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Downtown Knoxville Experiences Business Changes: Closures and New Ventures

The evolving business landscape of Downtown Knoxville with closures and new openings.

News Summary

Downtown Knoxville is undergoing significant changes this holiday season as beloved establishments, The Lunchbox and Pivot Point Gallery, close their doors. After over 40 years of serving the community, The Lunchbox announced its last meal on December 13, while the Pivot Point Gallery is set to shut down on February 2. On a brighter note, The Laboratory Smoke Shop has opened at 108 East Jackson Avenue, bringing a unique blend of vintage clothing and lifestyle products to the area. The downtown business landscape continues to evolve amid these closures and new openings.

Downtown Knoxville’s Business Landscape Shifts: Seasonal Closures and New Openings

This holiday season, Downtown Knoxville is seeing quite a bit of action in the business world, but not all of it is the jolly kind. Two beloved establishments, The Lunchbox and Pivot Point Gallery, are closing their doors, marking the end of an era for many local residents. Meanwhile, a new player has emerged in the neighborhood: The Laboratory Smoke Shop, aiming to shake things up.

Long-Standing Favorite, The Lunchbox, Says Farewell

The Lunchbox, located at 607 Market Street, has announced that it will serve its last meal on Friday, December 13, ending a remarkable run of over 40 years. A heartfelt sign on the door expressed gratitude to the community for their loyalty throughout the years, explaining that the decision was made not to renew the lease on the Market Street location.

Originally opened in 1981 by the renowned couple, Don and Karen Sproles, The Lunchbox began as a haven for delicious lunches in the city. After Don’s passing, Karen continued to manage both locations until 2016, when new owners Bradford and Rex Jones stepped in to keep one spot alive. However, now even that has come to an end. While the website hinted at a possible rebranding of their west Knoxville spot at 505 Kingston Pike, it’s clear the downtown location will be sorely missed.

Manager Ms. Jo, who has been a staple of The Lunchbox for three decades, sadly fell ill and was unable to provide comments, leaving fans of the eatery with bittersweet sentiments in their hearts.

Introducing The Laboratory Smoke Shop

108 East Jackson Avenue, bringing a new flair to the downtown scene. Combining vintage clothing with products like Hemp, THCA, and tobacco, this shop aims to attract a mix of customers looking for something unique. The extended hours—open until 3:00 am on Friday and Saturday nights—are sure to cater to the late-night crowd.

Gabe Watson, the shop manager, is gearing up for this new adventure after successfully managing a similar venue in Johnson City. Shifting his life to Knoxville, he hopes to create a space that showcases local artists, fitting perfectly with the shop’s quirky vibe.

The Laboratory Smoke Shop expects their hours to attract a variety of patrons with the following schedule: Monday to Wednesday from 10 am to midnight, Thursday from 10 am to 1:00 am, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 am, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm.

The Pivot Point Gallery Closes Its Doors

Pivot Point Gallery will close its location at 15 Emory Place on February 2. This closing sends ripples through the local art community, as the gallery was well-known for showcasing the work of local artists who often lacked representation elsewhere. With discounts ranging from 30% to a staggering 50% on selected items during its closing sale, art lovers are encouraged to stop by and grab a piece of local artistry.

Having been a vibrant part of Emory Place for nearly three years, the gallery aimed to highlight a wide array of fine art across various price points, making it a must-visit spot for art enthusiasts.