Two of Knoxville's favorite ice cream shops are growing in different ways, while restaurants are preparing to showcase their menus at an annual benefit event this weekend.
- Cruze Farm has expanded its downtown menu with fried snacks, and breakfast could be coming soon.
- Irvey's Ice Cream Co. is opening a new permanent home in Fountain City.
- Taste of Turkey Creek is returning with food samples, live entertainment and a fundraiser benefiting Breast Connect.
Here's a deeper look at some of the latest news from Knoxville's restaurant scene.
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Cruze Farm expands downtown menu on Gay Street
Cruze Farm is bringing more menu items to its new downtown location after moving earlier this year to a bigger space next door on Gay Street.
The ice cream shop announced on social media this week it is now serving cheese curds, fries and ranch. The menu eventually will include breakfast sandwiches, biscuits and grilled cheese sandwiches, and Cruze
Farm also plans to offer its own butter and bread to take home.
The history of this family-owned business dates back to 1980 when fourth-generation dairy farmer Earl Cruze married his wife, Cheri. The family transformed the business from a small dairy farm selling to local grocers into one of Knoxville's most recognizable brands, with multiple shops in East Tennessee.
"I think my parents love what it's grown into. I love working with family," co-owner Colleen Cruze Bhatti previously told Knox News. "It's great to continue something they put so much work and love into like their whole lives."
Info: cruzefarm.com | @cruzefarmdowntown | 445 S. Gay St.
Irvey's Ice Cream is opening a shop in Fountain City
Irvey's Ice Cream Co. is opening its first standalone storefront Oct. 9 in Fountain City, giving the local business a permanent home after years of operating from an ice cream truck and, more recently, a stall inside Kern's Food Hall.
The new shop − the first brick-and-mortar one for founder Trent Sanders − is at 3000 Tazewell Pike.
"Fountain City deserves ice cream,” Sanders said in a news release. “Ever since the Fountain City Creamery burned down, there’s been a gap here. Fountain City showed up all summer as we parked out in front of the shop to serve ice cream. We’re excited to set down long-term roots in the neighborhood.”
The ice cream lineup has 32 flavors, including bubble gum, seaside caramel and yellow cake batter.
The grand opening celebration will feature yard games, chalk art, face painting and other family-friendly activities.
Info: irveys.com | @irveysicecream | 3000 Tazewell Pike (opens Oct. 9)
Taste your way through Turkey Creek this weekend
Pinnacle at Turkey Creek is hosting the annual Taste of Turkey Creek 6-9 p.m. Oct. 9, giving visitors a chance to sample dishes from multiple restaurants in one sitting while supporting a timely cause. The event will feature live entertainment and will benefit Breast Connect, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting people and families affected by breast cancer.
"Each year, Taste of Turkey Creek gives us the opportunity to showcase the incredible restaurants and businesses that make the Turkey Creek area special while bringing our community together for an important cause," Gabi Walsh, marketing manager for Pinnacle at Turkey Creek, said in a news release.
Taste of Turkey Creek will feature samples from Fleming's Steakhouse, Moonshine Mountain Cookie Company, Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille, Whataburger, Wild Wing Cafe and other local businesses.
General admission tickets are $40 and can be purchased online through Eventbrite.
Info: pinnacleatturkeycreek.com | @tasteofturkeycreek | 11251 Parkside Drive
Knox News reporter Joanna Hayes covers restaurants and retail for the business growth and development team. Email: joanna.hayes@knoxnews.com; Instagram: @knoxeat65. Sign up for Joanna's Eat65 email newsletter to get the latest drink and dining news, as well as restaurant recommendations, at knoxnews.com/newsletters.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Food at Cruze Farm, ice cream in Fountain City and a fun-filling fundraiser
