New Grocery Store Opens in wears Valley

New Grocery Store Opens in Wears Valley

“No Beer” says Owner

RG Williams

The Valley Voice

This weekend will mark the opening of Smoky Mountain Grocery, located in Wears Valley.

Tim Bowers, who owns the store along with wife Gina, may be new to Wears Valley, but not to East Tennessee; “I’m actually from Lafollette, explains Tim, “so retiring here is a homecoming for me.” Before making the move from Houston, the family had spent much time vacationing here, where Gina actually came up with the idea to deliver groceries.

Tim explains that there will be more of a focus on grocery items than in a convenience store. Prices will be competitive for a store of this size and all name brand merchandise will be carried.

The store will sell all manner of food staples, with a few exceptions…beer being one of them.

There has been much talk centered around where or not the new grocery would sell, and the answer is no. Though the store is far enough away from Hedricks Chapel to legally get a beer license, the Bowers family respects the unofficial “dry” status of Wears Valley.

What separates Smoky Mountain from other grocery stores is the old fashioned delivery service available for residents as well as cabin guests. The price for delivery is $20.00 per / or $9.99 for senior citizens. When it comes to the cabin delivery the company prides itself on getting orders delivered early to the point that the cabinets and fridge are stocked before the cabin guests even arrive, “We are like mice”, jokes Tim, “nobody ever sees us.”

Those wishing to have groceries delivered may order them online, by fax, or by calling the customer service number.

Future plans for the store include a special “VIP” savings card for local shoppers- which entitles them to 10% off their grocery bills.

Mr. Bowers says he plans to be as much a part of the community as possible, and even has plans to sell locally made craft items and produce.

A grand Opening event is being planned which will feature live entertainment, and Barbeque.

The new Smoky Mountain Grocery Store is located in the former Wears Valley Hardware building.

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 9pm

Phone: 877-4-VITTLES, or 865-366-7261

Visit the store online at www.smokymountaingrocery.com. The grocery may also be found on Facebook and Twitter.