K Brew's newest location is more than a coffee shop. It's part of a growing cluster of local businesses helping turn Belltown into a walkable destination in Powell.
After more than a decade of opening coffee shops across Knoxville, K Brew co-founder and CEO Pierce LaMacchia told Knox News expanding to Belltown was the best decision he could have made.
The coffee shop is now open alongside other familiar Knoxville brands, including Soccer Taco and Abridged Burger Company. But by being in Belltown, LaMacchia said, these restaurants and shops are able to provide a different kind of experience.
The Belltown development features hundreds of homes, supporting a walkable experience more commonly associated with downtown than Powell. Simpson's Meats opened
its Belltown storefront earlier this week, and an indoor golf club called The Bunker is opening soon.
K Brew CEO: Powell has an appetite for local businesses at Belltown
There's a pattern LaMacchia follows when trying to determine the next K Brew location: Wherever there are "barren zones," he previously told Knox News, "let's plop a store there."
Powell has shown a strong appetite for local businesses, LaMacchia said, particularly a locally owned coffee shop. But the reaction to K Brew's arrival at Belltown has exceeded his expectations.
"We've absolutely love being here," LaMacchia said.
To further promote walkability, Belltown recently launched a Pedestrian Beverage Zone − similar to the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area on Market Square − that allows customers to walk around the development with alcoholic drinks purchased from participating businesses.
K Brew is gearing up to launch its next coffee shop in Hardin Valley. The timeline and location haven't been announced, but it's in an area that, once again, LaMacchia believes needs more local coffee options.
K Brew info (Belltown): Located at 4511 Market Bell Way in Powell, K Brew's newest coffee shop is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.
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: K Brew's newest shop offers a look inside Belltown's growth in Powell | Exclusive
