Smoky Mountain Munchies has opened at 122 South Gay Street serving up a range of hemp and THCA products. Partners Daniel Lakin, Jonathan Haines, Chris Haines, and Clifford Amann formed the LLC which owns the shop and opened June 6, after leasing the space in January.
Jonathan, Chris and Clifford have known each other since they were kids and Jonathan met Daniel about the time they graduated from high school. Jonathan and Chris have lived in Knoxville since moving here when they were young. Jonathan and Clifford were born and have always lived in Knoxville. The group all worked at Archers BBQ when it closed. The four were each managers and it felt like the time to execute an idea they’d been considering for a while.
They considered a range of business ideas, including opening a restaurant, but wanted something less stressful. With changes in Tennessee laws regarding Hemp and THCA, the group decided that would be a good direction. During their last months at Archers, Daniel said, “The idea got more serious. We started saying, ‘Hey, we could actually do this. We said, ‘If anytime, now is the time.”
The group looked at a number of locations, eventually finding the place through Craigslist. They really like the space and the Art’s District and the feeling of downtown. They noted the fact that while downtown has a smoking lounge (at the other end of South Gay), there wasn’t really just a shop to stop in quickly and get what you want and get it more cheaply.
Of the products, they have a strong emphasis on local or regional products, particularly with their glassware, some of which is quite beautifully made. The shop sells Delta 8 products and THCA products, all of which are legal in Tennessee. “It gets you feeling good, but it fully follows all laws and has all documentation. Daniel said, “We also got some of the reliable national brands.” They have several Cheech and Chong branded products and CBD and other products for people who simply want the medicinal help without the mental impact.
They have other products like ashtrays, seltzer drinks (5 MG of hemp), bongs, pre-rolled, and papers. They also have THCA flowers. You’ll also find hemp salves which some people prefer for medicinal reasons, like muscle and joint pain. Their glass is from Empire Glassworks, and Grav, both very high quality. Both are made in the U.S.
They will be expanding their product line and offerings as they go and plan, for example to include Lolo Bars, which are made in Chattanooga. They hope to have infused granola, honey and oils to use for cooking. “We want to have more than just the usual candies and gummies.” Daniel added, “We want to focus on the local side. There is a stigma and we want to show people there are benefits.”
Daniel said they are really growing to like the new neighborhood. “We’ve made friends with a lot of people in the building . . . and people who work in the area. It’s really beautiful down here.” You can visit them at 122 South Gay Street or check out their website. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media. They are open seven days a week, Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm and Friday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.