Since the inception of the Black in Business series in 2021, Knox News has highlighted nearly 20 Black-owned businesses in East Tennessee that continue to thrive, supporting Knoxville with services and products you can’t find anywhere else.
Knox News reached out to businesses we’ve profiled, from auto shops and hair salons to restaurants and bakeries, to learn more about their growth since being featured. (Burger Boys is the only business that has closed, shutting down May 7 to provide better access to Kern’s Food Hall.)
If you’re looking to support Black-owned businesses, this list is a great place to start. You can also check out the Knoxville Black Business Directory at urbanknox.com/buyblackknox.
Dogwood Grooming Spa – 1013 Leon Drive
Dogwood Grooming Spa, featured in the 2022 Black in Business series, remains a premier destination for dog and cat grooming in Knoxville. Soon, people passing by will notice a “freshened up” version of Dogwood, as the shop is set to get a fresh coat of paint.
While Dogwood is still owned and operated by Tara Johnson, she is no longer at Dogwood every day. Her daughters, Monica and Candise, have largely taken over the day-to-day operations of the business.
“I am so grateful,” Johnson said. “They stepped up and knocked the ball out of the park.”
Dogwood continues to grow, thanks to the shop’s loyal customer base, which Johnson considers “like family.”
Pure Essence Salon – 806 E. Magnolia Ave.
Pure Essence Salon, featured in 2021 as part of Black in Business, is a fixture on Magnolia Avenue.
The salon is owned by Chanta Barfield and has been open to the Knoxville community for more than a decade. Her daughter, Arianna, is the newest addition.
Arianna recently graduated and will join her mom’s business as an aesthetician. The salon will now offer lash services, brow treatments and more.
“I’ve been in the business and owned this business for more than 10 years,” Barfield said. “We’re here, we’re reliable, we’re timely. I hope not to go anywhere any time soon.”
Trusted Field Services – 2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
Trusted Field Services, featured in the 2024 edition of Black in Business, continues to serve the Knoxville community through its renovation, construction management, remodeling, disaster recovery and construction services.
Founder Kimberly Black moved the company to Knoxville from Texas back in 2020. Five years later, Black told Knox News, Trusted Field Services has grown to support 10 employees.
The company has worked on projects for the city, as well as the Knoxville Utilities Board and Covenant Health Park, the new home of Knoxville Smokies baseball and One Knoxville SC.
“We are a local business that takes pride in the growth of the city of Knoxville and participating in that growth,” Black said. “We look forward to continuing to support the growth of our beautiful city.”
Discover more Black-owned businesses in Knoxville
Learn more about Knoxville businesses that have been featured in past editions of Black in Business:
- Asheville Highway Animal Hospital: Veterinarian Dr. Joseph Kendrick, known as “Papa Joe,” has been serving the community since 1979. The animal hospital provides care for pets, as well as boarding and spa services. Info: 4516 Asheville Highway | ahahvet.com
- Bell Leotards: Melanie Bell makes gymnastics leotards for athletes and teams across the nation. Bell’s brand is dedicated to offering stylish leotards that instill confidence. Info: 1143 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge | bellleotards.com
- Britnie’s Balloon Bonanza: Owned by Britnie Davis, Britnie’s Balloon Bonanza has premier balloon arrangements for every celebration. Info: 7035 Middlebrook Pike | Balloonbonanza16@gmail.com
- Chick-N-Sack and K-Town Krack: This is where Southern-style deep-fried chicken meets K-Town Krack, a seasoning sold separately in stores and online. Both brands are owned and founded by James “Boo” Jackson, who moved the business from Marble City Market to focus on the food truck. Info: ktownkrack.com
- East Tennessee Mechanical Contractors: ETMC has been serving the Knoxville community since 1978 and has worked on major construction projects across the state. The business was founded by Mark Deathridge and is now run by his son, Devin Deathridge. Info: 109 Bertrand St. | etmccorp.com
- Good Guy Collective: This hip-hop group continues to collaborate on music while performing throughout Knoxville. Leaders in the group, Jarius Bush and Kobe Kane, continue to elevate the scene by inspiring young musicians and sharing knowledge about the business. Info: goodguycollective.bandcamp.com
- Gosh Ethiopian: Tariku “Mike” and Terualem “Terri” Woldemichael’s restaurant remains a Knoxville favorite for Ethiopian cuisine. Enjoy the authentic food at their Sutherland Avenue location. Info: 3609 Sutherland Ave. | goshethiopian.com
- Hem It Up: Kamesha Bowen-Jenkins continues to do wedding gown alterations at Hem It Up in West Knoxville. Bowen-Jenkins has spent more than 25 years in the wedding alterations industry. Info: 8044 Ray Mears Blvd. | hemitupknox.com
- The Landes Team: David, Yvonnca and Adrienne Landes specialize in Knoxville real estate, with experience in the mortgage and appraisal industries. Info: 109 Northshore Drive | yvonncasellsrealestate.com
- Mer Mer’s Bakery: Mer Mer’s serves up delicious treats and homemade recipes at its Gay Street store. Place your order online or find owner Chandra Taylor’s treats at Remedy Coffee on Tyson Street and at Awaken Coffee on Jackson Avenue. Info: 617 N. Gay St. | mermersbakery.com
- Mr. Cool’s AC Transmission & Brake Service: Owned by James Brown, Mr. Cool’s has been providing quality service on Kingston Pike for more than 25 years. Brown also owns Mr. Cool Collision body shop on Gleason Drive, which opened in 2020. Info: 8062 Kingston Pike (main store) and 8315 Gleason Drive (collision center) | mrcoolsautorepair.com
Allison Kiehl reports on trending and breaking news for the Tennessee Connect team. Email: allison.kiehl@knoxnews.com
