Despite poor economy, some businesses opening in Knoxville

Despite poor economy, some businesses opening in Knoxville

By HARLOW SUMERFORD
6 News Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- Too often, another business in Knoxville is making cuts or closing. But even during the recession, some have opened their doors instead.

One example is Café 4, a restaurant and concert hall that recently opened in Market Square.

"There has been a lot of interest in the project for a while, a lot of people involved in it. When you do a project this size, it takes a lot of planning so this was in the works for 18 months, two years," says manager Brent Thompson.

"Right now, there are five to six new restaurants that have just opened or are in the process of opening. Downtown is a major entertainment spot." says Director of Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Mike Edwards.

Here's a list of some of the restaurants that recently opened or will soon be opening in downtown Knoxville:

• Cafe 4 & Square Room
• Soccer Taco(opening second location)
• S&W Grand Cafe
• Rita's Italian Ice
• Coolato Gelato

Aside from restaurants, two months ago, Green Mountain Coffee opened a plant in East Knoxville that's expected to bring in more than 300jobs.  

According to Edwards, other companies are hoping to scoop up former employees from companies such as Goody's.

"The chamber will get calls and ask, can you help us with getting in contact with people who have left blank company," Edwards says.

Edwards is hopeful for 2009. There are no announcements yet, but Knoxville could gain a large distribution company and a pharmaceutical company.