Knoxville’s Honeybee Coffee Reopens with New Investors and Renewed Focus
Knoxville, TN – After a challenging few months, Honeybee Coffee is ready to bounce back. The local coffee company has announced plans to reopen its shops in Knoxville and Sevierville, now with new investors and a stronger commitment to its community roots. The Sevierville location opened on August 23, with plans to reopen the other shops shortly after.
Reopening Schedule and Staffing
Honeybee’s shops in South Knoxville and West Knoxville are expected to welcome customers again on August 26 or 27, according to co-owner and founder Norris Hill. The West Town Mall shop will take a bit longer as Hill works through lease negotiations with the mall. Thanks to a warm response from the community, over 20 former employees have returned to help staff the shops. Many of them had left during the previous ownership, under which they felt unhappy with working conditions.
A Shift Away from the Brewery
As Honeybee reopens its shops, it will be without the brewery operations that once defined part of its offering. Despite the change, Honeybee will continue to sell locally roasted coffee through its online store, as well as beer at its South Knoxville and West Knoxville shops, although it will no longer brew its own beer.
Lessons Learned from Previous Ownership
The past few months haven’t been easy for Honeybee. Aaron Hensley, who purchased the company in February with plans to franchise, found himself at odds with the staff. Reports indicate that Hensley failed to pay employees while promoting a culture that prioritized positive attitudes. This led to a mass walkout of employees, prompting Hensley to leave the company on June 25, 2023. Hill emphasizes that the experience taught him vital lessons about remaining connected to the community and the essence of what Honeybee represents.
Finances in Focus
Despite the reopening, Honeybee is still experiencing tight finances. The decision to reopen quickly comes from the pressing need to stop the losses incurred while the shops were closed. Hill admits that his earlier decision to sell a large part of the company to Hensley was made out of desperation and has since recognized that such stress can lead to poor choices.
Community Support at the Forefront
The restructured company will once again prioritize community involvement and coffee quality. “We’re going to go back to what we do best, and that’s providing a fantastic experience around coffee,” Hill stated. His vision is to restore Honeybee to its local roots as a flagship coffee brand in Knoxville.
Looking Forward
The news about Honeybee’s reopening has drawn positive reactions from the community, showing strong support for local businesses. The return of former employees also indicates a commitment to rebuilding the workforce that once characterized the Honeybee atmosphere.
As Honeybee Coffee begins this new chapter, it appears determined to learn from past mistakes while focusing on creating a welcoming environment for coffee lovers in Knoxville. While Hill acknowledges the hurdles ahead, including financial strains, he remains committed to steering the business in a community-oriented direction. With the backing of silent investors and a dedicated team, Honeybee Coffee aims to not just survive, but flourish in the Knoxville local scene.
