An accumulation of small updates about a range of businesses seems to be in order. I’ve gotten questions about some of these and others have been in the news recently, but haven’t been mentioned here. A couple of them may warrant a future stand-alone article but, for now, a little update seems to work.
Balter Beerworks, which I reported on last February, has been the subject of some question lately. Originally intended to open in August, a couple of readers noted their lack of progress on their build-out. It turns out there have been delays including the fact that unexpected rock in the hillside behind them prevented them from precisely following the original design. Their expansion included cutting into the hillside a bit. Additionally, their name had to change slightly due to a copyright issue. The slightly differently named Balter Beerworks (which co-owner Blaine Wedekind tells me they, “are actually very excited about”) now has a hoped for opening date of “early November.”
Marc Nelson Denim (which opened it’s retail location last fall) has been the news recently, and not for reasons a business owner would appreciate. Earlier this month it was reported that the business was being investigated by the IRS. This week, owner Marcus Hall released a statement taking an upbeat view of the situation. He stated, “Marc Nelson Denim is open and growing.” He added, “In fact we are growing. We’ve signed exciting new business just this week.” Hall, who has not been charged with a crime said,”If there are taxes owed, we’ll gladly pay them. Beyond that, it is business as usual.”
The promised Starbucks expansion at the Hilton seems to be progressing. The courtyard, last I looked has been dug up and seems set for a complete re-vamp. The interior portion, which is set to be expanded to a more full-service Starbucks is covered in plastic sheeting and presumably good things are happening just out of sight. Meanwhile, Starbucks products are available inside the lounge during limited hours.
Rock Paper Hair Studio, which I introduced last December has expanded. In addition to owners Jared Hollyfield and Dustin Stewart, the staff now includes Amy Koenig and Sudartha Line (who were each with them from the beginning) and recent additions, style specialists Claudia Moore and Brandi Geyer. Services have been expanded to offer not only styling and coloring, but skincare treatments, pedicures and manicures. It’s important that they and the other businesses on the 700 block of South Gay Street continue to be supported, as the extensive work on that block has started and will intensify causing considerable disruption as the streetscape undergoes major improvements.
Also on the same block, you’ll soon find Frussie’s Deli and Sandwich Shoppe. I first mentioned their move from their long-time south Knoxville location in an article last May and they’d hoped to open by last Friday. The usual delays and an issue with a KUB decision that they needed a larger grease interceptor. All is still on track, however, and they should open sometime very soon. It may be a hard time to start a business on the 700 block, so be sure to check out their excellent food and give them some support.
I’ll likely have a second round of updates next week. Everyone have a great weekend and I’ll see you on the other side.