Chattanooga, TN, August 5, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga’s July business landscape saw notable developments, including the reopening of the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway and the launch of the city’s first zero-waste refill store, Full Circle Refillery. However, several beloved establishments like Gordon’s Cleaners and Naked River Brewing Co. announced their closures. Echelon Fitness expanded by acquiring the streaming platform Forte, while UTC received federal funding to boost its mental health workforce. New construction projects, including a tiny home community and a hotel, indicate ongoing growth amid the challenges businesses face.
Chattanooga, TN – The July business landscape in Chattanooga was marked by significant changes, including openings, closures, and expansions. The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway celebrated its reopening early in the month after a prolonged closure due to fire damage. Meanwhile, Full Circle Refillery, the city’s first zero-waste refill store, opened its doors at 2312 E. Main St., offering consumers an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing cleaning and personal hygiene products in plastic containers.
On a less positive note, several long-standing local businesses announced their closures. Gordon’s Cleaners, which had served the Chattanooga area for 73 years, shut its operations by the end of July. Naked River Brewing Co., a popular brewery that opened in November 2018, made its closure announcement via social media. Additionally, Sticky Fingers Rib House closed its longtime location at 420 Broad St., marking the end of another local dining option.
In terms of expansion, Echelon Fitness, a local company specializing in fitness equipment and software, announced its acquisition of the fitness streaming platform Forte, expanding its reach in the health and wellness industry. The Chattanooga Airport’s board also approved a contract for the construction of a parking garage designed to accommodate approximately 1,600 additional parking spaces, a much-needed improvement for travelers.
Further emphasizing growth in the area, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga received a $2.4 million federal grant aimed at improving the region’s mental health workforce. The funding will support a new Behavioral Healthcare through InterProfessional Training initiative. Meanwhile, the university is breaking ground on a new residence hall named Oak Street Residence Hall, projected to be completed by fall 2027 and will provide 794 beds for students.
In the Eastdale neighborhood, Rashad Jones-Jennings, a former professional basketball player, initiated a new housing project by breaking ground on a tiny home community comprising 42 units. Additionally, Drury Hotels started construction on an eight-story hotel at the intersection of Market and East Third streets in downtown Chattanooga.
In the agribusiness sector, Pilgrim’s, a poultry processor, has plans to establish a new prepared food operation in Walker County, which is expected to generate over 600 job opportunities in the region, further supporting the local economy.
Summary of Major Changes
- Lookout Mountain Incline Railway reopened after fire-related closure.
- Full Circle Refillery opened as Chattanooga’s first zero-waste refill store.
- Closures included Gordon’s Cleaners, Naked River Brewing Co., and Sticky Fingers Rib House.
- Echelon Fitness acquired streaming platform Forte.
- Chattanooga Airport plans for new parking garage with 1,600 spaces.
- UTC received federal funding for mental health workforce expansion.
- Construction commenced on a new residence hall for students at UTC.
- New tiny home community initiative launched in Eastdale.
- Drury Hotels started construction on a new downtown hotel.
- Pilgrim’s planning a major prepared food operation in Walker County.
Background Context
Chattanooga, a city known for its vibrant community and booming economy, has seen a mixture of growth and contraction in various sectors over the years. The reopening of iconic sites like the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway signifies resilience, while new businesses reflect the evolving consumer preferences towards sustainability, as seen with the introduction of Full Circle Refillery. However, the closures of longstanding establishments also highlight challenges faced by businesses in adapting to changing market demands. Local initiatives and federal funding serve to foster growth in workforce capacity and infrastructure, suggesting ongoing efforts to enhance community services and support.
FAQ
- What is Full Circle Refillery?
- Full Circle Refillery is Chattanooga’s first zero-waste refill store where consumers can refill cleaning and personal hygiene products without using new plastic containers.
- What is the purpose of the new parking garage at Chattanooga Airport?
- The new parking garage will add approximately 1,600 parking spaces, aimed at accommodating increasing traveler demand and improving accessibility.
- How will the federal grant to UTC impact the community?
- The $2.4 million federal grant will support the expansion of the mental health workforce in the region, enhancing the availability of mental health services.
- What is the anticipated completion date for the Oak Street Residence Hall?
- The Oak Street Residence Hall is expected to be finished by fall 2027 and will provide housing for 794 students.
- What job opportunities will Pilgrim’s new operation create?
- Pilgrim’s planned operation in Walker County is expected to create over 600 new jobs.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lookout Mountain Incline Railway | Reopened after fire damage closure. |
| Full Circle Refillery | First zero-waste refill store in Chattanooga. |
| Business Closures | Gordon’s Cleaners, Naked River Brewing Co., Sticky Fingers Rib House closed. |
| Echelon Fitness | Acquired streaming platform Forte. |
| Chattanooga Airport | New parking garage approved for 1,600 spots. |
| University of Tennessee at Chattanooga | Received $2.4 million grant for mental health workforce expansion. |
| Oak Street Residence Hall | Construction started, completion expected by fall 2027. |
| Tiny Home Community | 42 homes initiated in Eastdale. |
| Drury Hotels | Construction of eight-story hotel in downtown Chattanooga. |
| Pilgrim’s Operation | New facility in Walker County, expanding local job opportunities by 600. |
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Business Updates
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- WRCB TV: Chattanooga Airport Parking Garage
- Google Search: Chattanooga business news
- Chattanooga Pulse: Local News Source
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga
- WDEF: Business News in Chattanooga
- Google News: Chattanooga 2023
- The Chattanoogan: Local News Source
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga economic development
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton 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 Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
