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A Major Milestone 100,000 surgeries performed since 2003

For more than two decades, Children’s West Surgery Center (CWSC), a joint venture between Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital and a group of pediatric surgeons, has provided state-of-the-art care for children in West Knoxville and beyond. What began as a need for outpatient procedural space in the area, quickly turned into a premier destination for pediatric surgery that can safely and efficiently serve outside of a hospital environment. As the community has grown over the years, so have patients’ needs. CWSC’s dedicated team of pediatric surgical specialists, nurses, anesthesia professionals and support staff ensure every patient and family has a positive experience, customized to their needs.

“Although these cases may be routine for our team, we recognize they are not for most patient families. It’s our job to try to help ease any anxiety,” said Dr. John Little, one of the founding surgeons of Children’s West Surgery Center. “Every case has a pediatric surgeon, most of whom are fellowshiptrained, a pediatric anesthesiologist, all of whom are medical doctors which is not the case at many surgery centers, and a team of pediatric nurses that are trained to provide the highest level of care for a child.” Children are not just little adults. They have unique needs, both physically and emotionally, and all of their providers understand that.

With the number of procedures increasing yearover-year, Children’s West Surgery Center recently hit their largest milestone to date – 100,000 surgeries since the inception of the center in 2003. However, this milestone is more than a number – it’s a representation of CWSC’s commitment to personalized and compassionate care for every child. “Taking care of the children in our community is a collaborative effort across numerous specialties, and Children’s West Surgery Center allows us to do that – keeping patients closer to home and keeping them out of the hospital,” said Matt C. Schaefer, President and CEO of Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital. “This 100,000-procedure milestone is special, and we look forward to continuing to serve the specialized surgical needs of our patients at CWSC for years to come.” Strong leadership has been critical to the safe and high-quality care children receive when cared for at CWSC, with Michael Powers, the Center’s Administrator, having been a part of the team for almost 14 years. With over 30 credentialed experts, the surgery center performs an average of 50 procedures each day. Children’s West Surgery Center provides care for children beyond Knox County, including 53 Tennessee counties and patients from Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina and Virginia. Dr. Little recently completed the surgery center’s 100,000th procedure, a tonsillectomy for 8-year-old Braelynn. While this was Braelynn’s first surgery, her mother said the team at Children’s West Surgery Center put both her and her daughter at ease from start to finish. “The people caring for her were very friendly and comforting from the moment we arrived. They tuned into her needs and made sure she was comfortable throughout the entire time,” said Braelynn’s mother. “If your child needs a procedure, you can trust and feel confident in the team at Children’s West Surgery Center,” she said. Children’s West Surgery Center is the only pediatric-specific, freestanding ambulatory surgery center in East Tennessee. Every member of their team wants to treat children and enjoys caring for pediatric patients. They provide pediatric ambulatory surgery in otolaryngology, dental, oral, urology, ophthalmology and plastics. The surgery center is a national member of the Ambulatory Surgery Centers Association. To learn more about Children’s West Surgery Center, visit childrenswest.com.

To learn more, visit DollyChildrens.org

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Falltime in Tennessee

October 2026 PUBLISHER

UT football, the tastes of fall, pumpkin patches, hayrides, the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and a canopy of autumn leaves—there’s simply no place like East Tennessee in the fall. We are so excited to share our October culinary issue with you. We are endlessly impressed by the innovation, creativity and excellence demonstrated by the creative work of people living right here in our community. From an unassuming building off Oak Ridge Highway that is home to a Knoxville manufacturer of high-end, handcrafted, Americanmade smokers purchased by dignitaries from Africa to Saudi Arabia and throughout the United States, to a young businesswoman, Hillary Teasdale, founder of Gather and Gourd, who transforms porches and homes with her arrangements of pumpkins, mums and holiday greenery. To the team at Nama Izakaya, Knoxville’s hidden Japanese lounge, who artfully create authentic dishes from the heart. To Bill Waltman’s insightful article about how his family’s dinner table is the touchpoint for imparting some of life’s most important conversations. Our town is bursting with talent, creativity and thriving local businesses. We also share how Yoshito “Yoshi” Momoki, a standout UT Knoxville alumnus and founder of Good Ole Tennessee Bar in Tokyo, Japan, beguiled a small, private group with his piano rendition of “Rocky Top.” Momoki was in town to kick off the UT Knoxville football season—and what a way to start the season! Marc and I feel beyond thankful to live in East Tennessee and privileged to share a small part of the goodness that surrounds us. We are so grateful to our advertising partners and for the partnerships that support the content you see in these pages. We believe strongly in supporting local businesses and, when possible, encourage you to join us in supporting them as you make your purchasing decisions. We would be remiss not to mention how deeply our hearts were touched by Knoxville’s outpouring of love for our beloved Smoky Mountain Songbird. May we keep Dolly’s lessons of love and generosity in our hearts and demonstrate them in all that we do. We wish you a healthy and happy October—and Go Vols! With gratitude,

Marc Rochelson | marc.rochelson@citylifestyle.com M AN AG I N G E D I TO R

Amy Campbell | amy.campbell@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Chelsea Babin | chelsea.babin@citylifestyle.com C O PY E D I TO R

Matias Arredondo | matias.arredondo@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Patricia Storm Broyles, Paul James, Jack Neely, Leslie Wylie Bateman, Chelsea Babin, Bill Waltman C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Shawn Poynter, Chelsea Babin Photography, Ben Finch, Jack Neely, Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection, Knoxville History Project, Leslie Wylie Bateman, Oldham Hospitality, Hillary Teasdale, Bill Waltman, The Mayfield Group Public Relations, The Tennessean Hotel, Alec Riedl Knoxville Postcard Collection, TMG Pits

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

AMY CAMPBELL & MARC ROCHELSON, EDITOR & PUBLISHER @KNOXVILLECITYLIFESTYLE Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Knoxville City Lifestyle® is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Knoxville area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/KNOXVILLE

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Knoxville City Lifestyle® is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue OC TOB E R 2 02 6 | FOOD & D R I N K

22 Featured

28 38

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

Nama Izakaya

Asian Dining Concepts Beyond Sushi: Nama’s Next Twenty-Five Years

Gather & Gourd: In Her Martha Era

Elevating Knoxville’s Entryways, One Season and Porch at a Time

The Metal Guys

TMG Pits Handcrafted Smokers Put Knoxville on the World-Wide Barbecue Map

On the Cover Brandon Lawson and Hayes Walton, owners of TMG Pits Photography: Shawn Poynter

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

Hot Spot ARTS + CULTURE

Inspired By FOOD + BEVERAGE

Local’s Choice FOOD + BEVERAGE

Locally Sourced HOME + DESIGN

Financial Buzz FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES

Must See FOOD + BEVERAGE

Our Town ARTS + CULTURE

Inspired By LIFE + CULTURE

Events

With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online. Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.

OCTOBER 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Dogwood Arts Presents Artist Ashton Ludden Knoxville artist, educator and community builder Ashton Ludden showcases intricate engravings, printmaking, drawing, sign painting and weaving through Oct. 23 at Dogwood Arts Gallery, 123 W. Jackson. Founder of Relay Ridge, Ludden preserves traditional craft while fostering creative collaboration. First Friday reception, Oct. 2, from 5-8 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit DogWoodArts.com.

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October Programming at Clayton Center for the Arts The Clayton Center for the Arts presents Chi-Town Transit Authority (The Ultimate Chicago Music Experience) on Oct. 15 and Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE on Oct. 27. In the DENSO and La Dolce Vita galleries, Duet: Art by Pinkie Mistry and Medha Karandikar is on view through Oct. 27. More information and tickets at ClaytonArtsCenter.org.

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Knoxville History Project Presents: “The Road to Knoxville” The Knoxville History Project commemorates America’s 250th anniversary and Knoxville’s 235th birthday with a one-day symposium exploring the major players and key events that led to the establishment of the Southwest Territory and the founding of Knoxville and Tennessee. The day includes distinguished speakers, a buffet lunch, refreshments and a commemorative copy of The Road to Knoxville. Oct. 28, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., East Tennessee History Center. $20. Registration opens Sept. 2. KnoxvilleHistoryProject.org.

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Holiday Lighting by Limelight Knoxville-based Limelight Landscape Lighting brings thoughtful, custom lighting design to residential and commercial properties, enhancing outdoor spaces with carefully planned illumination. Limelight specializes in landscape and architectural lighting designed to highlight a property’s character. The company is now booking 2026 holiday lighting installations with professionally designed displays. Learn more at LimeLightKnoxville.com.

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C. Elle Design Studio Featured in National Publications C. Elle Design Studio’s Carin Elle Mead was recently featured in USA TODAY and Better Homes & Gardens, offering insight into 2027 flooring trends and the evolving role of lilac in interior design. Mead discussed how homeowners are approaching materials and color with an eye toward current preferences and lasting appeal. Her comments offer a glimpse into ideas shaping today’s interiors. Visit her blog for more design insight at CarinElleMead.com.

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Mackley Jewelers Turquoise Liquidation Sale Mackley Jewelers is a family-owned Knoxville jeweler with roots dating to 1980. The second-generation business specializes in fine estate and antique jewelry, natural colored stones, custom and bridal designs, jewelry repair and appraisals. Darryl Mackley is a GIA-certified gemologist and specializes in natural diamonds rather than lab-created stones. Mackley is in the final days of its turquoise liquidation sale. For more information, visit Mackley.com.

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CONTINUED >

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KN OX V I L L E

business monthly CONTINUED

The 26th Annual HoLa Festival The 26th Annual HoLa Festival celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month returns to World’s Fair Park on Oct. 10 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Performance Lawn near the Sunsphere. The festival celebrates Hispanic and Latin American cultures with music, dancing, a Parade of Nations, artisan crafts, traditional cuisine and children’s educational activities. Admission is a $4 donation; children are admitted free. HolaHoraLatina.org.

BattleField Farm and Gardens Overall Ball BattleField Farm & Gardens will host its 2nd Annual Overall Ball on Oct. 15 at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 6:15-9 p.m. Guests are invited to don their overalls for an evening of food, fellowship and community while supporting the farm’s work to increase access to fresh, healthy food and cultivate stronger, healthier neighborhoods throughout East Knoxville. Tickets and information: BattleFieldFarm.org.

Roots of Appalachia With Daniel Kimbro The Knoxville Museum of Art will host Roots of Appalachia: A Finding Higher Ground Community Celebration with East Tennessee musician Daniel Kimbro on Oct. 18, 4-6:30 p.m., at 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive. The free event features outdoor live music, including performances by Kimbro, Madison Casey and Shane Smith, along with free barbecue and a cash bar. The afternoon celebrates the music, community and creative spirit of East Tennessee. KnoxArt.org.

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH & WORLD BLINDNESS AWARENESS MONTH

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• Manage diabetes — high blood sugar can damage the retina. • Get pressure checked — glaucoma often has no early symptoms.

Sources: National Breast Cancer Foundation, About Breast Cancer · UNC Department of Ophthalmology, World Blindness Awareness Month (October)

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Two Bikes Honky Tonk Soirée ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LESLIE WYLIE BATEMAN, INSIDE OF KNOXVILLE

Two Bikes took over The Mill & Mine on 18 for its Honky Tonk Soirée fundraiser, with dancing, live music from Russell Walker & The House Band and a threeheaded bike horse roaming the premises. Located in the Old City at 118 S. Central, this friendly bike shop gives away a bike for each one sold. All proceeds from the Soirée benefited The Bike School, Two Bikes’ youth workforce development program, which gives young people hands-on experience in sales, e-commerce and bicycle mechanics. Last year, they provided over 1,800 paid hours of training to Knoxville teens. Two Bikes does fantastic work for our community. Keep ‘em in mind for bike sales and service, or come out for a community ride.

Photo ID: 1. Print by local artist Kate Buuck 2. Plenty of two-steppin’ on the lawn 3. The Two Bikes crew: Tanh Cao, Liam Foran, Aaron Smith and Matthew Zingg 4. Everyone wanted to take a turn on whatever this is 5. Eating, drinking and mingling 6. A young honky-tonker in attendance 7. Some fresh, fancy bites 8. Presentation featuring The Bike School students and instructors

H OT SP OT | ARTS + C ULTU RE

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Ice Cream Social at the Tennessean Hotel ARTICLE BY KNOXVILLE CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY CAMPBELL AND THE TENNESSEAN

Photo: The Tennesean

On Sept. 1, The Tennessean Hotel welcomed Lokelani Alabanza, author of “Ice Cream Queen: Flavors from Black America’s Past, Present & Future” and founder of Nashville’s famed ice cream brand Saturated Ice Cream, for an ice cream social happy hour event at the Curio at Maker Exchange. During the special author event, guests enjoyed a flight of flavors crafted by Alabanza, along with paired cocktails, while learning more about the history and profound impact of Black ice cream makers in America. Each guest left with a signed copy of her new book, which has already gained attention from national media, including The Today Show, NPR’s “Here and Now,” Food52, Vogue, CBS Mornings, Oxford American, Bon Appétit and more. For more information about Alabanza and her book, visit LokelaniAlabanza.com. Photo ID:

10.

I NSP IR E D BY | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

1. Lokelani Alabanza 2. Lokelani Alabanza’s book, “Ice Cream Queen: Flavors from Black America’s Past, Present & Future” 3. Ice cream tasting menu 4. Parmesan, black pepper and olive oil, paired with port wine 5. Participants in the Ice Cream Social 6. Participants in the Ice Cream Social 7. Lokelani Alabanza visits with guests and signs her book. 8. Lokelani Alabanza and Amy Campbell 9. Coffee, rosewater and glazed doughnuts paired with zero-proof Almond Espresso 10. Malted chocolate, crème fraîche and Swedish pearl sugar, paired with bourbon milk punch

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OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KN OX V I L L E

NAMA I Z A K AYA ASIAN DINING CONCEPTS BEYOND SUSHI: NAMA’S NEXT TWENTY-FIVE YEARS Nama Sushi Bar has reigned as the premier Knoxville sushi location for first-timers and connoisseurs alike for almost a quarter of a century. Consistently voted number one for sushi in Knoxville, it’s grown into three brands with five locations. Knoxville City Lifestyle was curious where Knoxville’s sushi pioneer is headed next.

ARTICLE BY KNOXVILLE CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAWN POYNTER

LOCA L’S CH OICE | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

Q. What is Nama’s history? Nama Sushi Bar was established in 2004 with a 38-seat location on the 100 Block of Gay. In 2011, demand led to doubling seating by moving to our current location at 506 South Gay. We didn’t stay a downtown dining brand,

opening locations in Bearden on Kingston Pike and North Peters Road in the Cedar Bluff area. Harvest opened next to Nama Sushi Bar in Bearden. A departure from Nama brand cuisine, Harvest offers a fine-dining experience with our chefs creating seasonal menus from locally sourced ingredients, a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, weekend brunch and weekly live jazz. Q. What is the concept behind Nama Izakaya? Japanese cuisine takes on many different styles influenced by season, region and cooking methods. Four of the best-known are sushi, teppanyaki, omakase and izakaya. Sushi is vinegared rice; teppanyaki is similar to hibachi or stir-fry; omakase is a multi-course small-plate meal chosen by the chef; and izakaya is more of a Japanese tavern experience, serving cocktails and pub food. A few years ago, while planning our 20th anniversary, we decided to incorporate these other Japanese styles into our Nama restaurant group. We started integrating all four styles into the Nama brand (Nama Sushi, Nama Omakase, Nama Izakaya and Nama Teppanyaki). We discussed different brands in different locations versus integrating the different styles into current locations. Nama and Harvest chef teams began official collaboration in a small place on Clinch Avenue. The omakase project was ideal, giving us freedom to do multiple types of Asian food and cooking methods. Omakase traditionally has the chef changing menus on a daily basis. We branded this Nama Omakase project Koyo (“elevated”) as an omakase research and development kitchen with 38 seats … exactly like our original 2004 Nama location. We committed to a year but stayed almost three years developing elevated menu items for the future of Nama. 2025, we rebranded as Nama Izakaya and

relocated to the 100 Block of Gay Street next to the original Nama location, as a great way to celebrate and honor Nama Sushi Bar’s 20th anniversary. Nama Izakaya, a sushi bar and Japanese tavern, focuses on Japanese pub food but mirrors Nama Sushi Bar’s sushi and sashimi menu, including our halfprice sushi on Monday and Thursday evenings. On the first Wednesday of every month, we create a seated omakase experience at the bar. The menu changes every couple of months, featuring three or four items from other Asian countries, so far showcasing cuisine from Korea, Thailand and the Philippines. Through the end of the year, we’re exploring different regions of China, culminating with our version of a Chinese New Year in December. Q. What’s next for Nama? The first twenty-plus years have flown by, and the culinary journey continues to evolve, now expressed as monthly omakase dinners, traditional sushi at Nama-branded locations and Nama Izakaya Japanese Tavern fare. All this Asian exploration may well lead to a teppanyaki/hibachi experience at Nama Cedar Bluff for our 25th anniversary. Stay tuned. NamaIzakaya.com. CONTINUED >

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LOCA L’S CH OICE | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

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OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KN OX V I L L E

GATHER & Gourd: In Her MARTHA ERA Elevating Knoxville’s Entryways, One Season and Porch at a Time

The VOLS Showstopper package

ARTICLE BY CHELSEA BABIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA BABIN PHOTOGRAPHY, HILLARY TEASDALE

For Knoxville native and founder of Gather & Gourd, Hillary Teasdale, the drive to create has been a lifelong passion. What began as a childhood love of designing, drawing and crafting has evolved into a growing local business that transforms ordinary entryways into thoughtfully styled seasonal spaces. Teasdale’s path to entrepreneurship was not traditional. She initially pursued nursing because she wanted a career centered around helping people. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, she realized nursing was not the path she wanted to follow. She has also worked in sales and retail—which helped her recognize how much she enjoyed design, color, scale and creativity. Teasdale has always had an eye for creating. As one of eight sisters, she grew up in a creative family and remembers designing houses, furniture and spaces as a child. At one point, she even imagined becoming an architect. That creative instinct eventually found its place in Gather & Gourd. With encouragement from her husband and inspiration from the growing seasonal porch-styling trend, Teasdale began building a business around an idea that combines design with something she values deeply: creating moments for people. Today, Gather & Gourd takes the hassle out of exterior decorating by transforming porches and entryways into warm, welcoming and professionally styled spaces. Clients do not have to spend hours shopping, nor do they have to figure out how to arrange everything once they get home. “I’m doing it all, basically,” Teasdale says. “I'm doing the installing and making sure that everything looks designer-custom to their door—it's not just plopping a few things on their door. It's very much a little dance.”

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | HOME + D E SIGN

The 865 Mini package

Hillary placing some fall foliage

A curated fall foliage look to bring a grand statement to your door

The goal is to create a cohesive design that feels intentional. Teasdale describes her work as interior design for the exterior. While pumpkins are the catalyst for Gather & Gourd’s fall season, the business is not limited to autumn. Long-term, she hopes to continue growing into high-end, custom exterior design for homes. Local sourcing is another important part of the business. Teasdale works with Coning Family Farm (which also supplies Dollywood) as her primary source for pumpkins. She hand-selects the pumpkins and prepares them to last throughout the season. CONTINUED >

The KNOX classic package OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KN OX V I L L E

Gather & Gourd Founder and Owner Hillary Teasdale

At the end of the season, the pumpkins can be returned to local farms, where they are given to animals rather than simply thrown away. For Teasdale, that process represents more than sustainability. It is a reminder that something can be enjoyed for a season and then return to the earth, creating a natural cycle that keeps the business connected to the community around it. Perhaps the most personal part of Gather & Gourd is the inspiration behind it. The business is a tribute to Teasdale’s late mother, whom she describes as a dreamer. Her mother dreamed of owning a bed-and-breakfast, traveling and living outside the traditional expectations of life. She also loved bringing her large family together, particularly for Thanksgiving, and took pride in the moments she created for her children. “She wanted every moment to last.” That philosophy has become part of Gather & Gourd’s identity. For Teasdale, a beautifully decorated porch is not simply something to look at. It can be the backdrop for families coming home, children returning from college, neighbors stopping to admire a display or loved ones gathering for the season. Gather & Gourd styled 42 homes during its first year. Now in its second season, Teasdale has set a goal of reaching 100 homes between fall and Christmas. For someone who spent years trying different paths, Teasdale has finally found a way to bring her lifelong love of design to life. She says she’s in her Martha (Stewart) era. “I tried a lot of things. A lot of things didn’t work, and here I am in my 30s excited about creating for people now.” And that is the heart of Gather & Gourd: proving that sometimes the dreams we carry from childhood do not disappear. They simply take a different shape— and, in Teasdale’s case, they are now taking shape one beautiful porch at a time.

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | HOME + D E SIGN

Gather & Gourd offers three signature packages: The VOLS Showstopper, The KNOX Classic and The 865 Mini. Each collection includes delivery and setup and can feature pumpkins in a variety of colors and sizes, along with gourds, mums and straw bales. Clients can further customize their doorstep with add-ons such as additional mums, fall foliage and/or a giant pumpkin. Teasdale hand-selects each pumpkin, carefully cleans and prepares them to last throughout the season, then thoughtfully designs every entryway for a polished, welcoming look. The entire process is simple: clients select their collection, delivery and installation date, plus optional end-of-season pickup, through GatherAndGourd.com.

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OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KN OX V I L L E

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A Bountiful Legacy

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL WALTMAN, CFP®, CPA

What does it mean to create an enduring legacy? When we think of a legacy, we often think in terms of financial wealth. How much will we pass on to the next generation or to worthwhile charities? And while these are certainly noble things, they do not fully encompass the notion of legacy.

F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FI NANCE + LE GAL SE RVICE S

My personal reflections on legacy are centered around the passing on the values you hold dear, and in my family those conversations are often held over a wonderful meal. I am very fortunate to be married to a talented chef. A chef who has blessed our family with the gift of freshly prepared meals using locally grown foods

that nurture both mind and body. Every birthday, holiday or ordinary Wednesday night dinner has been an opportunity to learn about food, prompt fun conversations and share the immense joy of eating delicious food that is skillfully prepared with love. To this day, one of my children’s favorite birthday traditions is getting to select the components of their birthday meal. I fondly remember when my youngest son, who was six at the time, asked for saffron risotto with braised lamb shanks for his birthday dinner, followed by tiramisu instead of cake for dessert. That is when I began to fully realize the lifelong lessons my children were learning through their mother’s love of food. • Education: Food can be an excellent introduction to learning about other cultures. Why do certain people eat the food they do, and what can we learn from them? It is interesting that many dishes that are now considered haute cuisine, such as lobster, began as the food of commoners born out of necessity. • Intellectual curiosity: While kids love a good cheeseburger, there is a whole world of other delicious foods ready to discover. Being open to trying new things is so important in life. We don’t know what we don’t know, and the pursuit of knowledge is both exciting and humbling. Don’t be afraid to expand your horizons. • Good food equals good health. A meal made with fresh ingredients is not only delicious but nutritious. While we all know that ultra-processed foods are bad for the body, they are also convenient, cheap and very tasty. It is hard to maintain our health over a lifetime without being intentional about what we eat. Not dieting, but rather eating fresh food that nurtures. Exposing kids at an early age to real food from different cultures can open their eyes to the fact that nutritious food can also taste amazing.

• Connection point: A meal is a natural connection point to share stories and forge deeper bonds. In the technology age we all live in, making time to deepen human relationships is essential. It is also a great way to teach kids how to verbally communicate well with others. One of the small traditions we enjoyed at our family meals was having one child explain something they were very excited about and why. It was both fun and educational, but I’m not sure it would have happened without a shared meal as a connection point. • Follow your passion: My wife’s passion for cooking began in college. While looking for a part-time job, she noticed a help-wanted ad seeking an assistant cook/baker with no previous experience. How odd. She took the position and discovered she both loved cooking and was naturally gifted at it, leading her to pursue a culinary degree at the Culinary Institute of America—the other CIA—after graduating from college. From this one little spark, our future family was changed for the better. It is always fun to see how one’s pursuits can bless those around them in unexpected ways. At PYA Waltman Capital, we help families define and plan for their legacies. While this often involves quantitative matters such as money, the most enduring legacies surround the life lessons and values that endure through generations. And when those are conveyed through a well-prepared meal, then you have a bountiful legacy. Cheers to that! PYA Waltman Capital is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about PYA Waltman Capital’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2 and/or Form CRS, which are available upon request. PYA-26-61.

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KN OX V I L L E

Annual Checkup: Business Edition Part 3 Your Financials Are Your Business's Vital Signs

Tennessee law, its own separate legal person. Money moves between the business account and the owner's personal account without much thought. A company expense gets paid out of pocket and never reimbursed. A capital contribution goes in, and later some of it quietly comes back out for something personal, with no note and no record of why. This gets riskier when an owner has more than one entity. Money moving between businesses without documentation, whether it is a loan, a contribution, or an unlabeled transfer, blurs the line between where one company ends and another begins. That blurred line is exactly what a court looks for when trying to prove the entities were never really separate, and it is one of the fastest ways to lose the liability protection the entity was created to provide. None of this usually looks like a problem in the moment, it looks like convenience. But a lender, a buyer, or opposing counsel will read your books the way a doctor reads a chart, and commingled records tell a story you do not want told. An annual financial checkup, reconciling accounts and documenting every contribution and distribution, catches these patterns while they are still easy to fix.

Article by Mital D. Patel PATEL & EISENHOWER, PLLC

Remember that old saying from Part 1 that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and it applies just as much to the financial health of your business as it does to the agreements that govern it.

A doctor does not wait for a heart attack to check your .blood pressure. Vitals get checked regularly so a small problem gets caught before it becomes a big one. Your business finances deserve the same treatment, and most owners only look closely at them after something has already gone wrong.

The most common issue is one owners rarely notice they are doing. The business gets treated as an extension of the owner instead of what it actually is under

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ARTICLE BY PATRICIA STORM BROYLES PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAWN POYNTER AND TMG PITS

TMG Pits Handcrafted Smokers Put Knoxville on the World-Wide Barbecue Map

The Metal Guys Brandon Lawson and Hayes Walton, owners of TMG Pits

Brandon Lawson and Hayes Walton founded TMG Pits (“The Metal Guys”) in 2020 as a side business that took off like wildfire after posting several custom-crafted smokers online. “Our second or third TikTok video had 4 million views overnight, and we decided to just throw down and start this business,” Brandon Lawson says. “We went international in three months. Six years later, we’re in 17 countries and all 50 states.” The Knoxville native adds, “One of our goals from the get-go was to put Knoxville on the map for barbecue. Technically, we’re not cooking barbecue, but we’ve positioned Knoxville as the place where world-class smokers and pits are handcrafted.”

M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

His staff also included welders and fabricators who repaired broken trailers and equipment. “In 2016, we built our first CNC (computer-controlled laser) table in my garage to cut metal. Most people just order them,” Lawson adds. “We YouTubed how to do it, built it, bought all the software and taught ourselves CAD. So, we had two businesses going at once, landscaping and custom metal signs.” After opening a shop in Karns, the metal sign business had taken off when COVID hit the company hard. “My neighbor at Karns Motor Company asked us to build a smoker for their 25th anniversary in six months. We built one smoker, put it online, sold it immediately, built a second smoker, sold it immediately and realized we were on to something.” CONTINUED >

TMG Crew, L-R: Brandon, Zoey, Austin, Jayden, David (kneeling), Scott, Justice, Nicolette, Jennifer, Nick (kneeling), Kellen, Austin and Hayes

Driven by a fanatically popular social media presence, TMG keeps an almost year’s backlog of custom orders from all over the world, often from distinguished clientele they can’t always talk about—a custom trailer rig for a surprise birthday gift for a U.S. president’s family (which Lawson calls “a very cool delivery experience”) or a custom smoker for a high-level African dignitary. Son of a third-generation ironworker, Lawson intended to be the fourth generation, but his dad and granddad wouldn’t teach him welding, insisting he go to college instead. He earned his bachelor’s degree in turf grass management at the University of Tennessee, which led him to open a landscaping company, where he met Walton. Lawson hired his future business partner while he was still in school, quickly realizing he was a highly skilled mechanic with an unstoppable work ethic.

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“WE’VE WORKED VERY HARD TO GET HERE … LOTS OF LONG NIGHTS, BUT WE’VE BEEN BLESSED. WE’VE MET SO MANY COOL PEOPLE WHO RESPECT AND LOVE WHAT WE DO. FOOD, FIRE AND MUSIC ARE ALL ABOUT FRIENDS, FAMILY AND BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER.” —BRANDON LAWSON.

Welder, Justice Williams

M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

They looked at other companies for what they did well and what brought complaints. “We had repaired other trailers, and asked ourselves, ‘Can we solve these issues?’ One thing setting us apart is fabricating 99% of everything in-house. Other companies buy trailer fenders and hinges offshore. We customfabricate our fenders from 1/8-inch steel and can literally stand on top of them. All our hinges are built in-house. We weld three-dimensional pieces using three or four pieces of steel into really cool custom cut-outs, not stock tube steel. We build our firebox differently from other fabricators. In our big tankers, we build an inside layer with three inches of insulation and insulate every corner, every plane of it, so it doesn’t transfer heat into the smoke chamber.” Trailers up to 24 feet are power-coated in-house for a higher-quality finish and durability. Lawson says that out of all the brands building pits, a handful are true custom fabricators. “Of those five—and we all respect each other—we are probably in the top two. Our design and the way we think sets us apart. We create smokers that are artwork with two rules for everything that comes out of our shop: It has to function great, and it must look cool.” The business evolved with demands and trends. “Right now, 99% of what we do is offset smokers,” Lawson explains, “a smoker with the firebox offset to the side—not directly under the meat, so it’s just getting smoke, no flames.” Recently, however, he adds, “Live fire has really taken off for us. During COVID, smoking took off because everyone was home in the backyard cooking. Once people were comfortable with smoking, the next challenge was live fire. We travel the world for live-fire events because it is a part of so many cultures. We custom-build a livefire table with different accessories to hang any kind of meat, vegetables or fruit. It’s a really cool way to cook live fire off that table.” Lawson says, “As a very custom builder, our trailer rigs are completely wild—second to none. For example, we custom-built a rig for a live-fire event in Texas with a top deck where people could hang out, so there’s a party up top while others were

smoking and cooking underneath. We designed it with a full marine-grade custom sound system, multiple smokers, fryer, custom-griddle flat top, hand-washing station, lights, awnings, among many custom features. Whatever customers can think up, we can design and build.” Some customers prefer the look of TMG’s off-road package on their patio instead of casters, or if it’s not feasible to drive a trailer rig in the backyard. “A couple of guys can pull and position an off-road package where you want it. They aren’t street-legal, but our off-road axles have cool black or chrome golf cart tires that give it an off-road mud tire look.” TMG typically attends 10-20 major American and international festivals and competitions annually (such as Memphis in May, American Royal BBQ in CONTINUED >

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / KN OX V I L L E

Kansas City and Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Lynchburg, Tenn.), but not to compete. They take smokers (and their custom-blended rubs and sauces) to assist different teams or support causes, such as Hogs for the Cause (pediatric brain cancer). Lawson says they’re always looking for ways to give back, help out and donate wherever they can. Festivals, fundraising or relief efforts, “We care about the fan experience, so we show up to throw a party and hand out food.” Along with national charities, one of Lawson’s many local causes is Central High School, where he attended. “We sponsor whatever we can for them.” Lawson and Hayes feel fortunate in their veteran staff of welders and fabricators, specially trained to their high standards. “We’ve worked very hard to get here … lots of long nights, but we’ve been blessed. We’ve met so many cool people who respect and love what we do. Food, fire and music are all about friends, family and bringing people together.”

Welder, David Wright

“One of our goals from the get-go was to put Knoxville on the map for barbecue. Technically, we’re not cooking barbecue, but we’ve positioned Knoxville as the place where world-class smokers and pits are handcrafted.” And the father who wanted something different for his son? “My dad will stop by after his work and say, ‘I paid for you to go to school and you still end up welding,’” Lawson laughs. “It’s true. I taught myself welding, and it’s true it’s hard, hot, back-breaking work. But it’s work I love and grew up around— especially projects at my granddad’s, where we were always smoking meats for family dinners. But they’re proud of the business we’ve built that took it to the next level.” Explore more at Linktr.ee/TMGPITS.

M UST SE E | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

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ARTICLE BY PAUL JAMES AND JACK NEELY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEC RIEDL, KNOXVILLE POSTCARD COLLECTION/KHP, ESTHER SITVER, JOHN KELLEY, KNOXVILLE HISTORY PROJECT

Historic Photo of Bearden Train Station, circa 1908

Knoxville Shoebox Gems: Rare Views of Bearden 46

O UR TOWN | ARTS + C ULT U RE

Historic photo of Knoxville Drive-in Movie Theatre by John Kelley

At the nonprofit Knoxville History Project, we are always on the lookout for old images to expand our Knoxville Shoebox digital collection, which enhances our programs and publications. If you have interesting photographs, postcards, brochures or ephemera from any era, we’d love to hear from you so we can preserve the visual history of Knoxville and make it available for researchers of the future. This month, we present several very rare views of Knoxville that we have been waiting patiently for years to show up. Bearden Train Station: In 2020, when KHP published Historic Bearden: The 200-year story of Knoxville’s Fourth Creek Valley, we looked for photographs of the Bearden train station. We searched every local archive and put out calls at various community events. We even commissioned Knoxville artist Esther Sitver to recreate the station using an old, grainy newspaper photo from 1938 as source material. Now, six years later, thanks to KHP friends Charles Susano and Alex

Riedl, we’re thrilled to be able to share a vintage postcard, dating to 1908, of this legendary train station. The East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad came to Knoxville in 1855, and a station five miles west of downtown served the growing community that would initially be known as Erin (later known as Cooper and, by the 1890s, Bearden). In June that year, four teenage boys were known to have caught the train at Erin as stowaways and would boast for the rest of their lives that they had ridden the first train into Knoxville. After the Civil War, the rail line became the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia

Railroad. Spaced five miles apart, to the west there would also have been stations at Ebenezer and Concord. The Erin Station was then known as a “flag station,” meaning the train would stop only if it was signaled to, either for a passenger or a freight shipment. In 1873, with the help of Marcus DeLafayette Bearden (who five years before had served as the mayor of Knoxville and sheriff of Knox County at the same time), the Tennessee state legislature agreed to establish a new mental institution in the eastern part of the state. What became known as the Lyons View Asylum (later East State Mental Hospital) finally opened its doors in 1886. The first patients, 49 of them, arrived from Nashville at the station in March of that year and walked almost a mile to the new mental hospital. In honor of the local leader who championed the hospital’s construction, the community would, within the next decade, rename itself as Bearden. In the early years of the 20th century, the railroad “grade crossing” near the train station was a dangerous spot. The present underpass and railroad trestle on S. Northshore Drive wouldn’t be built until 1939. The site of the old Bearden train station, just a few yards west of the underpass, still exists but is privately owned. CONTINUED >

Bearden Station as reimagined by Esther Sitver

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Historic photo of Forest Park Boulevard, late 1970s, by John Kelley

Knoxville Drive-in Theatre: Another long-sought Bearden photograph has also shown up this summer. The Knoxville Drive-in Movie Theatre opened in 1948 on Forest Park Boulevard and ran until 1980. For local theatre historians Tim Burns and Bradley Reeves, both of whom grew up in the area and have fond memories of the place, have long considered a photo of the Drive-in a modern-day holy grail.

The location of the Drive-in was part of the old “borrow pit” for Scott’s Brickyard, which operated there from around 1904 for 20 years. The Drive-in was a modest operation, having enough space for just over 500 vehicles. It didn’t always show new films; its first presentation was Pot O’ Gold, starring James Stewart and Paulette Goddard, which had been released seven years earlier. By 1956, next door to the Drive-in, Parker Brothers hardware store moved into the former White Store on Forest Park Boulevard and would remain there for 40 years. By 1959, its immediate neighbor was a small, short-lived amusement park named Kiddy Land, with its miniature train ride issuing regular toots. The noise annoyed filmgoers. The park would be issued a curfew of but regularly ignored the decree. On that corner today is Everly Brothers Park. As seen on the marquee, Smoky and the Bandit, released in 1977, played at the Drive-in in March the following year. At the end of the 1980 season, not long after it showed the camp-horror classic Friday the 13th, the theater would close for the winter with two mostly forgotten Halloweenthemed movies, Don’t Answer the Phone and The Hearse. Within two years, the lot began to take on the appearance of a ghost town, overgrown with weeds. These incredibly rare black-and-white photographs were taken by Knoxville artist John Kelley in the late 1970s and, like the Bearden train station postcard, prove to be remarkable and important documents of Knoxville history. If you have gems from the past to share, please contact us at 865.337.7723 or email paul@knoxhistoryproject.org. Learn more at KnoxvilleHistoryProject.org.

ABOUT KHP The educational nonprofit Knoxville History Project tells the city’s true stories, focusing on those that have not been previously told and those that connect the city to the world. Donations to support the work of KHP are always welcome and appreciated. Learn more at KnoxvilleHistoryProject.org

O UR TOWN | ARTS + C ULT U RE

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KNOXVILLE’S PAST Specializing in well-researched stories about fascinating Knoxvillians, historic sites, and pivotal events throughout the city’s history. S TO R I E S • B O O KS • P O D CAS T S WA LK I N G & D R I V I N G TO U R S LITE R A RY & M U S I C G U I D E S A RT P R OJ ECT S • K I D S ’ ACTI V ITI E S

Learn more and connect with us at KnoxvilleHistoryProject.org

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something new is slithering! The Newts in Knoxville scavenger hunt is a great way to experience our downtown vibe and explore our favorite attractions — and meet some of East Tennessee's most interesting amphibian residents! Think you’re up for the challenge? Grab a passport, study the clues, and see if you can ﬁnd all 12 bronze newts hidden amid our downtown landmarks!

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YOU CAN STILL HELP! The renovated spaces in the adjoining building at 612 S. Gay Street are now open. We are thrilled to improve the patron experience and enhance our nonprofit mission with this expansion. However, we still need your help to meet our fundraising goal. If every Broadway subscriber donated today, we would be fully funded to complete this expansion. tennesseetheatre.com/612

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YOSHI VISITS THE UNIVERSITY

of Tennessee, Knoxville ARTICLE BY KNOXVILLE CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE MAYFIELD GROUP PUBLIC RELATIONS

In the fall of 1988, a young international student from Japan, Yoshitoshi “Yoshi” Momoki, came to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and for the first time in his life, he felt confident in himself and accepted. Momoki graduated in 1993 with a degree in broadcasting and now serves as UT’s unofficial ambassador to Japan and past president of UT’s Tokyo Alumni Chapter.

I NSP IR E D BY | L I FE + C ULT U RE

After a successful career as a marketer for home appliance companies in Japan, Momoki spent five years developing the concept for his dream and opened his Good Ole Tennessee Bar in Tokyo in 2024. He calls his bar his dream, inspired by his time at UT, which he calls “the golden age” of his life. Momoki was inspired to open his bar to show his appreciation for the state of Tennessee, the people of Knoxville and to honor his parents and grandparents who sent him to UT. Momoki commented that life is short, and he wanted to fulfill his dream of opening his bar. His bar is decorated with Vol memorabilia, serves moonshine, Tennessee whiskeys and Momoki’s welcoming hospitality. In March 2026, Momoki received a letter from his self-described longtime best friend at the University of Tennessee Advancement, expressing that Momoki’s alma mater would like to invite him back to Rocky Top in early September. Kumi Alderman of the Knoxville Asian Festival and UT staff, including Brian Hardy, Angie Wilson, Kaeden Kelso, Steve Catlett and others, helped facilitate Momoki’s weeklong visit. Knoxville City Lifestyle was honored to be invited to two special events at The Tennessean Hotel Sept. 2 and 3. The hotel partnered with UT to welcome Momoki for a “Kanpai” on Rocky Top pop-up happy hour celebrating the start of the UT football season. Before the public event, The Tennessean hosted a private reception for Momoki in the hotel’s Governor’s Suite, where he was presented with a certificate from Gov. Bill Lee appointing and commissioning him as an honorary Tennessean. During his remarks, Momoki expressed his sincere gratitude for UT and the people of Knoxville for making him feel accepted for the first time in his life in 1988. Momoki also treated attendees to a musical performance of “Rocky Top” that he performed on piano, accompanied by UT Assistant Professor of Jazz guitar Denin Slage-Koch. Through his genuine kindness, welcoming hospitality at his Good Ole Tennessee Bar and social media, Momoki helps strengthen relationships between Tennessee and Japan, and brings joy to everyone lucky enough to meet him.

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Distribution Dates:

Oct. 19 - Nov. 6 Donate coats at any KARM Stores or Prestige Cleaners location

Nov. 16 - Dec. 5 Individuals with a coat ticket can use them at any KARM Stores

“I needed clothes and you clothed me... whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:36 & 40

OCTOBER 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

O C TOBE R 5T H

FALLing for STEAM! | Make, Explore & Play MUSE Knoxville | 10:00 AM From Oct. 5-16, enjoy fall-themed family activities, including weekly programs, tabletop STEAM activities, pumpkin painting and fresh apple cider. No registration is required, and activities are included with admission. Tuesdays and Wednesdays feature scheduled programs. TheMuseKnoxville.org. O C TOBE R 7 T H

Artist Talk | Riva Lehrer UT’s Art + Architecture Building | 5:30 PM Artist, writer and curator Riva Lehrer discusses her work. The presentation accompanies her exhibition at UT galleries and takes place in McCarty Auditorium, Room 109. Ewing-Gallery.UTK.edu. O C TOBE R 9 T H

Show Your Love Fashion Show With Marc Nelson Regas Square Events | 7:00 PM Join us for a night of fashion presented by Marc Nelson Denim. The Show Your Love Fashion Show benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. Tickets start at $100. BGCTNV.org. O C TOBE R 9 T H

KSO: Icon - The Voices That Changed Music Tennessee Theatre | 8:00 PM Powerhouse vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw join the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra for a night celebrating legendary voices. The tribute features hits made famous by Michael Jackson, Prince, Gladys Knight, Whitney Houston, Elvis Presley, Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder. TennesseeTheatre.com. O C TOBE R 1 3T H

Sensory Trick-or-Treat Night! Muse Knoxville | 5:00 PM Muse Knoxville hosts a sensory-friendly Halloween celebration 5-7 p.m. for children with special needs, autism or sensory differences. Activities include trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting and spooky fun, with reduced noise and dimmed lights. TheMuseKnoxville.org. O C TOBE R 1 4 T H

Starlight Movie Night Featuring Hocus Pocus Ancient Lore Village | 6:30 PM Ancient Lore Village hosts a magical Halloween movie night featuring the Sanderson Sisters, themed bites and a screening under the autumn sky. Enjoy cozy festivities, theatrical surprises and nostalgic fun for witches and warlocks. Tickets: AncientLoreVillage.com.

CONTINUED >

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events

CONTINUED

O C TOBE R 1 5T H

KSO: Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony Tennessee Theatre | 7:30 PM The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra presents Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony Oct. 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre. Aram Demirjian conducts a program featuring works by Perry, Bernstein and Tchaikovsky, with six featured vocalists. TennesseeTheatre.com. O C TOBE R 1 5T H

Centennial Anniversary Lecture Series: The Road to Knoxville Blount Mansion | 6:00 PM Blount Mansion’s Centennial Anniversary Lecture Series features Jack Neely discussing “The Road to Knoxville,” exploring the city’s origins in the 1790s, Revolutionary War connections and its diverse early residents. Admission is $10. BlountMansion.org. O C TOBE R 1 7 T H

Frontier Frights Marble Springs Historic Site | 11:00 AM Enjoy a free day of Halloween fun from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a costume contest, craft vendors, history lessons, crafts, pumpkin painting and a scavenger hunt with prizes for participating children. MarbleSprings.net. O C TOBE R 2 4 T H

Pink Dress Run World’s Fair Park | 9:00 AM Knoxville comes together for the Pink Dress Run, supporting those impacted by breast cancer. Participants can run, walk, cheer or sponsor while celebrating survivors, honoring loved ones and showing community strength. ACSEvents.org. O C TOBE R 3 0 T H

Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise The Star of Knoxville Riverboat | 5:15 PM The Star of Knoxville Riverboat hosts Murder and Merriment for a Halloween mystery aboard an authentic paddlewheel riverboat. Enjoy a scenic cruise, dinner buffet and interactive investigation to track the “Ghost of the Star of Knoxville.” Tickets: TNRiverBoat.com O C TOBE R 3 1 ST

Trick-or-Treat on the Square Market Square | 4:00 PM Downtown Knoxville hosts free trick-or-treating from 4-8 p.m. on Market Square and Union Avenue, featuring candy and non-candy treats, character appearances, games, scavenger hunts, costume contests and free tote bags while supplies last. DowntownKnoxville.org/Wicked/Trick-Or-Treat.

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