hoping to run country store in Tennessee, need feedback! (Knoxville: for sale, apartment)

[shamity]

Hi Knox Folks,

My husband and I are hoping to open (or take over an existing) country store somewhere around there. Here are some of our ideas...

1) We would like to be in operation for tourists as well but mostly for locals... you know that old country store reputation of being the local hang out spot. We really want to exist mainly to further the local scene, though sometimes being in a high traffic spot that attracts tourists of some kind allows the business to continue financially. We just def. don't want to rely JUST on tourism... that's not our scene.
2) We are thinking convenience store items/cool gifty items/possible deli and/or simple to-go bakery items, in terms of what to sell. Also coffee, maybe some yummy, simple, cheap featured breakfast items. We would also LOVE to showcase consignments from local artists and craftspeople.
3) We would also like to host occasional events like a Saturday Farmer's Market, bluegrass jam night, kids' night, fall festival, etc.

So my question is, would this interest any of you? What else would you be interested in? Is there one area that would prove ideal for our style of store? Does anyone know of an existing store that is for sale, or even someone who wants someone to take over their store (but they want to retain ownership)? Or, does anyone know of a charming commercial building that would suit our needs... if an apartment was attached, that would be PERFECT!

We will be relocating from New England, where the lifestyle and pace is way too much for us. We need friendly faces, room to breathe, and manners! We got married in TN and LOVE it there!

Thanks in advance for all your input.

[jabogitlu]

I don't know of, but I just want to wish you good luck (sincerely). This kind of stuff needs to happen more in our world, but the South has become, just like all the rest of the US, rushed, hurried and harried. I hope you find somewhere in the area that still has enough sense of community to be able to operate something like this!

[skinem]

My favorite country stores down here always seem to have a potbellied stove in it with chairs or benches around it for whittling and telling lies, I mean, stories.
Lots of items from groceries to hardware.
Those places are disappearing. Most little country stores today seem to survive on cigarette and beer sales...

I like your ideas, and would enjoy seeing a place like that, but be sure of your location. A store selling "cool gifty items" doesn't sound strictly "country", but maybe more upscale suburb type location...

Good luck with your endeavors...let us know how they are progressing.

[creeksitter]

I want you to move ot my neighborhood and open a country store in the middle of downtown Knoxville. Oh wait we already have that... it's called Mast General.

As far as country locations, I'd thought about sending you to the Bradbury community in Roane County because they have music nights at the community center (old school). Now I'm thinking there's an old abandoned gas station at the Buttermilk road exit 360, though it's pretty small. There's no way you could make a living at it but if one of you got a "day job" at H. T. Hackney nearby you might keep it open. There's an established antique mall across the interstate. It might be simpler just to get a job there to satisfy your retail urges.

[jkmewright]

I know of a cute little place with a house on the property that might fit your needs. I will DM you the info. I personally would love to come to a little jam session on the river @ your new bait store