5 Options for Choosing Local Businesses Over the Chains in Gatlinburg

Sometimes the choices can be a bit overwhelming when you are searching for places to eat and shop in Gatlinburg. This may result in you getting a bit comfortable with the businesses you normally stop and visit in your busy day-to-day lifestyle in your hometown. I would like to steer you toward making decisions that will help small business owners in town and give the local economy a boost, as well, even though they rake in the tourism dollars. Here are five businesses I hope you will consider on your vacation, instead of visiting the familiar chain establishments.

Chain: Walgreens

Better Option: Old Dad’s General Store

I know what you’re thinking: Why would I want to go to a convenience store, instead of a place where I know what I want every time. I’m glad you asked, because Old Dad’s is more than just a general store; it boasts a grill inside that serves a good hearty breakfast too. You can have everything from a bacon egg and cheese biscuit to a fried green tomato BLT — all for breakfast at a very reasonable price compared to most other places. They also have a super friendly staff that welcomes you, even if you’re just in to pick up a pack of chewing gum, or in my case, a 16 oz. container of fresh ground peanut butter. Trust me, you’ll feel much better giving your business here instead of the Walgreens just up the street.

Chain: Domino’s Pizza

Better Option: Best Italian

Sure, we are familiar with the popular Domino’s Pizza chain and their numerous deals on everything—pizza, pasta, and dessert. But I would like you to try Best Italian, instead, when you are visiting town. Best Italian has two locations: one in the Elks Plaza, and one directly off the Parkway. We have not had a better pie in Gatlinburg than here, and we are frequent pizza eaters, so this comes as high praise. They have plenty of good Italian dishes, as many of locals can attest to, but our standards are the Garlic Rolls — which come served with a generous dusting of parmesan wading in a small pool of olive oil — and, of course, their pizza. We ordered a large extra cheese pizza last time, and they were VERY generous with the cheese. Let’s just say this is now one of our first stops when we arrive in Gatlinburg.

Chain: Krispy Kreme (Pigeon Forge)

Better Option: Donut Friar

There are plenty of Krispy Kreme locations scattered across the Southern United States, but there is only one location of The Donut Friar. They are located in the Village in Gatlinburg, and they have the absolute best donuts I’ve ever eaten. Opening at the pre-dawn 5 a.m. hour, they serve the early riser and stay open until the evening to accommodate the day crowds. My wife isn’t a big donut eater, but I’ve managed to convert her by introducing her to one of my favorites, the Chocolate Chipper donut. Even with an abundance of breakfast places in town, here you can grab a quick bite and take some back to your hotel room, cabin, or condo for an inexpensive treat.

Chain: TGI Fridays

Better Option: Cherokee Grill

I know you recognize the name, TGI Fridays, even though they just don’t seem to be as popular anymore, but there is one particular place (and I’m sure many more) in Gatlinburg that has them beat, in my opinion. We didn’t discover Cherokee Grill until our second trip, and it didn’t take long for us to wonder why we didn’t go the first time. The steaks and the grilled chicken are AMAZING! But I don’t want you to think they don’t have good side dishes. Their Neva’s Potatoes is a full-on starchy flavor burst, and their spinach mac and cheese hits the spot too. Also on the menu are crab cakes, trout, and shrimp for the seafood lover. Cherokee Grill’s atmosphere gives off an upscale feeling, but don’t be put off by that. They are most certainly a casual restaurant that is welcoming to all classes of people. It is our favorite dinner splurge on our vacation, and I highly recommend you try them.

Chain: Starbucks

Better Option: Coffee and Company

Starbucks is one of the largest chains in the country, and Gatlinburg is represented with one, but there is one coffee shop in town that gives you the best service and caffeinated drinks. Their motto is simple, but inspiring: Peace, Love, and Coffee. Coffee and Company has been in business in Gatlinburg since 1993, and they are a tiny shop in the Village that is a left turn, a few skips, and a hop away from The Donut Friar. The first time I arrived here, I walked into the open door, even though it wasn’t quite their posted open time and received a Coffee 101 lesson when I told the owner I wasn’t sure what to get. I settled on a basic Shot in the Dark, which has an espresso shot along with whatever their coffee blend of the day is, and I walked away not only satisfied with my pleasant tasting, world conquering coffee, but I was happy that someone cared enough to help me decide on the perfect cup for my tastes, which it was. That mattered to me and made the start to my day extra special.

I hope that you found this a helpful read. I know how difficult it can be to veer off from your normal routine and try something different. However, when you are on vacation, I strongly believe that this is the time to try new things. And knowing you’re helping small businesses can give you a special feeling of sticking up for the little guys and girls in the entrepreneurial world. In our case, it keeps us coming back to Gatlinburg year after year.

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