greenecountypartnership.com.
Greene County Partnership Has Eventful Year
BY AMY ROSE | STAFF WRITER
The Greene County Partnership was named Destination Marketing Organization of the Year in its division by the Tennessee Department of Tourism and Development in 2025.
The award was presented in September during the Stars of the Industry Awards Ceremony held in Kingsport.
Kendra Hopson, general manager, said the Partnership could not be happier to accept the award.
“Everyone on staff has worked incredibly hard this year to put on some of the biggest and best events we’ve ever held, and our marketing is at a high level. We also appreciate the trust our elected officials have in us to effectively market Greeneville and Greene County,” Hopson said.
The Greene County Partnership is responsible for tourism, economic development, workforce development, Keep Greene Beautiful, adult and youth leadership programs, youth council, young professionals, manufacturing council, sports council and the agribusiness committee.
Some of the notable recent tourism projects of the GCP include the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Iris Festival, Dueling Pianos, Downtown Brewfest, Bike Ride Across Greene County, Depot Street Party, Firefly Festival, Wings & Wheels, Antique & Appraisal Fair, and the NAIA Beach Volleyball Tournament.
According to Tennessee’s Department of Tourism Development, visitor spending in Greene County reduced each household’s tax burden by $370 in 2024.
Notable new events in 2025 included the Hay Bale Trail, Iris Festival Pop-Up Art Show & Sale, and Lyrics in the Fall, Ya’ll in conjunction with Main Street: Greeneville.
Other events organized by GCP include June Dairy Days, Shop Small Saturday Scavenger Hunt, and the Greeneville Christmas Parade in conjunction with the Exchange Club of Greeneville.
The GCP is financially supported by local
municipalities, Greene County, private companies, grant funding, public organizations, and individuals, according to Jeff Taylor, GCP president and CEO,
Commercial investment by GCP in 2025 totaled $115.7 million, Taylor said, including $53.7 in Greeneville, $13.7 in Greene County, $2.4 million in Mosheim, and $45.9 in Tusculum, where a multi-use development is being completed on the former campus of Greene Valley Development Center.
The Partnership gained four new staff members in the past year, half of its team of employees.
Amy Weems succeeded Barb Sell, who retired in 2025 as director of member services.
Amee Fillers was named director of tourism and visitor services after Molly Boyd got married and relocated.
Other additions were Amanda Waddell, director of grants and strategic initiatives, and Aaron Ball, working part time in events and marketing.
The Partnership held its Annual Gala in April at the General Morgan Inn, celebrating the
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A Petros food truck was among the new businesses operating in Greeneville this
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A Pizza Hut with a drive-thru opened on East Andrew Johnson Highway.
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN Shown, from left, at the Stars of the Industry Awards Ceremony in Kingsport are: Mark Ezell, Tennessee commissioner of tourism development, and Ashlyn Wilson, Kendra Hopson, JB Miller, Amee Fillers and Jeff Taylor of the Greene County Partnership.
Landscape Being Transformed At Former Greene Valley Site
BY KEN LITTLE | STAFF WRITER
The former Greene Valley Developmental Center in Tusculum is undergoing a transformation that should benefit the community for generations to come.
Just as the former developmental center, which closed in 2017, provided jobs to many Greene Countians, two state projects on land along East Andrew Johnson Highway will also add to local employment rolls.
Another tract of former stateowned undeveloped property off Edens Road will soon house the Greene County Health Department and a water bottling business, with plans to eventually expand to include other commercial enterprises.
Demolition of former developmental center buildings continued in 2025 to make way for the two projects along East Andrew Johnson Highway.
The state-owned land will house a state Department of Disabilities and Aging East Tennessee regional complex, and a Tennessee College of Applied Technology satellite campus.
The state is investing nearly $100 million in the two projects, including $60 million toward the DDA regional complex and more than $30 million at the TCAT campus, officials have said.
The TCAT satellite campus and DDA complex are both scheduled to open in 2026.
DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES AND AGING
The new DDA buildings and an open courtyard area will encompass about 17 acres and 82,000 square feet. Construction is budgeted at $43.5 million for the project. It is funded in part by federal dollars, according to officials.
DDA East Tennessee Regional Office Director Terry Jordan-Henley said at a groundbreaking ceremony last year that the new campus “is basically the future of the department.”
The Department of Disability and Aging will serve Tennesseans with disabilities and seniors.
Jordan-Henley noted that the facility would support Tennesseans of all ages and would reflect the mission of the state department.
“We want a campus that is completely inclusive, and that allows people with disabilities to navigate and work within the campus with no barriers,” he said.
Jordan-Henley said the facility would include an “enabling technology demonstration home” in addition to a new seating and positioning clinic.
He added that the regional DDA complex would employ people in numerous categories and programs. They include licensure and quality assurance, East Tennessee Community Homes and Strong Homes, the Katie Beckett program, the Tennessee Early Intervention System, intake and case management, operations, administrative services, plans review, therapeutic services, regional nursing, behavioral analysis, clinical supports and maintenance.
The DDA project will include an administrative building, seating and positioning clinic, an “enabling technology home” and a warehousemaintenance building surrounding an open courtyard.
The administrative building will include a conference room that could be used for some community-related events, Ned Stacy, architect and project manager, told the Tusculum Board of Mayor and Commissioners last year.
“I’m just so excited about this
project. It’s been a long time coming,” said Stacy, of the Thompson & Litton architectural firm.
“A lot of money is going to be spent out there and we are trying to make everybody proud,” he said.
Tennessee DDA Commissioner Brad Turner added that the regional facility aligns with the department’s move away from institutionalization.
“This is about freedom. This is about independence. This is about creating a new department and a new beginning,” he said. “I think when people start seeing the construction happening it’s actually symbolic of a new beginning that has independence, and freedom and the ability to live in the community at the forefront of what we want to do.
“The American dream doesn’t have an expiration date, nor does it have a litmus test on age or ability. It should be accessible to everybody, and these buildings, these ideas, these visions and these missions that we have are all represented in the culture of Greene County and east Tennessee as a whole,” Turner added.
Building construction is now underway “and will continue to summer/fall 2026 for a proposed opening date,” Stacy said.
TENNESSEE COLLEGE OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGY
Across the former Greene Valley entrance driveway from the Department of Disability and Aging facility, a Tennessee College of Applied Technology satellite campus is under construction.
The 55,000-square-foot building will be located near the former Greene Valley entrance on U.S. 11E and encompass about 14 acres. The projected completion date is February 2026.
Suzanne Cox, president of TCAT Morristown, which will oversee the new campus in Tusculum, recently said officials worked closely with John Fisher, of Fisher and Associates, in designing the campus.
“It’s a state-of-the-art facility”, Cox said. “We’re so excited to see it rise to life.”
Phase One of the project, “abatement and demolition of the existing cottages, began in November (2024). The project is currently on time for the 2026 completion,” Chris Edmonds, Industry, CTE, and Grants Coordinator for the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Morristown, said in early 2025.
The new TCAT satellite campus will offer graduating high school students from Greene County the opportunity to pursue their studies locally.
“There’s just a lot of options for kids after high school. It keeps the kids closer to home,” Fisher told the Tusculum Planning Commission in 2024.
The building design includes areas dedicated to specific areas of study, including practical nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, cosmetology, computer integration technologies, welding, machine tools, HVAC, industrial maintenance and industrial electricity
It will also include an administrative wing and multipurpose rooms that could be used by the public for lectures and similar activities, Fisher said.
The one-story building is designed for possible future expansion.
“This would allow for a lot of expansion. That’s why it’s recommended for 14 acres,” Fisher said.
UNDEVELOPED PROPERTY
Development plans are also proceeding on a 336-acre tract of
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Site development work continued in late 2024 by contractors at the former Greene Valley Developmental Center site off East Andrew Johnson Highway in Tusculum for a state Department of Disabilities and Aging East Tennessee regional complex. The facility is scheduled to be completed in 2026.
This rendering provided by architecture firm Thompson & Litton shows the new Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging regional office complex to be constructed on the former Greene Valley Developmental Center property. The complex, to be located on land previously occupied by the former developmental center administration building, is scheduled to open in 2026.
undeveloped land south of Edens Road that was part of the Greene Valley property.
The Tusculum-Greeneville-Greene County Industrial Development Board gained title from the state to the undeveloped tract of property in 2024.
An MX-2 Mixed Use District rezoning measure was approved for the land in September 2024 by the Tusculum Board of Mayor and Commissioners that specifies the development “of a wide range of business and light/medium industrial uses for the purposes of creating clean economic development and to promote high-paying job growth,” according to ordinance provisions.
Infrastructure like water and electrical service must be installed on most of the property before it is developed.
One section of the property along Edens Road that has infrastructure in place will soon be the site of the new 12,000-square-foot Greene County Health Department building.
Another nearby property will soon be the home of Eternal Water, a spring water bottling company.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new health department building was held in January.
The state is providing $5 million in federal grant funding for the construction of the new health department facility, and Greene County is providing a $1 million funding match.
An additional $1.5 million grant will fund the construction of a multimedia and broadband-connected community education center that will also be a part of the new health department location.
Officials said the facility is expected to include more than 10 exam rooms, multiple dental rooms, a telemedicine center and a demonstration kitchen.
Benefield Richters, an architecture firm out of Knoxville, designed and is overseeing the project.
Construction of the facility must be completed by June 2026 due to requirements involved with the grant funding being used for the project.
State Health Commissioner Dr. Ralph Alvarado attended the groundbreaking and complimented Greene County’s leadership in pursuing the grant, which included federal paperwork and audits. He said local leadership seized the opportunity.
“You get to reap the benefits of
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Alan Corley, Tusculum mayor and a member of the city planning commission, explains a conceptual business park master plan that could be applied to 336 acres of undeveloped former Greene Valley Developmental Center property during a Planning Commission public hearing on rezoning the land in August.
a new facility, which is going to be exciting,” Alvarado said.
The existing health department building is 52 years old.
The Greene County Health Department will have Eternal Water as a neighbor.
Jennifer Salyer, project manager and a landscape architect with Barge Design Solutions, the Kingsport firm working with Eternal Water, recently explained details included in a landscape plan to members of the Tusculum Planning Commission.
The proposed Eternal Water building covers 130,000 square feet, including 6,000 square feet of office space.
The site will include 14 truck docks and a dedicated truck entrance for safety purposes, Salyer said.
Evergreens, other trees and additional vegetation will provide a visual buffer and “overall aesthetic” to the property, which borders the Tusculum Linear Trail, she said.
Part of the property borders McAfee Road, which would need some improvements to accommodate the facility, Salyer said.
The Greeneville Water Commission would provide water service to the business.
Roger Stokely, the plant manager at the company’s Newport-based facility, said in early March the company hoped to have the plant in operation sometime in the first quarter of 2026. Eternal Water announced plans last year to draw spring water for the bottling operation from Hampton Spring, which flows into Middle Creek in Afton before emptying into the Nolichucky River.
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
to foster non-partisan dialogue on issues of state importance.
successes of the past year with more than 200 chamber members and community leaders in attendance.
The GCP Large Business of the Year is GEA Connect, recognizing its work expanding broadband access and affordability throughout Greeneville and Greene County. GEA President and CEO Dwayne Wells accepted the award.
The GCP Small Business of the Year is WGRV-Radio Greeneville, recognizing its efforts to keep citizens informed during the crisis of Hurricane Helene. Ron Metcalfe, president and general manager of Radio Greeneville, accepted the award.
The GCP Ambassador of the Year is Scott Swift, recognizing outstanding support of the chamber and its members.
The GCP Volunteer of the Year is AIDNET, an emergency aid task force that was formed after the flooding of August 2001 and reactivated after tornadoes in 2011 and in 2024 in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Board members Jeff Idell and Wendy Peay accepted the award.
In other recognition in 2025, Taylor and Hopson were named to leadership classes at the state level.
Taylor was named to Leadership Tennessee’s 2025–26 Signature Program Class XII.
Thirteen Tennessee counties are represented in the 12th class of the program, a collective with a mission
Over the course of 10 months, the cohort visits all corners of the state, analyzing challenges that Tennessee faces, and works together to identify the best solutions and opportunities.
The group was selected by an anonymous selection committee based on the following criteria: leadership experience, a history of addressing statewide issues in both a personal and professional capacity, and a strong understanding of what challenges Tennessee faces today.
Hopson was named to the 12th class of the Leadership Tennessee NEXT program.
A total of 32 individuals were chosen for Leadership Tennessee NEXT, representing 14 Tennessee counties.
During each class session, members engage with those from the Signature Program, learn about issues and opportunities specific to Tennessee, and engage in personal skill development.
Candidates are selected by an anonymous selection committee and evaluated based on the following criteria: professionals who excel in their fields, are engaged in service to their various communities and are dedicated to improving the lives of Tennesseans.
Greeneville and Greene County was recognized by Site Selection Magazine as one of three top micropolitans in Tennessee and tied for 40th in the U.S. for 2024 for the second
consecutive year, due to the level of investment and the continued investment in infrastructure, Taylor noted,
Site Selection Magazine is a 70-yearold magazine that has awarded communities since 1988, based on new and expanded corporate facilities as tracked by the proprietary Conway Projects Database. These designations are regarded by corporate real estate
and site selectors as “THE industry scoreboard,” he explained.
This recognition validates the commitment of local industries to remain in the community, but also contributes to the ability of local government to maintain lower tax rates for resident, Taylor said.
For more information on the Greene County Partnership, visit www. greenecountypartnership.com .
John McInturff,III President ChadMitchel Greg Hauk
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PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Greene County Partnership staff show support for the USA Olympic Team in a photo in February. From left are: Amanda Waddell, Jeff Taylor, Ashlyn Wilson, Jessie Beth Miller, Kendra Hopson, and Aaron Ball.
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The Greene County Partnership office on Academy Street is decorated for the 30th anniversary of the Iris Festival.
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A crowd is shown at the Iris Festival.
PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN Cars gather for display at the Wings & Wheels event.
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The Hay Bale Trail was a new Greene County Partnership event. This entry was created by the Beta Club at West Greene Middle School.
Greeneville Gets Several New Businesses
BY AMY ROSE | STAFF WRITER
Greeneville finally got a Texas Roadhouse, a book store, along with several other commercial developments and unique businesses in the past year.
Iris Books & Coffee opened in September at 702 W. Main St.
A grand opening event was attended by a large crowd.
The business specializes in used books for all ages and also sells coffee, tea and pastries.
For more information, visit “Iris Books and Coffee” on Facebook.
Texas Roadhouse, along with a new Panda Express, were the first tenants to open in the Shops At Greeneville development on East Andrew Johnson Highway, near Walmart.
Texas Roadhouse is a full-service, casual dining restaurant and bar known for its hand-cut steaks, unlimited fresh buttery rolls, and peanuts, along with ribs, chicken, salads, hamburgers and vegetables.
Texas Roadhouse opened in November, followed by Panda Express in January.
The site plan for Texas Roadhouse, approved by the city in October 2023, showed construction of an approximately 9,000-square-foot restaurant with 221 parking spaces on a roughly 3-acre lot.
For some local residents, the new restaurant is extremely longawaited because they may remember previous plans for a Texas Roadhouse 23 years ago at a nearby site.
The previous developer’s plans fell through due to high excavation costs, and the much anticipated new Texas Roadhouse has been very busy since its opening.
Panda Express also has been busy since opening.
The fast-casual American Chinese restaurant is in a 2,600-square-foot building with indoor seating and a two-lane drive-thru.
For more information on the first two tenants of the Shops At Greeneville, visit www. texasroadhouse.com and www. pandaexpress.com .
Downtown Greeneville got two new unique businesses — a candy shop and an outdoor beer garden.
The Gentry opened in March 2024 featuring “The Tap Shack” with several craft beers and four igloos that can be rented for meeting space, relaxation or other get-togethers.
Other features of The Gentry include a large television screen, fire pits, cornhole boards, outdoor seating and tables, a stage and a restroom trailer.
The Gentry is located at 119 W. Depot St.
For more information, visit “The Gentry” on Facebook.
The new downtown candy shop, Sweeter Than Sweet Candy Company opened in October at 105 N. Main St., a retail space of the General Morgan Inn.
Sweeter Than Sweet carries a wide variety of candies, from lollipops and jelly beans to chocolates and taffy, just to name a few. They also carry Made In Tennessee products and a large selection of sweet drinks.
The candy shop is an independent franchise of the Sweeter Than Sweet Candy Company formed in 2019 in Morristown.
For more information, visit “Sweeter than Sweet Candy Co.- Greeneville TN” on Facebook and Instagram.
Another new business with “Sweet” in its name is Sweet’s Sports Tavern
The sports bar at 805 Tusculum Blvd. opened in January and has been busy with live music, watch parties, trivia, karaoke, billiards and more.
The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, wings and appetizers.
For more information, visit “Sweet’s Sports Tavern” on Facebook or “Sweet’s Sports Tavern & Eatery” on Instagram.
Another unique new business is The Factory Adventure, located in a former warehouse space at 400 W. Church St. near Highland Elementary School.
The family friendly venue opened June 29 and features a gaming area, stage, laser tag arena, party rooms, playground, escape rooms and more.
For more information, visit the website at www.thefactoryadventure. com or the Facebook page, “The Factory Adventure.”
Coffee-related businesses were popular, including 7 Brew, The Brew Spot and the embattled Scooter’s Coffee.
The drive-thru Scooter’s at 1595 E. Andrew Johnson Highway is located on the site where Long John Silvers was demolished in 2022.
Following delays, Scooter’s opened in June, but closed unexpectedly after just a few months in operation.
A new franchisee is expected to reopen the Scooter’s location, but a date has not been announced.
For more information, visit www. scooterscoffee.com .
7 Brew opened in May and has been busy at the corner of East Andrew Johnson Highway and North Rufe Taylor Road.
The drive-thru offers more than 20,000 unique drink combinations, from the original Blondie, a caramel and vanilla breve, to 7 Energy, smoothies, shakes and teas.
The business kicked of its local presence by donating thousands of drinks to local groups, offering free T-shirts to qualifying customers, and writing friendly messages on customers’ cars.
For more information, visit www.7brew.com and follow 7 Brew on Instagram (@7brewcoffee), TikTok (@7brewcoffee), Facebook (facebook. com/7brewcoffee) and Twitter (@7BrewCoffee).
The Brew Spot opened in December between Bealls and Workout Anytime in The Greeneville Commons.
In addition to barista coffee, the business serves whips and iced drinks, energy teas, fruit bowls, sandwiches and more.
For more information, visit www. thebrewspotcoffee.com or download the “Brew Spot Coffee” app. Gyros Subs and More opened in January in the former location of Central Park, 1365 E. Andrew Johnson Highway
The menu includes authentic gyros, burgers, subs, wings, salads, seafood and more.
Hometown Marketplace opened in
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Iris Books & Coffee had a busy grand opening.
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Greeneville finally got a Texas Roadhouse in 2024.
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Panda Express opened next to Texas Roadhouse.
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July in the former Fatz Cafe building, 3140 E. Andrew Johnson Highway.
The new market, deli and bakery features hot foods for takeout, soft pretzels and deli meats, along with pre-packaged fresh-cut salads, homemade soups, homemade desserts, and more. Customers can pick up hot food to go or shop farmers market style for prepackaged foods.
For more information, search for “Hometown Marketplace” on Facebook under the category of Food & Drink. Infinity Jewelers opened in October offering expert craftsmanship in estate jewelry and unique, one-of-akind pieces.
Led by a master jeweler, the business at 1604 E. Andrew Johnson Highway specializes in custom designs, repairs and personalized service.
For more information, visit “Infinity Jewelers” on Facebook.
The Clearance Corner, a business venture of Roberts Furniture, opened in July in Towne Square Shopping Center.
The Clearance Corner, 239 W. Summer St., offers a variety of furniture and accessories at bargain prices.
For more information, visit www. robertsfurnitureonline.com . And finally, Greeneville got its third Dollar Tree location in August in East Gate Shopping Center.
Other businesses opened in Greeneville and Greene County in the past year — too many to name here.
For more information on new businesses, see my Business Bits column, published as needed in Thursday’s edition or online at www. greenevillesun.com/business .
Another place to find more information on new local businesses is the Greene County Partnership’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ GreeneCountyPartnership .
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The Gentry beer garden opened on Depot Street.
Sweeter Than Sweet candy shop opened downtown.
SUN FILE PHOTO Infinity Jewelers opened in a former bank building.
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Hometown Marketplace opened in the former Fatz Cafe building. SUN FILE PHOTO
The Factory Adventure opened in June.
Andrew Johnson Bank, Triangle Press
Mark 50-Year Milestones
BY AMY ROSE | STAFF WRITER
Andrew Johnson Bank and Triangle Press marked 50-year milestones in 2025.
The bank received a State of Tennessee proclamation from State Rep. David Hawk in celebration of its 50th anniversary.
The proclamation recognized Andrew Johnson Bank’s longstanding commitment to local families, businesses and community initiatives, according to a press release from the bank.
Hawk presented the proclamation in a special ceremony during a companywide anniversary celebration, highlighting the bank’s role in supporting economic growth, local organizations, and charitable causes.
Hawk noted that the bank has flourished, growing from a modest institution with $10 million in assets and a single location to a bank with assets in excess of $600 million and eight locations in five cities.
Hawk also noted that the bank stands as a full service commercial and consumer bank with approximately 100 dedicated employees.
Andrew Johnson Bank’s leadership team expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“Receiving this proclamation from Representative Hawk is a tremendous honor,” said Paige Hull, CEO. “For 50 years, we’ve lived by our motto, ‘Helping friends is our business,’ and we are grateful to our employees, customers, and community partners who have made this journey possible. This milestone is a celebration of our shared commitment to the communities we serve.”
Founded in 1975, Andrew Johnson Bank began as a small hometown bank with big aspirations, the press release said.
For more information, visit www. andrewjohnsonbank.com .
Over the past five decades, it has grown into a trusted financial institution while maintaining a personal, community-focused approach. The bank’s dedication to service, integrity, and financial excellence has left an enduring impact on the region, the press release added.
For more information, visit www. andrewjohnsonbank.com .
TRIANGLE PRESS
Triangle Press owners Hal and Linda Wisecarver celebrated 50 years in business with a reception in August at Fairview Baptist Church in Mohawk.
The Wisecarvers purchased Triangle Press on Aug. 18, 1975, from the founding family of the company established in 1918.
The couple had no desire to purchase a business in 1975 when Hal walked into Triangle Press to ask for a job. He had 10 years of printing experience.
The owner said no to Hal’s request
but offered to sell the business to him.
After prayerful consideration, the Wisecarvers decided to “take the plunge,” and they attribute their success to their faith in God, relying on Him daily and constantly.
Triangle Press was originally located in Morristown, but Hal and Linda moved the business next door to their home in Mohawk in 1985.
They do business across the United States, providing for all types of printing needs, from 1,000 business cards to 1 million scale tickets.
The staff consists of Tim and Cindy Wisecarver, son and daughter-in-law, and Myra Bible, who has been with Triangle Press since Hal and Linda purchased it and is now semi-retired.
Over the years, Triangle Press has employed both of Hal and Linda’s children, Tim Wisecarver and Pamela Bull, as well as their four grandchildren, Brad Dyer, Trenda Click, Jay Wisecarver, and Kristine
Ferguson. They’ve even let some of their eight great-grandchildren help out, making it a family owned and run business all these years.
The Wisecarvers said the printing industry has changed drastically since 1975. The digital world has hurt the business, but thankfully
there is still a need for many printed materials.
The couple expressed appreciation to any and all who have supported them over the years.
For more information, visit www. facebook.com/trianglepressprinting .
SUN FILE PHOTO
Andrew Johnson Bank’s former President and CEO Bill Hickerson and current President and CEO Paige Hull stand on the General Morgan Inn terrace in 2022 in front of the bank’s new signage.
SUN FILE PHOTO
State Rep. David Hawk, second from right, presents a proclamation to Andrew Johnson Bank president and CEO Paige Hull. Also shown, from left, are executive vice presidents Doug DeBusk, Randy Sizemore, and Shane Hite.
SUN FILE PHOTO
Hal and Linda Wisecarver have owned Triangle Press for 50 years.
