News Summary
Small Comforts Kitchen, a gluten-free bakery led by local resident Jordan Smith-Cowan, is set to open in South Knoxville. The bakery, which started as a personal project after Smith-Cowan’s Celiac Disease diagnosis, will offer a variety of pies and other gluten-free products. The new location aims to meet the growing demand for gluten-free options in the community and will welcome customers starting May 22, with a focus on local ingredients and seasonal produce.
Knoxville to Welcome New Gluten-Free Bakery in May 2023
Small Comforts Kitchen, a gluten-free bakery led by local resident Jordan Smith-Cowan, is set to open its storefront in South Knoxville on May 22, 2023. This new bakery venture addresses the growing demand for gluten-free options in the area.
Initially launched as a personal endeavor in 2022, Smith-Cowan began baking gluten-free goods after her diagnosis with Celiac Disease. Frustrated by the limited selection of tasty gluten-free products in the market, she aimed to create delicious, high-quality baked goods for those with dietary restrictions. Starting with a modest goal of baking one pie per week, her baking passion quickly evolved into a full-fledged business.
For the past two years, Small Comforts Kitchen operated out of Real Good Kitchen, a shared commercial kitchen space in East Knoxville, where Smith-Cowan honed her baking skills and developed unique recipes. The focus of her bakery includes crafting sweet and savory pies using seasonal produce sourced from Tennessee, catering to both local residents and those with gluten intolerances.
The decision to expand and establish a permanent location was propelled by the increasing interest in gluten-free goods among the community. The new storefront will be situated in Baker Creek Bottoms at 3726 Sevier Heights Road, within a space previously occupied by Crafty Bastard Brewing.
Operational Details and Offerings
Small Comforts Kitchen will operate on a schedule conducive to community engagement, welcoming customers on Thursdays from 3-7 p.m., Fridays from 3-7 p.m. or until sellout, and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. The bakery will not offer indoor seating, encouraging guests to gather outdoors and enjoy their purchases in the fresh air.
The menu will feature a variety of pies, including signature offerings such as the “Paddington”, made with orange marmalade and whipped cream cheese, and the savory “Goodbye Earl”, which combines country ham, strawberry jam, and goat cheese. In addition to traditional pies, Small Comforts Kitchen plans to introduce refrigerated products that were previously difficult to create in a shared kitchen setting.
To further enhance its community presence, Small Comforts Kitchen will maintain participation in local farmers’ markets while temporarily pausing its wholesale distribution to local coffee shops to concentrate on walk-in sales at the storefront. Pre-orders for the grand opening will be accepted until Wednesday at 9 a.m..
Background on Small Comforts Kitchen
The concept for Small Comforts Kitchen blossomed during the pandemic, marking a time when many individuals sought comfort in culinary pursuits. Smith-Cowan’s entrepreneurial spirit allowed her to turn her hobby into a professional venture, culminating in the opening of this dedicated gluten-free bakery.
Jordan Smith-Cowan is passionate about fostering a sense of community through her bakery, emphasizing the significance of quality ingredients and the importance of offering gluten-free options. With the bakery’s opening, Knoxville residents can look forward to a new destination for delicious, inclusive baked goods in a vibrant neighborhood.
As the bakery prepares for its debut, Smith-Cowan’s commitment to quality and community connection stands at the forefront of Small Comforts Kitchen’s mission. The upcoming opening invites both gluten-free eaters and enthusiasts alike to experience the creative offerings with a local twist.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Small Comforts Kitchen Opens in South Knoxville
- Knox News: Small Comforts Kitchen News
- Inside of Knoxville: Small Comforts Kitchen to Open
- Knox News: New Restaurant Openings in Knoxville
- Google Search: Gluten-Free Baking
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.
