2011 Business Review, Part 3: Welcome to the City!

A History of Reading: The first book ever sold at Union Avenue Books

For those of you who read Monday's post about closed businesses and contemplated moving out of the city, I hope Tuesday's post about all the downtown businesses that have increased their stake in downtown by renovating, moving and expanding their businesses cheered you up a bit. If not, I think I may have just the antidote you need: New businesses rocked all over downtown in 2011! Let's take a look.

Some of them are not obvious at first for various reasons. For example, I consider the Peter Kern Library (use the whisper in your head to read, "it's really a bar") to be a new business. I realize it is housed in the Hotel Oliver, but it wasn't there in their pre-renovation configuration and it didn't open when the hotel re-opened, so it's a new business in my mind. And a pretty cool one, at that. This really gives the Hotel Oliver a clean sweep of my categories in that they closed, changed and opened a new business. In my world they count.

Megabus service came to downtown Knoxville

Another one that might not readily come to mind and doesn't precisely fit is the new Megabus service. For me it has been a game-changer and I'm not alone. It's pretty cool to drag my suitcase across the city, catch the bus, make one connection and be on the gulf coast, leaving my car in its usual spot for a perfect holiday. Again, it's my blog and I say it counts.

Like a zombie, it cannot be killed: J's Megamart re-opened

There were other oddities that sort of fit: The STEM school isn't exactly a business, but it's a significant event for downtown to have a public school. When was the last time that happened in Knoxville? The Sunsphere also,was opened for public events for the first time in a while. What about J's Megamart? Who among us saw that coming?

One encouraging sign I noticed when gathering the information for this article: new businesses were spread all across the city. The eastern edge got stretched a bit with the opening of the Public House on Magnolia and Marble City Brewing Company opened The Quarry, their tasting room on Depot. While the two are quite different, they are near neighbors and both immediately became favorite gathering spots in a part of downtown that has been off-the-radar for some of us.

Carleo's opened on Central in the Old City

Jackson Avenue Market brought food and convenience

Working from there back toward the center of downtown (Jack Neely is right, it's time to bring back the name "Uptown" for the core of downtown. It's becoming too confusing as downtown grows.), brings us to the Old City. I've already mentioned their extensive losses, but they had some impressive gains as well. Carleos bar opened on Central as did Old City Entertainment Venue just across the street. Just around the corner on Jackson, Crush opened its doors selling retro-clothing with an attitude and the Jackson Avenue Market served its first customers. Word is a new Sushi bar will open soon on Jackson across from Barley's.

Crush on Jackson Avenue: Clothes with Attitude

Boyd's Jig and Reel took Manhattan's old spot

The biggest news in the Old City had to be the opening of Boyd's Jig and Reel. A Scottish pub with a great feel and excellent music, the most critical thing it brought to the Old City was that the two most prominent buildings were no longer both empty. With the spot previously occupied by Manhattan's in business again, we need to get something underway in the previous Patrick Sullivan's across the street.

On the 100 Block several new businesses opened and an interesting trend exhibited itself. It's a good trend. I noticed here and another place we'll get to later that almost as soon as a business announced its departure the space was being cleared for the next business excited at the opportunity to open. When Eleven on the 100 block announced its closure, the space was grabbed and renovations began immediately to open 11 Cafe. Across the street on the western side of the 100 block the same thing happened when The Unarmed Merchant vacated 129 S. Gay. As quickly as arrangements could be made, Lululemon, an athletic supply store, opened at that address. This has to be a good sign.

Harry's Deli opened at the site of Harold's

Also new on the block and connecting to the past very nicely is Harry's Deli at the site of the much loved Harold's, making excellent fresh foods and maybe the  best bread currently baked in the city. Word has it that Cru Bistro will open where Nama vacated, showing that the company which owns them both did not lose faith in the 100 block, they just felt they had a different idea that would work better there. "Shucks," a raw bar, is also supposed to be coming soon on the block.

The Market at Union and Gay: groceries in the city

While the number of new businesses weren't very high on the upper number blocks of Gay Street, there was some very important pieces. The last post I wrote was full of movement on our main downtown thoroughfare: Dazzo's was purchased, Regions Bank moved, Nama opened its new location and, as I mentioned earlier in this post, J's Megamart re-opened. Additionally, The Market at Union and Gay opened and Aveda took over the former S and W. Each was very important in its own way.

The Market answered the long-term downtown complaint about a lack of a grocery store. Now we have one on our main corridor. Aveda found a use for a building that was nearly destroyed not so many years ago and which had become one of the symbols of downtown redevelopment. While I wish the S and W had been able to survive, for this building to sit empty would have been a silent counter-point to all the good news going on in the city, a prominent failure. Aveda helped avert that.

Blue Coast Burrito at 37 Market Square

Crass Couture replaced Black Market

Bella Luna took 15 Market Square, previously home to Abode

On Market Square there were reversals as mentioned in the earlier post, most notably the loss of the Market Square Kitchen. A major opening at the other end of the Square helped keep the corners going. Blue Coast Burrito opened in the spring after a beautiful rehabilitation of the address left only the original facade. Toward the center of the square the trend mentioned earlier was on display when Black Market went out of business, but within, I think, a day or two, Crass Couture opened in the same storefront leaving a clothing store on the square. 15 Market Square had been empty since the departure of Abode the year before and it was filled nicely with a new northern Italian restaurant, Bella Luna.

Co-owner Kristen Faerber sits outside Just Ripe

West on Union Avenue from the square a new center of retail activity came into its own in the Daylight building. John Black Photography and the Happy Envelope had taken each end of the storefront in 2010, but a gaping hole remained between the two. Those spots were filled in exciting fashion by grocery store Just Ripe and Union Avenue Books, Knoxville's only independent book store featuring new books. Union Avenue is now on the retail map of downtown and the coming year looks to extend this trend with the re-working of the store-fronts beneath the Residences at Market Square.

So, there you go. It's tough to know whether to count some of the openings as businesses, but I count twenty-two openings. In the next post I'll put the closings, re-workings and openings all side by side and speculate a bit about what it all means.

Buy Local, Shop Union (Avenue)

Coffee and Chocolate: The Granddaddy Union Avenue Business

It would have been a very different experience a couple of years ago. The Daylight Building was a construction zone. Reruns was on Market Square. Coffee and Chocolate was doing good business. Even a year ago it was struggling to find it's groove. Rala had opened and the Daylight Building had John Black Photography and the Happy Envelope.

This is the first Christmas for Union Avenue Books and Just Ripe. Reruns is now in their new location. It's actually possible to shop this delightful corridor and check off a  good bit of your Christmas list. Park in the Locust Street Garage and work your way toward Gay Street.

Union Avenue Books Display

 

Knoxville-centric Books just inside the entrance to Union Avenue Books



New Fiction and Non-Fiction, Union Avenue Books, Knoxville



Charlie takes time with Customers at Union Avenue Books

Union Avenue Books features both new and used books and has a strong local flavor with books by many area authors. A display beside the entrance contains the new Knox Heritage Cookbook for twenty dollars with the profits going to that excellent organization. Jack Neely's books about Knoxville sit beside the cookbooks quietly suggesting that you get to know your city. New hardbacks are always on display at the front, 2012 calendars are already on sale and the children's section in the back is excellent. Throw in personable and knowledgeable staff and you've got the perfect place to spend the morning while taking care of your shopping.


Just Ripe Grocery Store, Union Avenue, Knoxville

 

Gift Baskets from Just Ripe, Knoxville

 

Canvas Bag and Gift Card from Just Ripe

Just Ripe is a grocery store, yes, but also a good place to shop for gifts with a local flair. Canvas Just Ripe bags and gift cards to the grocery store make a great gift for downtown friends. The gift baskets which range from around thirty dollars to sixty dollars make great gifts. They also sell downtown gift cards which I've bought for friends. Then there are organic cook books and even Three Bears Coffee which I've bought for another friend. While there on your shopping excursion you can enjoy lunch. I suggest strongly that you try a sweet potato burrito.
After lunch, stop in at Coffee and Chocolate for a warm beverage and a little something sweet. I've already received a box of chocolates from there as a gift. They also have insulated travel cups to carry your coffee with you as you leave. They also make nice gifts. Carry your coffee next door to Rala.


Rala: Gifts for all budgets, Union Avenue, Knoxville

 

Rala, Union Avenue, Knoxville

 

Brian Pittman Prints and Originals at Rala, Knoxville

 

Cynthia Markert art at Rala: $750

 Rala has been open about a year-and-a-half. Owned by Nanci Solomon, who also owns Re-runs, the shop features art from our area and beyond. Currently featured artists include Brian Pittman whose cathedral drawings are helping fund the renovation of the Mary Boyce Temple home a few blocks to the south. Also featured are beautiful new creations from Cynthia Markert whose art has become synonymous with the city. I've got my eye on one of these, myself.


Window displays, Union Avenue, Knoxville



Window Displays at night, Arnstein Building, Union Avenue


So, evening is approaching and you haven't made it to Mast General Store or other shops on Gay Street and Market Square. Sorry, you aren't finished. Walk back toward your car and enjoy the beautiful window displays in the Arnstein Building. The Reruns display was put together by Paris with help from Brianna. Tell them how beautiful they are when you stop in at Reruns where you can end your day by purchasing one of their gorgeous ensembles.

Ensemble outside Reruns, Union Avenue, Knoxville

 

Reruns, Daylight Building, Union Avenue, Knoxville



Ensemble outside Reruns, Union Avenue, Knoxville

It's a pretty full day and it's a day you could not have had just a few months ago. We're so fortunate to have these good people making life in the city so much better for so many of us. Support them if you want to keep them.

Bobbie Ann Mason at Union Avenue Books

Bobbie Ann Mason at Union Avenue Books, Knoxville

Bobbie Ann Mason's recent visit to Union Avenue Books marked a major coup for the store. A nationally and internationally recognized author, Ms. Mason can do as she pleases and the fact that it pleases her to support small independent book stores pleases me greatly.

Bobbie Ann Mason introducing the book The Girl in the Blue Beret

I actually first met her at Davis Kidd Book Store off Cedar Bluff between ten and fifteen years ago. She was already well known for her books including In Country. She was a delight to speak to, very attentive and patient with all the incoherent babbling and slight, if not imagined, connections presented to her by excited fans. I ran into her a number of times afterward at book festivals in Nashville and Chattanooga and she was always the same kind, soft spoken person she had been on the first meeting.

My most memorable encounter with her came in Cincinnati sometime in the mid-nineties at a Bob Dylan concert. I didn't speak to her that day, but watched a young man approach her. He obviously was working her for something: money, a ticket to the show, or maybe offering her a chemical enhancement to the experience. In any case, she extricated herself at the first opportunity and I didn't see the good in disrupting her any further, so I let her pass.

Bobbie Ann Mason reads from her new book to a packed Union Ave. Books

She told me the story of that day when we spoke at Union Avenue Books the other night. She actually met Bob Dylan thanks to a mutual friend who made the arrangements. I'll leave the details to her, but I will say that she found Mr. Dylan warm and respectful. Those of us who have seen "Don't Look Back," understand what a relief that might be.

Bobbie Ann Mason signing her new book at Union Ave. Books

She is currently touring in support of her latest book, The Girl in the Blue Beret, from which she read a few excerpts. The story involves an aviator who was shot down in France during World War II and is now, many years later, returning to the scene of that experience. As he meets the people from the French Resistance who facilitated his escape, he learns of the great suffering they endured. He searches for and finds a particular person, the girl in the blue beret, who helped him on his first journey and now will help him on this later journey to find resolution and peace with that harrowing and painful period in his life. It is told with all the power and honesty her readers have come to expect from her work.

After the reading Ms. Mason, as graciously as was the case all those years ago, spoke to everyone and signed everything that was put in front of her until there was no one left wanting her time. It was a great evening with an important author, but more particularly, a wonderful human being.

Ms. Mason sharing a laugh with a local fan at Union Avenue Books

If you'd like a copy of this book, please buy it from Union Avenue Books. They have autographed copies and would be happy to allow you to make one your very own. If you can't make it to the book store, follow the link above a few pennies of your purchase will make their way back to yours truly. Keep a watch out for future author events at the book store. I've never been to one that wasn't interesting and often I find them fascinating.

David Crockett Makes a Comeback in Knoxville

David Crockett Night at Union Avenue Books' "Books and Beer"

I'm not sure the last time David Crockett had a bigger week in Knoxville. He wasn't so famous when he lived in Jefferson County. Maybe it was while he was a representative or perhaps it was in the aftermath of that unfortunate little skirmish at a church in Texas. In any case, this past week was pretty big as two-hundred-twenty-five-year-olds go.

Crockett Scholars and Fiddle Players at Union Avenue Books

Danny Gammon plays 18th century fiddle tunes at Union Avenue Books

First, Union Avenue Books hosted a celebration in honor of Mr. Crockett's big birthday on Wednesday night. Part of their regular "Books and Beer" monthly series, this event featured biscuits and country ham which seemed very appropriate. It also featured PBRs for those hipster Crockett fans. The rest of the event was academic in that it featured genuine Crockett scholars Dan Feller and Michael Lofaro reading from books about Crockett as well as a bit from his auto-biography. Danny Gammon played appropriate fiddle tunes from the era and really gave the night the atmospheric touch it deserved.

Charles reads a David Crockett speach at Union Avenue Books.

A replica of David Crockett's rifle at Union Avenue Books.

Charles Allen Thomas hosted and read probably the most moving passage of the night when he read an account of Mr. Crockett's speech to congress defending his vote against the Indian Removal Act. Also on hand was Joe Swann, a descendant of the family whose land bordered the Crockett's spread up in Jefferson County. He also happens to own the only rifle owned by David Crockett which he mentioned in his autobiography. The actual rifle is on display in the East Tennessee History Center while a replica was on hand for our viewing pleasure. A certain Mr. Neely stood about adding an astute word or two when moved to do so.

Two days later, as part of the East Tennessee History Fair, an official birthday party was held in which current century partiers sang "Happy Birthday" to David while enjoying not one, not two but three birthday cakes baked for the occasion by Food City. Like me, they learned that he was likely not often called "Davy" but rather "David," which is what they put on the cakes. Unfortunately they dropped the second "t" from his last name which lost them quite a few points. The man himself was on hand and didn't seem to react so much to the slight.

Not Fess Parker, but apparently David Crockett.

I'll close by mentioning a couple of events for today and tomorrow which you might want to catch if you can: Preservation Pub will be the site of the weekly Homegrown show from WFIV (i105) which features local music and this week's artist is Jay Clark. Get on your cranky-young-man groove and head on over. Also Wednesday night (you have to choose) Union Avenue Books hosts Readers' Night Out which features a store full of local authors like Pamela Schoenwaldt, Michael Griffith and David Hunter among others signing their books. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door with the proceeds going to Friends of Literacy. The literacy event starts at 6:00 PM, while the Homegrown show starts at 7:00 so, technically, you could do both.

Thursday night your Urban Bloggaman has to work, but you can make the Jenna and Her Cool Friends show downstairs at Latitude 35. It's the first of a "Odd Thursday Bluezz" series. Tickets are a ridiculously cheap $5.00 for one of the best blues bands around. Show up and Jenna will give you a blues education. And listen for both of us.

 

Three Awesome Things to Choose From in the City

I don't always give advance notice on events, preferring in most cases to talk about how they were after the fact. There are other sites which cover upcoming events and I generally leave it to them. You'll find a number of them listed to the right of this post.

There are three things happening today and tomorrow with the potential to be so awesome I can't resist giving today's space to the topic. Two of the three are at Union Avenue Books and one is at Preservation Pub. Two of them happen tonight and conflict with each other, so you may have to choose - or do like me and run between the two like a crazy person.

Union Avenue Books is hosting a roundtable discussion about Davy Crockett, an east Tennessean, who is celebrating his 225th birthday. If you like history, this one's for you. If you like beer, they have you covered. The monthly "Book and a Beer Night" is hosted by Charlie Thomas and his friends at the table tonight will include "Jack Neely, Michael Lofaro, Dan Feller, director of UT's Jackson Center, Melinda Meador, and maybe -- just maybe -- a fiddle player!" It all gets underway at 7:00.

That just so happens to be the precise time "members of the Dirty Guv'nahs" will be featured on homegrown on 105.3 doing a special broadcast from the Speakeasy (second floor, smoke-mostly-free) of the Preservation Pub. Homegrown usually lasts an hour, I think, so there is an irreconcilable conflict between the two.

Thursday night is BIG, BIG, BIG, if you love fine literature. Bobbie Ann Mason will read from her new book The Girl in the Blue Beret and sign copies afterward. Bobbie Ann is a national (and southern) treasure. I've seen her a number of times an d I think the first was at Davis-Kidd bookstore, the grandparent of Union Avenue Books. My favorite Bobbie sighting was at a Bob Dylan concert in Cincinnati years ago. She is best known for her beloved and much studied and read In Country as well as numerous other books. This is as good as it gets!

So there you are. I'll definitely be at the book reading but I'm not sure what I'll do about the other two. You might find me throwing up on the sidewalk somewhere in between the two from the angst of it all. To get you fired up, I'll leave you with a great vintage video. I'll also mention the great video from yesterday. If you missed it, you really should treat yourself.

The Official Grand Opening of Union Avenue Books

Melinda Meador and Flossie McNabb, Co-Owners of Union Ave. Books

It's been open for a few weeks - but now it has opened in grand style. A glance through the windows at Union Avenue Books for much of the the last few weeks reveals a brisk business. A gander through those same windows this week would have revealed large masses of book lovers reveling in the long awaited official grand opening of same.

Crowds often swelled outside onto the sidewalk.

Urban Girl takes in the sales racks next door at Reruns.

The events followed one after the other all weekend, with many of the same face showing up for more than one, but with slightly different crowds attracted to the various events. More special events and regularly scheduled happenings are promised for the coming months and, if this weekend is any indication, you might want to come early to get the best seats in the house.

Jake and Bunny man the registers.

Due to a previously scheduled (wonderful and appreciated) dinner with friends, I missed the Thursday night reading by British author and psychologist Ros Taylor, though I subsequently picked up a copy of her book Confidence at Work: Get It, Feel It, Keep It. They have more copies or you can explore it on Amazon at the link provided.

Author Andrew Goldsmith between customers outside Union Avenue Books

Nancy Brennon Strange and Band at Union Avenue Books

I did make it for part of the event on Friday night. UT Press sponsored a "Meet the Authors" night and wine and cheese were provided for all present. The authors included Michael Knight whose book The Typist I've touted before. It is a tale of a soldier who was the typist for General Douglas MacArthur in Japan during the occupation following World War II. I bought a second copy for a gift. Additionally, Andrew Goldsmith, an Iraq War veteran sat at an outside table signing copies of his book Zarqawi's Ice Cream: Tales of Mediocre Infantrymen, which is an accounting of him time in that war. Nancy Brennon Strange offered the delightful musical entertainment and her version of Patsy Cline is not to be missed. I think it takes a lot of nerve to attempt her songs and she did a fine job.

Tom Post of UT Press introduces Jack Neely

Jack Neely gives a nice intro to Union Avenue Books

The crowd listens to Jack Neely

Tom Post, the publicist for UT Press introduced Jack Neely who said a few words. He told the story of a French couple he met on the streets in downtown Knoxville who stopped him and asked him where the "book shop" was located. Not if we had one, rather where it might be found, because any legitimate city would have one. He sent them to the UT campus, but was embarrassed to have to confess there was no downtown bookstore. He also lauded the choice of the name which, in itself, tells people where to find the store. Someone from the back pointed out that the name was his suggestion in the first place and he said he had hoped no one would mention that.

Linda Carlini from Knox Co. Public Library leads a children's event

Saturday morning brought a children's program presented by Linda Carlini who read several books to the children, including that all-time favorite that parents grow to dread, Goodnight Moon. Of course, it is a lovely book, but children never seem to tire of it and by the thousandth reading, it runs a bit thin for most adults. The children were spellbound. She also brought out peek-a-boo bunny and the counting puppet. Great fun. Probably a half-dozen children enjoyed the entertainment while their parents and other customers browsed.

Urban Toddler reads Goodnight Moon to a stuffed cow at Union Ave. Books

This also points out something that surprised me about the space: as small as it appears to be, there are several discrete places for various events. The children's program was behind the counter on the backside of the store, music and readings are easily accommodated on the front end of the store and the children's book section is neatly enclosed from the rest of the store for easy management and free-roaming for the younger clientele.

Y'uns perform at the Union Ave. Books Grand Opening

Crowds browse, eat, purchase, greet and listen to Y'uns at Union Ave. Books

Y'uns perform at Union Avenue Books

Saturday night the house was packed for Y'uns featuring Steve Horton, Danny Gammon and sometimes harmonica player extraordinaire Michael Crawley. Food, drink, excellent music and books: not much missing from that equation.

Flossie introduces Linda Parsons Marion, the first of the monthly poets

Linda Parsons Marion reads from her book Bound

Sunday featured a poetry reading by Linda Parsons Marion reading from her new book, Bound. This volume of her poetry deals with family from her grandparents to her grandchildren, but since the reading was held on Father's Day, she read poems mostly about fathers and grandfathers. The crowd of around twenty-five enjoyed the emotionally packed reading. I'm helpless: I bought that one, too. If I understood correctly, the third Sunday afternoon of each month will feature just such a poetry reading at Union Avenue Books.

A crowd of about twenty-five listen as Linda Parsons Marion reads poetry.

So, it was a great weekend full of wonderful events, great friends, books and food. Now comes the important part: Knoxville decides if we love books enough to have a downtown bookstore. You vote with your money. Come spend it. I can't do it by myself (though I appear to be trying). It will take all of us backing up our words with purchases to show that Knoxville truly does value books, writers and the written word. We're about to make a statement about who we are. I hope it's a good one.