Chris Battle explains the mission of East Knoxville’s BattleField Farm
Chris Battle explains the mission of BattleField Farm, an urban farm and community garden fighting food disparities in East Knoxville
Brianna Paciorka, Knoxville News Sentinel
Supporting Knoxville’s Black-owned businesses is important every month.
It keeps dollars local, creates jobs and helps Black entrepreneurs narrow the wealth gap.
Knoxville consumers who want to spend their dollars with Black entrepreneurs in our community have a great resource in the Knoxville Black Business Directory, which lists companies by name and industry.
Want to recommit to supporting diverse local businesses and nonprofits? Here are a few to get you started. Visit knoxvilleblackbusiness.com to find more.
MORE: Black business owners are clearing hurdles, but it’s not easy
RELATED: Five Black-owned businesses win $5,000, support for growth from 100Knoxville
BattleField Farm and Garden
If you’re looking for some farm-fresh produce that also helps fight food disparity in Knoxville, visit BattleField Farm and Garden.
Founded by Chris Battle, the nonprofit Urban Farm was created to provide farm-fresh food to the East Knoxville community, which lacks in fresh food options. You can support the farm by volunteering or donating to its delivery truck fund.
facebook.com/battlefieldfarmandgardens
3624 Boyds Bridge Pike
Big O’s Famous BBQ
Big O’s owner Kenneth Oglesby combined his love of cooking for others and his dream of opening a restaurant. Once his wife Philander gave her blessing, the food truck was born.
The food truck serves up slow-smoked meats with its homemade rub and sauce. Since it travels, use Facebook to find out where it’s serving up next.
Brown Sugar Sweets
Owned by self-taught baker Cheriya Scott, Brown Sugar Sweets bakes custom-order cakes and desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. From cakes to pies to cookies, Brown Sugar has any sweet treat you could want, and in just about any flavor. Special orders are available upon request.
facebook.com/brownsugarsweetsandtreats
Online orders only
Burger Boys
If you order a burger at Burger Boys, you can guarantee it was made by owner Andre Bryant. The bright white and red drive-thru has been open since 2018 and serves all of its burgers with free fries.
To no surprise, it’s known as “home of the free fries,” which is displayed on the storefront
2400 Chapman Highway
The Carpetbag Theatre
If you’re looking to catch a show, check out a production from The Carpetbag Theatre. The nonprofit, run by executive director Jonathan Clark, works with local artists, activists and more to put on original shows.
The company aims to, “give artistic voice to the issues and dreams of people who have been silenced by racism, classism, sexism, ageism, homophobia and other forms of oppression,” according to its website.
1323 N. Broadway
Fresh Kale Bath & Boutique
Co-owned by Alexia Frazier and Tina Drake Fresh Kale Bath and Boutique offers stylish clothing, accessories and bath products. Not sure what style to go with? Fresh Kale provides a styling service with “a great team of stylist that love fashion, style sessions and a good conversation.”
Appointments can be arranged at home, online or in store.
West Town Mall
7600 Kingston Pike, Suite 1128
Goodwin’s South of the River
Another local food truck, Goodwin’s is owned by Monte and Julie Goodwin and serves family favorite country cooking.
Enjoy dishes such as fried chicken tenders, Philly cheesesteak quesadillas, then some deep-fried Oreos for dessert. Follow them on Facebook to check their location.
facebook.com/goodwinssouthoftheriver/
Gosh Ethiopian Restaurant
Owners Tariku “Mike” and Terualem “Terri” Woldemichael, both Ethiopian immigrant, opened up Gosh in 2011. This restaurant serves spiced meat and vegetables including beef, lamb and lentils.
Use the injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread, to scoop up your entrée.
3609 Sutherland Ave.
Harper’s Naturals
Starting with a passion for natural skincare and its benefits, Tanika Harper founded Harper’s Naturals. The online store carries bathing essentials like soap and shampoo, as well as items like bath bombs to treat yourself to a relaxing soak. All products are made from natural ingredients and have no toxic chemicals.
Online only
Marc Nelson Denim
Looking to add some new looks to your wardrobe? Marc Nelson Denim specializes in small-batch, hand-sewn denim and high-end clothing. Founded by Knoxville native Marcus Hall, this denim store can help you find clothing to upgrade your style.
700 E Depot Ave.
Mer-Mer’s Bakery
For almost a quarter century, Mer-Mer’s Bakery has served scratch-made cakes to Knoxville residents from their Gay Street location. Owned by Chandra Baker and best known for their creative cake designs, Mer-Mer’s only bakes in small batches to ensure everything comes out just right. While cakes are their specialty, Mer-Mer’s bakes everything from cookies to cinnamon rolls.
617 N. Gay St.
Mr. Cool’s AC Transmission & Brake Service
James Brown opened what is possibly one of the first Black-owned businesses in West Knoxville about 25 years ago. Brown started a mobile air-conditioning repair service out of a van and has been a Knoxville staple ever since. Mr. Cool’s specializes in transmission, brake and auto air conditioning repair.
8062 Kingston Pike
Oakwood BBQ
This food truck, owned by Trevor Guydon, serves BBQ with a southwest twist. Oakwood specializes in brisket, but also serves smoked turkey and pulled pork with sides like smoked macaroni and cheese and Mexican-style street corn. The truck moves around, so check its website to track it down.
Oglewood Avenue
Looking to spruce up your home or office with some plant life? Oglewood Avenue, owned by Jade Adams, offers a wide selection of plants and gardening tools. Oglewood Avenue also provides interior styling services to help you choose the right plants and where to put them.
3524 N. Broadway
Pure Essence Salon
Pure Essence was founded by owner Chantra Barfield and has been cultivating a community hub in Knoxville for 10 years. The salon prides itself in being able to work with any kind of hair, from textured and curly to thin and fine. A wide range of hairstyling services and products are available.
806 E. Magnolia Ave.
