News Summary
The Frothy Monkey café in Knoxville will close its doors on May 7, 2025, due to upcoming property ownership changes. Owner Thomas Boyd plans to sell the Kress Building, prompting the café’s strategic decision to focus on more successful neighborhoods. The café, known for its unique offerings, has been a community favorite since its opening in 2022. As the community bids farewell, discussions about the Kress Building’s future arise amidst the café’s lasting impact.
Knoxville Café to Close Amid Property Changes
Knoxville residents will say goodbye to the Frothy Monkey café located at 419 South Gay Street, with the final day of service set for May 7, 2025. The closure has been attributed to looming property ownership changes and a strategic decision by the company to concentrate on neighborhoods that promise stronger long-term success.
Impact of Ownership Changes
The company’s announcement follows a decision made by Thomas Boyd, the owner of the Kress Building where Frothy Monkey is situated. Boyd is planning to sell the property, which has already drawn the interest of prospective buyers, although no agreements have been finalized as of yet. Should a sale occur, the new owners may pursue different plans for the space, raising concerns about what will follow for the historic building.
Community Reactions and Café History
Frothy Monkey, which debuted in Knoxville in August 2022, was the first establishment to inhabit the Kress Building in approximately a decade. Since its opening, it has built a notable reputation in the city, known for its signature items like rosemary honey lattes and quinoa-black bean burgers.
As Frothy Monkey prepares to close its doors, Jennifer Sheets, the Partner and Head of Marketing and Communications, has expressed appreciation for the support from the local community and the relationships fostered during their time in Knoxville. The café has emphasized its intention to transition its focus towards other neighborhoods displaying more robust growth.
Business Strategy Moving Forward
The decision to close the Knoxville location aligns with Frothy Monkey’s broader business strategy. The company currently operates nine locations across various cities, which include Nashville, Franklin, Chattanooga, Birmingham, and Homewood. Evaluations of these outlets have revealed that some sites are performing better than others, prompting a realignment of efforts to ensure long-term viability and success.
Event to Bid Farewell
In a nod to loyal customers and the community, Frothy Monkey plans a “Last Call Happy Hour Celebration” on May 7 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. This event aims to provide a final opportunity for patrons to enjoy the café’s offerings before its closure.
Future of the Kress Building
The Kress Building itself boasts a rich history dating back to its construction in 1925. Apart from housing Frothy Monkey, it is also home to the Fat Tuesday cocktail bar, adding to its appeal. As talks of a sale continue, the impact of Frothy Monkey’s departure raises questions about what the future holds for this historic space and if it will remain occupied or undergo a transformation.
In addition to its closures, Frothy Monkey is set to maintain its presence in the coffee market through product sales at local grocery chains like Kroger, Whole Foods, and Fresh Market, ensuring that fans of their coffee can continue to get their fix even after the café has closed.
As the countdown to May 7 begins, both fans of Frothy Monkey and local residents are left reflecting on the café’s impact and what will come next for both the establishment and the Kress Building.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Frothy Monkey Café to Close Knoxville Location
Additional Resources
- Knox News
- Wikipedia: Frothy Monkey
- Inside of Knoxville
- Google Search: Frothy Monkey Knoxville
- WBIR
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Frothy Monkey
- WATE
- Google News: Frothy Monkey closure
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
