Bittersweet Farewell to The Foundry in Knoxville
Knoxville, oh how you’ve changed over the years! We’ve seen so much growth in this beautiful city, and now it’s time to say goodbye to one of our beloved venues, The Foundry. This unique space has been the backdrop for countless weddings, holiday parties, and civic meetings since it first opened its doors in 1993. After over three decades of service, The Foundry will host its final events in December 2024 before vacating the premises in January 2025.
When I had a chance to sit down with Marianne Green, the visionary behind The Foundry, and her daughter Sharon Bitzer, it was clear that this isn’t just an ending but rather a full circle moment. Marianne first encountered The Foundry herself three decades ago when she attended a close friend’s wedding reception there. Little did she know, she would end up owning it one day!
The Beginnings of The Foundry
Marianne’s journey began when she took a leap of faith to buy the venue at a time when downtown Knoxville was searching for event spaces. She recalled how The Foundry had been padlocked for ten years before she took it on, “I didn’t really know what I was getting into. I just took one step, and it worked, and then I took another.” And those steps paid off! In the first year alone, she managed to make a profit of $20,000!
Over the years, The Foundry became a cherished place for Knoxville’s community to gather, offering a range of spaces for catered events. As Marianne reminisced, one father who booked a wedding there wanted to know if she would still be around to celebrate a year later. Fast forward three decades, and he returned for another event, and what a heartwarming moment that must have been.
Challenges and Decisions Along the Way
Even as the business experienced a surge of popularity, challenges were always on the horizon. The renovations that began in 2019 were interrupted right when COVID-19 hit. For approximately three years, The Foundry faced financial difficulties, yet Marianne and Sharon managed to keep the staff employed and meet responsibilities. As life began to return to normal, the nature of events changed significantly, with outdoor weddings becoming a new favorite. It was a sign of the evolving times ahead.
An additional hurdle was the growing volume of events from the University of Tennessee, which shifted how The Foundry could accommodate its guests. “The first groups to return when we reopened were the UTK sororities. We had to break up events to fit everyone comfortably,” Marianne stated, emphasizing how the business landscape had transformed.
New Horizons
As both Marianne and Sharon took time to reflect, they jointly concluded it was time to sell The Foundry. Although they weren’t actively seeking a buyer, they wanted to ensure the space would continue to serve the Knoxville community in a meaningful way. “We were looking for the right buyer,” Marianne noted, who wanted to maintain the legacy of the space.
With many of their staff reaching retirement age and a changing event landscape, the timing seemed right to transition to a new purpose. Plus, Marianne expressed her concerns about the venue becoming “just another bar,” a fate she wanted to avoid given the numerous similar venues that have popped up downtown.
Looking Forward to What’s Next
As the countdown to the new chapter at The Foundry begins, notifications have already gone out to long-term clients regarding bookings after 2025, making way for some final gatherings in December. It’s a bittersweet farewell, but one filled with gratitude for all that The Foundry has accomplished.
As we gear up for the final holiday parties at this cherished venue, we can’t help but feel the nostalgia and fond memories that this place has brought to so many over the years. Marianne and Sharon plan to spend the upcoming month emptying the property and distributing items to long-time non-profit partners who have long been a part of their journey.
In closing, as we bid adieu to The Foundry, it serves as a reminder of how communities evolve over time. Knoxville is getting ready for its next adventure, and I can’t wait to see what awaits this special space. Who knows? Maybe it will rise anew with a mission that continues to foster community connections. Until then, thank you, Foundry, for your years of service!
