New Coffee shop opens in downtown Rocky Top
Coal Creek Coffee has opened for business in downtown Rocky Top. (photo:G Chambers Williams III )
It’s one of several new businesses planning to open in the central business district this year, helping to lead a revitalization of the town. Als on tap will be a Mexican restaurant and a new general store.
Coal Creek Coffee, at 224 S. Main St., is owned and operated by Jesse Dymond and his wife, Nikki, who is from LaFollette.
They opened their doors last Wednesday, but waited until Tuesday (May 2) to have their ribbon cutting and grand opening.
The building they’re in, which also houses a hair salon and pest-control company, is owned by Jesse Dymond’s parents, who live in Howell, Michigan, where Jesse grew up.
He said it was his wife’s idea for the couple to open a coffee shop in Rocky Top.
“I grew up in a business family,” Dymond said. “I told Nikki I wanted to own a business in Rocky Top, and she immediately suggested a coffee shop. So here we are.”
Coal Creek Coffee will be open every day but Monday. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and 7 to 10 a.m. Sunday.
Coffee and tea are available, and the shop’s specialty is iced coffee, Jesse Dymond said.
“We do a lot of iced coffees,” he said. “We also offer hot lattes, frozen coffees, and iced and hot tea brewed in house.”
There are some food items, including bagels, brownies and cookies.
“We offer an everything bagel, plain bagels, brownies and cookies, all sourced from this area,” Dymond said. “Knox Brownie Works supplies the brownies and cookies, and the bagels come from Payson Bagels in Knoxville.
“We do not roast our coffee in house, but it is roasted at Knoxville Coffee Co.”
Rocky Top Mayor Kerry Templin said he wishes the Dymonds success in their new business.
“I think it’s great, and I wish them all the luck in the world,” he said. “I have a feeling they’re going to be successful.”
Dymond said he and his wife will be the only ones working in the shop for now.
“We’re very excited,” he said. “We can’t wait for everybody to try our coffee.”