Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

When people think about the restaurant and hospitality industry, franchises and corporate-owned chains often come to mind first. But some of the most interesting growth in that space is happening at the small business level.

In Blount County, two locally owned groups, Oldham Hospitality and Gemini Hospitality, are behind much of it. We visited several of their locations and talked with leadership from both companies about how they’re using restaurants to level up a community.

Oldham Hospitality

Oldham Hospitality may sound familiar. Managing Editor Katelyn Biefeldt recently covered the opening of the group’s Sharon’s Half Day Cafe. Oldham’s portfolio also includes the ever-growing Peaceful Side Social and Brewery, the iconic Dancing Bear Lodge and Appalachian Bistro and many others. According to Houston Oldham, vice president of operations, here’s how they are applying new thinking to a legacy industry:

Growing a workforce pipeline

Every business needs workers, but few restaurant groups treat recruiting as a long-term strategy the way Oldham does. Rather than relying on a “help wanted” sign, the company has built a seasonal workforce that keeps coming back and bringing others with it.

“We have high school kids and college kids who come back summer after summer, and then refer their brothers and sisters summer after summer,” he said. “That’s how we’re solving the labor problem. Building a repeatable, seasonal workforce that’s proud to work at the most recognized hospitality brand in East Tennessee. Then, as a hospitality company, we can move those people around internally to find the best fit.”

The group is even considering employee apparel for staff who return for multiple summers as a small perk meant to build the same kind of brand pride associated with well-known regional or coastal brands like the “Salty Dog.”

Craft brewing pioneers

Oldham sees East Tennessee’s craft beer scene as still catching up to the rest of the country. However, he also admits that for the area, having any craft beer was ahead of the curve.

“We think we have a few more years before East Tennessee crests the craft beer wave, so we’re riding it up,” he explained. “When we opened the Social five years ago, we introduced a lot of rural East Tennessee to the idea that beer isn’t just whatever’s on tap. It’s a reflection of community. We’re staying relevant by making the products our community tells us they want. Last year we brewed two IPAs. This year we’re brewing six, because people want them.”

Leases, ownership and margin

It may be ironic, but Oldham’s growth advice really goes back to the basics: Avoid restrictive lease terms and work toward owning each and every one your buildings. He argues that this is what creates the margin and flexibility to keep expanding.

Giving credit where it’s due

Oldham was quick to shoutout others in the space doing it well, including Gemini Hospitality. In order to have Maryville or Townsend be a stop on your way into the Smokies, it takes a village and you want multiple good stops.

“They’ve come out of nowhere as a force here,” he said. “They understand restaurant economics in a fierce way, and everything they do is professional and different. It’s been interesting to watch this county’s restaurant scene become as professional as it has. Ten years ago, it was all fast food and corporate-owned. Now it’s not.”

That mindset, Oldham said, is why the two groups root for each other rather than compete. It takes a village to make Maryville or Townsend a stop on the way into the Smokies, not just one good business. You need multiple good stops.

Gemini Hospitality

Gemini Hospitality is a hospitality consulting and restaurant management firm focused on brand development, operational excellence and growth strategy. It was founded by industry veterans Jim Saunders and Jimmy Loup, who bring more than 60 years of combined experience to the table.

Their shared habit of saying “Jim and I” inspired the company’s name and their concepts include Bella, Raven, The Armory, Earl’s Knoxville and Gemini Provisions inside Company Distilling. They are also in partnership with Dominion on several upcoming Knoxville-area concepts, including Lucky Bird planned for Gay Street. We interviewed Saunders on how they are keeping their concepts and the industry fresh.

Truly adding value and distinction

Gemini’s approach centers on bringing a level of quality and community investment that raises the profile of the area.

For example, Bella has earned recognition as Maryville’s first Italian restaurant and ranks highly on platforms like Tripadvisor and Yelp. Raven filled a gap for an upscale, celebration-worthy dining option and now carries one of the region’s largest scotch, bourbon and whiskey selections. Likewside, before The Armory opened, families looking for entertainment or a rooftop venue with high-tech games for private events typically had to head elsewhere. One of their concepts also was awarded a Wine Spectator award — a first for the area.

Keeping it local, one draft at a time

Like Oldham, Gemini doesn’t hesitate to support others in the space. Saunders credited Oldham Hospitality with paving the way for Gemini’s arrival in the county and stated that most of the beer served at The Armory comes from their brewery. They also carry another local favorite, Sugarlands moonshine.

Jobs that turn into careers

The Armory employs about 140 people, Bella about 70 and Raven about 60. That’s more than 250 jobs across just three of Gemini’s concepts.

Saunders emphasized that these aren’t just entry-level roles: one bartender who started at Bella has since become general manager at Raven, and the company hopes to create more paths like it.

Beyond the plate

Oldham and Gemini are working to push the ceiling of what’s possible for the industry and in doing so, championing employee advancement and community investment.

This commitment adds up:

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