The Market…for the people of Blount County by the people of Blount County. Now serving Knoxville too!
Genuine Southern Hospitality meets Fresh Quality Products:
- Seasonal fresh locally-grown produce
- Pasture-raised, antibiotic & hormone free meats: bison, elk, beef, chicken, pork, handmade sausages & more
- Fresh fish & seafood
- Fresh local bakery items delivered daily
- Specialty dry goods & mercantile
- Large variety of imported Beers
- Visit the Lunch Counter for homemade sandwiches & sides
The Market began in a 1920s historic building on the corner of Washington and High which previously housed a coin-operated laundry until 2008 when Dan Mizell and Paul “Butch” Clark made a unique shopping experience a reality in Maryville.
Mizell, a real estate broker, says the idea for such a market had been rolling around in his head for over two decades, and when the building became available, his idea became a reality. His partner, Clark, owns the building and Mizell manages the operations. Mizell
wanted a customer-driven specialty grocery housed in a historic building bringing back all the service and charm that local town grocers once thrived on.
Mike Adams, a former chef in Maine and Boston, is the general manager and can be found at The Market At Washington & High almost daily round the clock to greet customers, take suggestions for products to carry as well as handle all the day-to-day operations.
“Since opening in September 2008 we have discovered that our customers come from all over East Tennessee – - whether they live, travel through or just shop in Maryville,” said Adams.
This led to the expansion idea, but the key was finding the right location. In the spring of 2011 just such a place came about in a historic building in downtown Knoxville. “When we were approached by H.T. Hackney to lease the space with our unique take on the specialty grocery concept, we couldn’t believe how ideal it all was,” said Dan Mizell.
The Market at Union & Gay in Knoxville will be a similar concept to what the current location in Maryville is but not exactly the same. We’ll have more convenience items to cater to the downtown resident’s needs. Our unique specialty items, fresh bakery goods, Laurel Creek Farms’ meats, fresh fish, large selection of beer and deli counter will all be there. “Our customers are so loyal and have ‘ownership’ in the Maryville location that we can’t wait for downtown Knoxville to adopt us as their grocery hub,” said Mike Adams.
Dan Mizell will be in charge of day-to-day operations at the Knoxville location initially as it opens in July 2011 and stated, “Seeing this vision birthed in Maryville almost four years ago was a dream come true. Growing through a recession and now expanding with a second location is more than I ever dreamed. Our customers are so loyal and engaged in what the store carries and socializing at events – it’s a very exciting time to see how downtown Knoxville makes The Market at Union & Gay its own.”
Now enjoy two great locations – Maryville and Knoxville –for what you know and love The Market to be!
