Made in Chattanooga. Yep, that sure has a nice ring to it. From clothing and accessories to snacks and other fun finds, we’ve rounded up 20+ things homegrown in the Scenic City.
While some of these brands have branched out beyond our city, one thing’s for sure — there’s some major inspo happening around these parts.
Snack time
Not Too Hot Sauce
If hot sauces seem too spicy for you, then let us introduce you to this brand. Started by sisters Melody and Angela Petulla, you can shop mild to medium sauces that give you the flavor without the heat. Pro tip: Learn more about the products before shopping.
Seahorse Snacks
These protein-packed nuts are sold online + at various pop-up markets in town. Check out the chili turmeric almonds, cashews, and pistachios or the maple “chaitastic” pecans. Company founder Stacy Martin, who created the tasty snacks, alikens herself to a seahorse after learning she had an extremely rare genetic mutation that required her stomach to be removed. Read more of her story.
MoonPies
The snack “as big as the moon” was created over 100 years ago right here in Chattanooga. These snacks are sold in retail stores all over the world in a variety of flavors and sizes. While the General Store on Broad Street might have closed recently, keep an eye out for its new location.
Little Debbie
This iconic brand began right here in Chattanooga when the McKee Family purchased a small bakery during the height of the Great Depression. Now, the bakery has grown into a huge factory that manufactures delicious treats that are distributed globally. Bonus: Play around at the Little Debbie Park in nearby Collegedale.
Noke’s Granola
This artisanal granola company was started locally by brothers Luther and Ryan Cutchins as a way to find a healthier snack alternative. Now, the organic granola is distributed across the country. Pro tip: The ChattaBrew Nuts are amazing.
Ryan’s Pepperworks
This hot sauce + spice blend company has been crafting products in Chattanooga for 20 years. You can shop for the products online (with shipping to all 50 states) or at local farmers markets. Bonus: Don’t skip out on the monthly flavors made with seasonal fruits + vegetables.
The Chef and his Wife Foods
The name says it all — you can find creations from husband and wife Tim + Shelly who sought out to “revolutionize the taste and presentation of pimento cheese.” With four flavors (original, smoked gouda, jalapeno, and “Hot ‘n Smoky Chipotle”), you can find these cheeses in 150 Food City locations.
Krystal
Burger chain Krystal got its start in Chattanooga in 1932 with a restaurant at the corner of Seventh + Cherry Streets. The first location got its name because it was clean as a crystal ball, and nine decades later, people are still sliding into Krystal to get the square patties. The brand has 200+ locations in southern US states.
Clothing
Goodhew and Sockwell
This company has been creating a variety of socks from sustainable materials since 2008. Not only are the socks a cozy, modern design but they help provide solutions for graduated compression, plantar fasciitis relief, and are diabetic-friendly.
Burlaep Apparel
Founded in Chattanooga, this outdoor apparel company hand prints each product in the Scenic City. The nature activity-inspired garments use eco-conscious inks on sustainably sourced products. Bonus: Check out the Burlaep Print & Press storefront to shop while sipping on a fresh cup of coffee.
NativeMade
Our readers know we love where we live, and this local brand embodies that love in its mission. Founded in 2016 by Adam Tetzlaff, all products showcase “Chattanooga/Tennessee history, local landmarks, or anything that stands out to me as a local.” Bonus: You can now find this brand at REI Co-op at Hamilton Place.
For the home
The Rustic House
This luxury candle business was started by two best friends in 2013. The soy candles, wax melts, incense, and more are now available in every state in the US + 12 countries.
Divine Purity Aurapothecary
Founded by Cassandra Tucker, this family-owned and operated business crafts handmade home + body products. Shop from plant-based goods like candles, wax melts, incense, and more.
Lodge Cast Iron
The first factory store to sell Lodge cookware is located in nearby South Pittsburg. Everything from the classic cast iron skillets to specialty items like the fluted cake pan or Dutch ovens are sold right down the road.
Rangemark Textiles
Owner + designer Kathryn Wieldraayer uses pattern-making and block printing to create unique products like tote bags, towels, and napkin sets. The brand’s mission is “to bring beauty to the ordinary by creating functional art.”
Drink up
Chattanooga Whiskey
This local distillery made history by changing state laws in 2013 (making it legal to distill whiskey in the area for the first time since 1909) + is known for creating the only Tennessee high-malt bourbon. You can get a look at production + enjoy a tasting flight when taking a tour at the Experimental Distillery on Market Street. Take it from City Editor Haley — who used to be a tour guide — and try her favorite, the Cask 111.
Gate 11 Distillery
You can head to the inside of the Chattanooga Choo Choo to find this spot. Operating since 2018, this family-owned distillery specializes in small-batched spirits like gin, vodka, rum + absinthe — enjoy a tour, tasting, or cocktail while visiting.
Chei-Man Tea
This Chattanooga-based family tea company sells to local coffee shops, restaurants, gift shops, and is available at the Chattanooga Market. Bonus: Try out the chai, pumpkin spice chai, and hot apple chai blends just in time for fall.
Fun finds
Altoid tins
Did you know that the large tins for Altoids are made in Chattanooga? The Wrigley Manufacturing Co. on Jersey Pike has been producing the recognizable containers and distributing them across the US since 2006.
Tow truck
Chattanooga has been credited as the birthplace of the tow truck which was invented by Ernest Holmes Sr. in 1916. Bonus: You can learn more about the history of the tow truck at the International Towing Museum.
Alchemy Spice Blends
This business has been handcrafting a variety of spice blends to “transform your cooking into delightful food experiences” since 2003. You can shop spice blends, gourmet salts, and infused oils online. Pro tip: For grill lovers, check out the Scenic City Grilling Pepper.
Coca-Cola Bottling
This classic soda was invented in Atlanta, but Chattanooga helped bring it to the masses. In 1899, two entrepreneurs negotiated the rights to bottle the cola for the first time right here in the Scenic City. Over 125 years later, the soft drink exploded in popularity and the city is still a major distributor for the brand.
Sherman+Reilly
The company has been in Chattanooga for nearly 100 years making equipment that pulls overhead + underground electric power lines. The equipment is used in Chattanooga and all across the US by electric utilities, contractors, and rental companies.
Chattanooga Medicine Co.
Thanks to reader B’s suggestion, we’re taking you on a trip to the past for this one. Chattanooga businessman Zeboim Cartter Patten founded this company — that went on to be one of the region’s largest drug manufacturers — in 1879. Through the decades, it later became Chattem, Inc. before being sold in 2009 to Sanofi.
What did we miss? If you know an invention that’s not on the list, let us know.
