Knoxville TN, September 23, 2025

News Summary

A new karaoke bar named The Pink Cactus has opened in South Knoxville, featuring private karaoke rooms, a vibrant atmosphere, and a focus on agave spirits. The establishment, created by three friends, includes a downstairs bar and dance floor. Private room rentals start at $30 an hour, catering to groups of up to 20. The grand opening celebration is scheduled for September 26, attracting locals and visitors alike. Despite initial construction challenges in the area, The Pink Cactus seeks to offer a unique social experience.

South Knoxville Welcomes New Karaoke Bar “The Pink Cactus” with Private Rooms and Vibrant Atmosphere

A new karaoke bar called The Pink Cactus has opened in South Knoxville, created by three friends: Harold Goldston, Jenny Salata, and DeShaun Richardson. The bar, located on Sevier Avenue, features private karaoke rooms, setting it apart from other karaoke bars in the area. The grand opening celebration is scheduled for Friday, September 26.

Goldston serves as the CEO of The Pink Cactus, while Salata is in charge of marketing and events, and Richardson holds the position of general manager. The karaoke bar also boasts a downstairs bar and dance floor, accompanied by a food menu tailored for friends and families.

Goldston, who previously owned KnoxBox, a karaoke bar on Gay Street, was inspired to create a venue with private karaoke rooms after experiencing them in New York. His vision for a karaoke spot in Knoxville had been in the works for over five years, and the recent availability of a building on Sevier Avenue made it a reality.

The design of the private karaoke rooms aims to provide a comfortable atmosphere for individuals who may be apprehensive about singing in public. Private karaoke room rentals start at $30 an hour, and the bar is restricted to guests aged 21 and older after 9 p.m.

The name The Pink Cactus was humorously inspired by a prickly pear cactus located outside the building, combined with a fondness for the color pink shared by Goldston and Salata, resulting in a vibrant pink theme for the exterior and interior of the bar.

Each of the five private karaoke rooms can accommodate groups of up to 20 people. Guests can conveniently order food and drinks from the downstairs bar using QR codes located within the karaoke rooms, with a focus on agave spirits for the drink menu. The venue seeks to create an engaging adult-summer-camp vibe, featuring yard games and a distinctive ambiance, making it a desirable hangout spot for friends and families.

Sevier Avenue is currently undergoing a substantial streetscape project, which has posed initial construction challenges for The Pink Cactus. Despite these obstacles, the bar aims to offer a unique experience that not only caters to South Knoxville residents but to the broader Knoxville community.

Key Features of The Pink Cactus

• Private karaoke rooms available starting at $30 an hour
• Capacity for groups of up to 20 people in each room
• 21 and up policy after 9 p.m.
• Downstairs bar with agave spirit-focused drink menu
• Food menu for guests, served via QR codes in karaoke rooms
• Vibrant pink theme reflective of owners’ preferences

Background and Inspiration

Goldston’s first karaoke experience took place at Cotton Eye Joe back in 2011, which sparked his enthusiasm for the activity. His collaboration with Salata began while preparing KnoxBox, and mutual friends aided in the establishment of the new venue. The Pink Cactus reflects Goldston’s long-held passion for karaoke and his commitment to making it accessible and enjoyable in a welcoming environment.

Upcoming Events

The grand opening on September 26 is expected to attract significant attention and draw in a lively crowd eager for karaoke and socializing.

Future Goals

The Pink Cactus aims to be a lively attraction in South Knoxville, appealing to both locals and visitors alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Additional Resources

• WBIR: Friendship Fuels South Knoxville Karaoke Bar
• Wikipedia: Karaoke
• Inside of Knoxville: Two Bars, a Boutique…
• Google Search: Karaoke bars in Knoxville
• Knox News: South Knoxville Karaoke Bar Pink Cactus
• Google Scholar: Karaoke Business Model
• Inside of Knoxville: Downtown Knoxville Planner
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Entertainment
• Knox News: Knox Brew Hub Rebrands
• Google News: South Knoxville Bars

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.