A couple truths: There are always closures and openings around the turn of each year. Also, I can’t keep up with them all. As the pace of everything associated with downtown has reached new speeds, I’m left to occasionally do some summaries, like this one and another tomorrow. Today we’ll do a light touch on two openings and a closure and tomorrow we’ll reverse course and look at two closures and an opening.
We’ll start with one I’ve felt badly about for a while, simply because I can’t seem to make it there and do a proper report: New Haven Pizza. I didn’t know New Haven claimed its own version of pizza, but it does. Brought to you by the same people who bring you Harvest and Nama, the restaurant opened in November at 416 Clinch Avenue serving up “coal fired pizza with the tangy tomato sauce and the shape-shifting pies that are different with each make.”
You have your specialty pies (Tomato, Margherita, Veggie, 3 Meat) and your classic (cheese, pepperoni, bacon, sausage) by the slice or whole pie. They offer several craft beers, as well as a few well-known labels. They are open Monday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Expanded hours are “coming soon.” You’ll find them between the YWCA and French Market at the former location of Koyo.
In a late year announcement, The Donut Shop at 724 North Broadway, shared the news of their pending closing. Opening at about the worst time in recent history, I profiled the owners and business here in March 2020 and helped announce their opening in June of that year. After nearly five years in business, they posted the following to their FB page about three weeks ago:
Dear Knoxville,It’s with a bittersweet heart that we announce the closing of The Donut Shop. Our last day of business will be Sunday, December 22nd.Until then, stop by and show our staff love and support! Grab our available merch and delicious donuts one (or 7) last time! Serving this incredible city has been a true honor, and we are beyond grateful for the love, support, and memories we’ve shared with our amazing customers over the years.From early mornings filled with the smell of fresh donuts to the smiles you brought through our doors, you’ve made this journey unforgettable. Knoxville, your support has been the heart of our story, and we cannot thank you enough. As we close this chapter, we look back with gratitude and forward with hope. Thank you for making The Donut Shop more than a business—it’s been a family.P.S. the business will still be available for sale should anyone be interested.With love and appreciation,The Donut Shop Team
