Knoxville expands scooter program, adds e-bikes and more area business news
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a roundup of business news from throughout the Knoxville region. If you have some business news that you would like to be included in Teknovation Weekend, please email us at klamb@pyapc.com.)
Knoxville expanding Shared Dockless Scooter Program, adding electric bikes
A new brand will be joining the City’s Shared Dockless Scooter Program. Bird scooters will be available in the city center and at the University of Tennessee, joining LINK scooters, which have been in Knoxville for the last two years, according to a news release from the city.
The new permits for LINK and Bird allowed the city to add accountability measures, plans to add parking corrals in the hopes of reducing scooter clutter, and new electric bikes.
“We are excited to offer a new option for ways we can move around the City with the addition of e-bikes to Knoxville,” said Carter Hall, the City’s Policy and Business Innovation Manager. “We’ve heard from residents that they’ve missed the bike share option in Knoxville, and we are happy to bring it back with even more updated options.”
Each vendor will be allowed 300 scooters and around 50 e-bikes.
Knoxville Chamber releases annual report
The Knoxville Chamber released its “2021-2022 Annual Report,” which provides members a snapshot of what their investment in the organization provides for the region. In addition to events such as ribbon cuttings and business visits, the Chamber worked in infrastructure through its support of Advance Knox and its “Infrastructure Redefined” report. The Chamber also detailed its work in public policy, local, and state government. Details on talent retention, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and business attraction were also included. Find the report here.
New Businesses
The owners of Knox Brew Hub and Knox Brew Tours will launch a new Tap Truck later this year. The first van used for tours will be retiring in October and will be used for the new venture, according to an article from Inside of Knoxville. The Tap Truck can bring beers to private events such as weddings in a unique way. Read the full article here.
The chapel and classroom building of Baker Creek Bottoms has been sold and will be redeveloped into a new restaurant, according to an article from Inside of Knoxville. 71 South will feature New American cuisine and will be inside the former home of the Sevier Heights Baptist Church. The building is nearly 100 years old. The building is being renovated and will have both indoor and outdoor seating. The owners are hoping to have it open by October. Read the full article here.
