Categories: CommunityCulinaryEvents/What's HappeningNews

Knoxville Bids Farewell to Culinary Luminary Holly Hambright

Community members celebrating at Holly Hambright's retirement party.

News Summary

On February 12, 2025, Knoxville celebrated the retirement of Holly Hambright, a renowned chef who significantly influenced the local culinary scene. The farewell party at Corner Lounge gathered friends and community members who cherished Holly’s contributions, including her popular establishments, Holly’s Corner and Holly’s Gourmet Market. The evening was filled with heartfelt reminiscing and a sense of community love, reflecting on Holly’s impact. As Knoxville continues to thrive, many aspects, from local job fairs to community achievements, also highlight the vibrant spirit of the city.

Knoxville Celebrates Culinary Star Holly Hambright’s Retirement

What a night to remember! Knoxville gathered on February 12, 2025, to bid farewell to legendary local chef Holly Hambright. This beloved culinary artist, known for her expertise in catering and cooking, took center stage at a retirement party that brought together friends, family, and community members. With the energetic vibes of the Corner Lounge, one could feel the warmth and appreciation in the air as those who have been touched by her work celebrated her incredible journey.

Journey Through Culinary Magic

Holly has truly left her mark on the Knoxville culinary scene. She opened Holly’s Corner and enchanted customers for a solid five years before transitioning in 2017 to focus her efforts on Holly’s Gourmet Market in Bearden. Recently, Holly’s Gourmet Market underwent a rebranding and is now known as Gourmet’s Market & Café, reflecting Holly’s commitment to quality gourmet food and community spirit.

Attendees at the retirement bash toasted to memories of delicious meals and the countless lives Holly has impacted with her culinary talent. It’s important to highlight that Holly is not to be confused with her equally talented sister, Peg Hambright, who is the creative mind behind the popular Magpies Bakery located right next to the original Corner Lounge location.

Community Love Shines Bright

Camaraderie was the name of the game that evening at the Corner Lounge, which has hosted a myriad of local music talents, including the iconic Con Hunley back in the 1960s. Friends reminisced about shared experiences, with heartwarming photos capturing the joy of the day being eagerly shared on social media. Lisa Hood Skinner, a long-time friend of Holly’s, expressed her feelings on Facebook, sharing not just images but heartfelt memories.

Knoxville’s Vibrant Community Spirit

Beyond Holly’s retirement, Knoxville’s community spirit continues to shine. On the governmental front, State Senator Dr. Richard Briggs recently received an award for Outstanding Government Service from the American Medical Association. His ongoing efforts since 2010 to expand Medicaid coverage in Tennessee demonstrate his commitment to public health and welfare.

Charlie Pratt, another pillar of the community, was awarded the Claude C. Myers Award during the Fountain City Business and Professional Association’s annual banquet. This recognition spotlights his dedication, particularly for his role in re-establishing the Fountain City Christmas Parade, bringing joy and celebration to families in the area.

Exciting Developments Ahead

In other news, creative dynamo Rachel Taylor has joined MoxCar Marketing + Communications as a designer, ready to elevate brand presence through impactful design strategies. Meanwhile, Oak Ridge community members received an invitation for an in-person meeting on February 26, 2025. This gathering at Oak Ridge High School aims to discuss the city’s next comprehensive plan, providing residents the opportunity to voice their thoughts and ideas.

Looking further ahead, Knoxville is buzzing with excitement as preparations gear up for three job fairs on March 1, 8, and 15, 2025. Local businesses are looking to fill positions for the upcoming downtown Smokies stadium, which is set to host its home opener on April 15.

Addressing Traffic Concerns

Lastly, it’s noteworthy to mention that Knoxville has recently been recognized among the top 100 worst bottlenecks for trucks, with two major interchanges on Interstate 40 identified as particularly problematic. The I-40/I-75 at I-140 is ranked 44th, while I-40 at I-275 comes in at 68th. While these traffic issues pose challenges, the community remains hopeful that solutions are on the horizon.

As Knoxville continues to grow and evolve, the legacy of chefs like Holly Hambright and community leaders like Senator Briggs and Charlie Pratt leave an indelible mark, reminding everyone of the strength and spirit within this vibrant city.