Small Businesses, Big Impact: Inside Blount County’s Hospitality Growth
Oldham Hospitality and Gemini Hospitality are demonstrating how locally-owned restaurants can drive small business growth and bolster community development in Blount County.
The Changing Face of Hospitality
While many associate the restaurant industry with franchises, the most innovative growth is often seen in small businesses. In Blount County, Oldham Hospitality and Gemini Hospitality are at the forefront, transforming local dining and community engagement.
Oldham Hospitality
Oldham Hospitality is known for a variety of successful ventures, including Sharon’s Half Day Cafe and the Peaceful Side Social and Brewery. Vice President Houston Oldham emphasizes innovative thinking, particularly in workforce development and crafting unique customer experiences.
Key Strategies:
-
Seasonal Workforce Development: Oldham fosters a regular influx of high school and college students during summer, creating a loyal labor pool that promotes internal movement and job satisfaction.
-
Craft Brewing: With East Tennessee’s craft beer scene still developing, Oldham’s venues bring local tastes to the forefront, expanding offerings based on community demand.
-
Real Estate Strategy: Oldham advocates for purchasing properties rather than leasing to ensure flexibility and sustainability.
-
Collaborative Spirit: Oldham sees collaboration with competitors like Gemini Hospitality as essential for regional growth, enhancing Maryville and Townsend as destinations.
Houston Oldham
Gemini Hospitality
Founded by industry veterans Jim Saunders and Jimmy Loup, Gemini Hospitality focuses on operational excellence and community engagement. Their concepts, including Bella, Raven, and The Armory, showcase their commitment to placing high-quality dining at the forefront of the local experience.
Key Strategies:
-
Value Addition: Each Gemini venue enriches the community by filling gaps in dining options and enhancing local pride.
-
Support for Local: Gemini emphasizes using local suppliers, showcasing products from Oldham Hospitality and Sugarlands distillery in their offerings.
-
Career Development: With over 250 jobs across their concepts, Gemini is committed to creating career paths rather than just entry-level positions.
Bella
Collective Impact
Together, Oldham and Gemini are not just changing the local dining scene; they are influencing economic growth and lifestyle in East Tennessee:
- These establishments contribute significantly to local tax revenues, funding essential services.
- Workforce development initiatives address regional employment challenges.
- By creating social hubs, they incentivize residents to stay and attract tourists.
Conclusion
Oldham Hospitality and Gemini Hospitality exemplify how local businesses can make a significant impact on their communities. Their focus on collaboration, innovative workforce strategies, and community investment positions them as vital players in the ongoing evolution of Blount County’s restaurant and hospitality sectors.
