The Hispanic population of Knoxville has been growing and will continue to grow. With the growth of the population comes the growth of businesses that support their community as well as share their culture with natives of Knoxville. Listed below are businesses that are Hispanic-owned and operated local to the area.
Antonella’s Bakery
Antonella Da Silva, founder of the bakery, moved to Knoxville from Venezuela in 2017. Her Venezuelan desserts were a huge hit when she would host guests giving her the idea to open the bakery. Da Silva has an array of homemade options including “cakes of all sizes, fruit tarts, cream puffs, truffles, cupcakes” and bread. Personalized and regular orders can be made through Instagram.
K-Candles Co.
Karolina Trejos-Youree, founder of the company, started her business giving away candles to friends and family. Now, her products are featured in multiple stores throughout the city. Made out of 100% natural soy wax, Trejos- Youree hand pours her products for the best possible result for her customers. If you are unable to find her products at local markets or stores, you can shop her store on Facebook.
Crochet Société
Luz Higdon, founder and owner of the company, has been crocheting for 26 years. Originally from Puerto Rico, crocheting has allowed Higdon to give homage to their roots. Through art, Higdon is able to use her self-expression to share Puerto Rican culture. Higdon’s work can be purchased online via Etsy.
La Taqueria La Herradura
If you are looking for a place that you want to become a regular at, this is the spot. They’re most popular for their birria tacos, a dish full of flavor with every bite. The business brings all types of people from the Knoxville area who enjoy the authenticity of the food. Three locations are placed around the city for convenience to those in different areas.
La Michoacana Movil
A sweet treat is exactly what you need after a day’s worth of activities. They’re most known for their paletas, made with real ice cream with combinations of fruits and other sweet ingredients. Located on Chapman Highway right across the river, the location is easily accessible to those who live near or on campus.
Hola Hora Latina
The oldest Latino nonprofit in East Tennessee, located here in Knoxville, has been unifying and diversifying communities “by encouraging education, participation and leadership” since 1992. The organization hosts events throughout the year, big and small, for all ages in East Tennessee. The most recent event hosted was the HoLa Festival, in celebration of Hispanic Culture month. As the end of the celebration of this month nears, Hola Hora Latina is hosting the First Friday ArtWalk Oct. 4 at Casa HoLa — the home of the organization.
Las Fuentes
Located at 2525 Chapman Highway, this restaurant — that also serves as a market — is a local favorite for authentic Hispanic food ready to eat, or to buy and make yourself. Customers rave about the welcoming service while dining that encourages them to keep coming back.
Supporting varying community businesses allows us to create a mix of cultures in one community here in Knoxville. Population growth will continue as the city grows, giving the people who engage with the community new opportunities to educate themselves on different lifestyles. To start engaging with communities outside of your own, start shopping at local Hispanic-owned businesses and encourage others to do the same.
