Sweetwater Main Street Opens New Doors!
Sunday, May 6th, 2018 | Uncategorized | No Comments
The year 2018 is looking to be a banner year in historic downtown Sweetwater. In the past few months, Sweetwater’s nationally accredited Main Street district has helped four new businesses open. Building entrepreneurs is an important goal for the Sweetwater Main Street organization. In partnership with the City of Sweetwater and funded in part with a grant through the State of TN Economic and Community Development, a formerly vacant building in downtown Sweetwater is being transformed into a business incubator. The beautiful historic building, once known at the Carter Brick Mason Building, is owned by Sweetwater Architect Sam Moser. His vision for the building has created space for a restaurant, coffee shop and bakery, a retail store, and several residential apartments in the future, as well as the relocation of his own architectural office.
Last fall the first business, Her Majesty Boutique, opened to much fanfare. It hasn’t been unusual to see a line out the door of this trendy second floor boutique. Clothing and apparel, jewelry, accessories, and more, as well as a new children’s line, Reign Couture, have drawn many new shoppers to downtown Sweetwater. The shop is owned by Ashley Ingram, Miss Tennessee United States 2017.
“It’s a very good thing to have young, smart entrepreneurs in Sweetwater,” said Mayor Doyle Lowe. “We’re so glad to play a part in these businesses success.”
In January, Vittorino’s Italian Cucina Restaurant opened and has stayed busy even through the traditionally slow months of January and February. The cuisine is fresh and made with love by owner Rosa. The venue is beautiful and cozy. Open Tuesday through Sunday, a meal in Vittorino’s Italian Cucina Restaurant is well worth the trip to Sweetwater.
March 1st welcomed the Cup Runneth Over Coffeehouse and Sweet Station Bake Shop. The Coffehouse serves Crimson Cup coffee, as well as a variety of hot teas, espressos, cappuccinos, and more. Paired with a treat or breakfast item from the Bake Shop, and this stop is a must when visiting Sweetwater. The eclectic interior spotlights the original brick walls and locally made countertops, tables, and chairs. A space was created for live entertainment, and the back section of the building has a meeting room available for parties and gatherings.
Several years ago the Sweetwater Main Street organization hired a consultant for a master plan as part of a grant through the East TN Foundation. The process of creating the master plan identified several goals for downtown Sweetwater. Some of those goals included a restaurant serving pizza that more locals would support, businesses that stayed open past 5 pm, and a coffee shop.
“These new ventures are a clear fulfillment of several long-term goals, and it’s exciting to watch,” said Jane McGuire, Sweetwater Main Street Director. “We are so proud to play a part of this process.”
Sweetwater is home to so many unique shopping experiences and dining options. These new businesses will help continue to draw visitors and locals alike and enhance what is already a great day trip. So make plans to visit Sweetwater soon! For more information, follow the Main Street Marketplace Facebook page at www.facebook.com/shoplocalatmsm.
Main Street Marketplace
105 S. Main Street
Sweetwater, TN 37874
423-337-6979
www.sweetwatertn.net
www.facebook.com/shoplocalatmsm
