News Summary
Frothy Monkey, the beloved café in downtown Knoxville, will close its Gay Street location on May 7, 2023, due to the sale of the historic Kress building. A farewell ‘Last Call Happy Hour Celebration’ will be held on the final day of service, inviting customers to say goodbye. Although Frothy Monkey will cease operations in Knoxville, it will continue to serve other cities, and its coffee will remain available in local grocery stores.
Knoxville
Frothy Monkey, a popular café known for its fresh meals and coffee, is set to close its Gay Street location in downtown Knoxville due to the sale of the historic Kress building. The last day of service for the café will be on May 7, 2023, as announced on the company’s social media platforms.
As part of its farewell, Frothy Monkey will host a “Last Call Happy Hour Celebration” on its final day, running from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Customers are invited to join in for a last experience at the café before it officially closes. Despite the closure in Knoxville, Frothy Monkey will continue operations at its other locations, which include cities such as Nashville, Franklin, Chattanooga, Birmingham, and Homewood. Additionally, customers can still purchase Frothy Monkey’s coffee in local grocery stores such as Kroger, Whole Foods, and Fresh Market.
Kress Building Sale Details
The closure of Frothy Monkey is primarily linked to the decision by the owners of the Kress building, located at 417 South Gay Street, to sell the property. The building, which dates back to 1925, was purchased by Thomas Boyd from Jackson Central Group in 2020 for $5.8 million. Boyd’s vision for the Kress building included revitalizing the historic structure while offering spaces for businesses, residents, and visitors. The second floor of the building is earmarked for office space, and it also houses a popular Mardi-Gras-themed cocktail bar called Fat Tuesday.
Impact on Other Businesses
At this time, there are no details available regarding how the sale of the Kress building will affect other businesses operating in the building or the surrounding area. Frothy Monkey’s Knoxville location was established in 2022, featuring an indoor mezzanine and a spacious 40-seat patio. The café gained attention for its unique menu offerings, including specialty drinks such as the rosemary honey latte and monkey mocha, as well as food options like the kale Caesar salad and quinoa-black bean burger.
Community Reaction
The announcement of Frothy Monkey’s closure has generated a mixture of reactions among the local community. Regular customers and residents who frequented the café will undoubtedly feel the loss of a neighborhood staple. With the café’s unique drinks and vibrant atmosphere, it quickly became a beloved gathering spot for many in downtown Knoxville.
Future of the Kress Building
As the Kress building undergoes a transition with its new ownership, the community awaits further information on the long-term plans for the property and how it will contribute to the downtown area. The revitalization efforts by Thomas Boyd and his team aim to retain the building’s historic charm while accommodating business and office spaces to attract more visitors.
With Frothy Monkey closing its doors, Knoxville will lose not only a popular café but also a gathering place that became a part of many local residents’ daily routines. As the city watches how the Kress building evolves, attention will also be directed towards the fate of the café’s former customers and what new offerings may arise in its absence.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: Frothy Monkey Closing
- WBIR: Frothy Monkey Closing After Kress Building Sold
- Knox News: Restaurants Open in Knoxville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- We Are Green Bay: Restaurants Closing Easter 2025
- Google Search: Frothy Monkey Knoxville
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF 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.
