National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day was March 29. We asked you what your favorite local mom and pop restaurants + small retail stores were in the region.
Your responses were great + we learned about a few new businesses.
Our criteria was that a “mom and pop” needed to be:
- Independently-owned, family-controlled
- Maintain a minimum amount of employees
- Have a smaller business volume than most places
- Not franchised
Here were some of your suggestions + comments. Maybe you’ll find a new business to check out:
Restaurants
517 Subs | 1238 Taft Hwy.
“Russ and Sara Holmes own it, run it, and faithfully employ hard working people! Great people, great sandwich shop!” — Judith W.
Bea’s Restaurant | 4500 Dodds Ave.
“The food is delicious, the price is good, the staff are very nice & friendly. Oh but that fried chicken!! You must go there! <3 :)” — @SleeplessAquarius
Olive Branch | 3992 Ringgold Rd.
“Of course Olive Branch tops my list. Not only is the food terrific, they are just very nice people AND they have a diverse staff.” — Betsy A.
Hungry House | 4457 Highway 58
“Cindy does great breakfasts, grilled sandwiches, fries & tots, hot plates, etc… and I give a special shout out to the best weekend evening grill master, Rick! His chop steak with peppers and onions along with real home fries are my go-to Friday night dinner. “ — Andrea P.
Cashew | 149 River St.
“...best vegan lunch and the most awesome bakery items. The cookies are to die for and the cakes are gorgeous!!” — Susan H.
Richard’s Restaurant | 906 Lafayette St. (Ringgold)
“We love Richard’s in downtown Ringgold. Good food and good people. Clean.“ — Linda B.
Nick’s Deli and Marketplace | 5149 Hixson Pike
“Delicious.” — Karla P.
Mimi’s Deli | 5023 Hixson Pike
“This place is truly a family and is actually run by a family. They are always so welcoming and so caring. They truly make the best sandwiches in town and even cater to my picky food needs. If you think of a creation they will not hesitate to make it for you. I wish all of Chattanooga knew how amazing of a place Mimi’s is.” — Holli C.
“Jeff and Liz have great Christian values, have maintained a 100 on the health dept inspections, and happen to offer gluten-free options. Definite family vibe. Oh, from time to time they run Groupons!” — Beth R.
Retail
Mountain Memories Shop | 906 S. Scenic Highway
“Family owned for 91 yrs … quilts, tee shirts (family designed and printed), fudge … relics, pottery. Owned by the granddaughter of Leo Lambert, Jeanne Whisler Crawford.” — Jeanne C.
Locals Only | 1421 Market St.
“Locals Only is a great shop for finding local and Chattanooga branded products. I did all my holiday shopping there for family who don’t live here. They made it very easy with pre-made gift boxes.” — Katherine W.
Tangerina’s | 157 River St.
“An aunt and niece owned art studio.” — Nicole G.
Pruett’s Signal Mountain Market | 1210 Taft Highway
“Pruett’s market on Signal Mountain! With the renovated porch and deli, it has become a community hub. Plus, they have the freshest meat and seafood.” — Ashley C.
Copy Connection | 4830 TN-58 #124
“Copy Connection on Highway 58. Husband and Wife duo that I have been using for almost 20 years.” — Cynthia B.
Hemp House | 521 Tremont St.
“They have hemp and CBD products sourced in Tennessee. Great staff with tons of knowledge.” — Kasey M.
Island Cove Marina | 6667 TN-58
“Incredibly friendly service and staff and have maintained a strong place in the Chattanooga boating and fishing community despite a big-box store on I-75.” — Ryan R.
Poll
