Higher Grounds Gourmet Coffee

Higher Grounds

Welcome to our first Knoxville Business Mom and Pop story!

Higher Grounds, 625 S Gay Street, is a cheerily-lit Mom and Pop establishment offering breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday and specializing in gourmet coffe and home-made cookies and pastries.

I'm (brand spanking) new to the interview business, so I didn't think to call owner Michael Teffeteller to let him know I was coming and why.

When I walked in, I noticed he greeted customers warmly at the counter, and I was no exception -- after, that is, we established that I wasn't trying to sell him an online menu service. I think I might have that online menu salesman look about me, so next time, I'll be sure to call my proprietor before I visit!

I told Michael that I write about Mom and Pop in Knoxville, and he lit up like a Christmas tree and said, "It doesn't get much more Mom and Pop than this place!"

I asked how business was, and Michael replied happily that it is brisk. "We draw in traffic from about a 3-and-a-half block radius, and stay busy for breakfast and lunch." he said. That's pretty good considering all the offices surrounding his location.

Hailing from Maryville, Teffeteller said he loves working in downtown Knoxville, and his customers seemed to be happy with his chosen location as well.

Our conversation was brief; he was busy. But after I took a couple quick photos and prepared to leave, he stopped me with a smile and said, "Let me give you a cookie. What kind do you like?"

I asked for chocolate chip, and was quite happy with that decision as I made my way back to my car.

Thanks for the cookie, Michael, and good fortune to your Knoxville Mom and Pop establishment!

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