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Weekend edition January 13, 2023 | Shannon Smith

News Roundup | Beer, burgers, and helping out your neighbor

Here’s your weekly roundup of business news from throughout the Knoxville region.

If you have any business news or updates you’d like to feature in Teknovation Weekend, please send us an email at teknovation@pyapc.com.

Xül Beer Company expanding to Hardin Valley

Soon Hardin Valley will have two breweries as Xül Beer Company expands to the area, joining Orange Hat Brewing Company which opened there in March 2020.

Xül opened its original location off Central Avenue just north of Downtown Knoxville in October 2020. That space was built in the 1960s as an auto showroom for Volkswagen, and it still features a 180-degree glass facade that you can’t miss if you’re driving by on I-40.

Xül has not released details about their new Hardin Valley location, though from a photo it appears to be where Casual Pint used to be located just off the Hardin Valley Exit of Pellissippi Parkway. It will open sometime in 2023 to the excitement of their fans who live in West Knoxville.

Blackhorse Brewery and Pub closes Downtown Knoxville location

The Blackhorse Brewery in Downtown Knoxville served its last pints to staff last weekend as it closed its doors on its Gay Street location for good.

The brewery said in a post on Facebook, “our building got new ownership a few months ago who are looking to take it in a different direction. It is the same group developing the Kimball’s building (Sapphire) next door. We have sold our operation to Kennedy Concepts who will be doing a remodel and opening a new concept there.”

Blackhorse thanked its customers and encouraged them to visit its location in Alcoa.

In-N-Out announces expansion into Tennessee

We’ll take those fries animal style, but they won’t be ready for three years.

California-based fast-food chain In-N-Out Burger announced this week they’ll begin operations in Tennessee for the first time, starting in the Nashville area. In a release, the chain said it plans to “open future restaurants in Tennessee with an Eastern territory office to be built in the city of Franklin.”

In-N-Out plans to open its first Tennessee restaurants by 2026, starting in “Nashville and the surrounding areas.”

“For many years, we’ve heard requests from our customers in Tennessee to consider opening locations near them, further east than we’ve ever been,” said In-N-Out President and Owner Lynsi Snyder. “Our customers are our most important asset at In-N-Out, and we very much look forward to serving them in years to come, and becoming part of the wonderful communities in The Volunteer State.”

Free legal advice clinic for Black-owned businesses

The Black-Owned Business Legal Advice Clinic on February 16 will provide free legal guidance for local Black business owners. Participants will have the opportunity to meet individually with attorneys to ask questions and seek advice.

There will be a presentation that will educate business owners and entrepreneurs about legal and business issues that affect business ventures, as well as offer tips on how to protect and enforce their legal rights. Many of the legal issues that business owners face can be avoided or minimized with proper legal guidance from the start.

The clinic will run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, at the Knox Area Urban League at 1514 East 5th Avenue. The event is free. Organizers ask that attendees register here and arrive on time to get the most benefit.

KUB taking donations to help seniors heat their homes

During the cold winter months, many families struggle with the cost of heating their homes.

Through KUB’s Project Help, community donations provide emergency heating assistance to those in need due to job loss, illness, injury, or disability, as well as seniors struggling with the rising cost of living.

Through February 7, you can donate by purchasing a donation coupon at Food City, making a donation at any Knoxville Home Federal Bank drive-thru, or donating online here.

Project Help is administered by the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC). KUB collects donations, and 100 percent of the funds go to CAC. The money goes directly toward the purchase of electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil, wood, or coal for those in need. All donations are tax-deductible.

The Trust Company of Tennessee hires new VP

The Trust Company of Tennessee has hired Kassandra Richardson as Vice President, Personal Trust, based in the firm’s Knoxville office.

Richardson earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business administration management from Southern Illinois University. She holds both Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) and Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC®) designations. She most recently worked at First Horizon Bank, overseeing the administration of trusts, individual retirement accounts, and investment management accounts.

Richardson’s community service roles include president of the Junior League of Knoxville and member of the Dogwood Arts board of directors, United Way of Greater Knoxville investment committee, and the Society of Financial Service Professionals.


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