Chattanooga was officially established in 1839, which means our city is 180 years old. 🎂
A lot of businesses have opened + closed in the past 180 years. Ever wondered about some of the oldest businesses and how they’ve managed to stick around? Yeah, we did too. So we asked around, and the folks at “You Know You’re From Chattanooga If …” were helpful. Here’s what we found out:
Miller & Martin | Since 1867 | 832 Georgia Ave. | Chattanooga’s biggest law firm and one of the largest in the Southeast. Read more about this old biz here.
Chattanooga Times Free Press | Since 1869 | 400 E. 11th St. | Originally, published as the Chattanooga Times, the paper merged with the rival Chattanooga Free Press in 1999. Hence, the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
Fischer-Evans Jewelers | Since 1869 | 801 Market St. | A holdout from Chattanooga’s glory days, Fischer-Evans celebrates 150 years of business in 2019. The store was started by brothers W.F. “Will” and Lou Fischer shortly after the Civil War in a “boarded-up section of a stable on Market Street.” Read more here.
Read House | Since 1872 | 107 W. MLK Blvd. | Technically, the Read House could be considered the oldest business in Chattanooga because the original Crutchfield House hostelry — which occupied the same block — dates back to 1847. The Read House recently underwent a $25 million renovation. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976.
Erlanger Hospital | Since 1899 | 975 E. 3rd St. | Erlanger Health System is the 10th largest public healthcare system in the United States. It was founded by Baron Frédéric Emile d’Erlanger who donated $5,000 to establish Chattanooga’s first permanent hospital.
Miss Griffin’s Footlong Hotdogs | Since 1939 | 847 E. Main St. | Founded by Willie Mae Griffin Hawkins. The ownership of Griffin’s may have changed over the years but the recipe hasn’t changed a bit. Pro-tip: The original Miss Griffin dog is great, but you’ve got to try the Great Dane (brown mustard, hot sauce, onions, cheese + sauerkraut). 🌭
Zarzour’s Café | Since 1918 | 1627 Rossville Ave. | Chattanooga’s oldest family restaurant, Zarzour’s is still operating through four generations of family members. Pro-tip: Zarzour’s has one of the best burgers in Chattanooga. 🍔
Franklin-Strickland Funeral Home | Since 1894 | 1101 Dodds Ave. | One of the oldest businesses in Chattanooga, Franklin-Strickland Funeral Home was founded by G.W. Franklin, the first African-American funeral director + embalmer in the city.
Krystal | Since 1932 | 10 area locations | Chattanooga’s most famous tiny burger was first served at the corner of 7th and Cherry streets downtown. Although Krystal is headquartered in Atlanta now, the company started in Chattanooga and remains the oldest hamburger chain in the South. DYK: the oldest Krystal still in operation is at 307 Cherokee Blvd. 🥤
Chattem, Inc. | Since 1879 | 3350 Broad St. | Many of the over-the-counter healthcare products you use are made at Chattem. Originally, The Chattanooga Medicine Company was founded by Zeboim Cartter Patten. Current brands include IcyHot, Aspercreme, Rolaids, Gold Bond + Allegra.
Nikki’s Drive-Inn | Since 1941 | 899 Cherokee Blvd. | Fried shrimp, fried chicken and delicious onion rings (also fried), Nikki’s is a nostalgic pit stop that hasn’t changed much in decades. Pro-tip: Bring cash + a huge appetite. 🍤
Walter A. Wood Supply Co. | Since 1913 | 4509 Rossville Blvd. | It’s not very sexy, but Walter A. Wood has been providing industrial and safety supplies for more than 100 years. The company distributes more than 500,000 products (hand tools, lawn and garden equipment + safety and security products).
Tivoli Theatre | Since 1921 | 709 Broad St. | Chattanooga wouldn’t be the same without the gorgeous Tivoli. Recently, the Tivoli began screening films again … a nod to the theatre’s history as a place for music + films. The first film screened at the Tivoli was Cecil B. DeMille’s “Forbidden Fruit” in 1921. Watch the full film here.
Koch’s Bakery | Since 1948 | 1900 Broad St. | Founded by George and Irene Koch, many of the original recipes are still used today. Koch’s moved to 1900 Broad St. in 1978. The original location was 535 Market St.
*This isn’t meant to be a comprehensive list. If we missed you, let us know by commenting below.
