By Addison Chrivia, Managing Editor
The smell of roasted coffee beans, a fresh bagel, and a comfortable seat- there’s nothing quite like a local coffee shop. Combining consistency, comfort, and quality all in one, K Brew has managed to win the affection of Knoxville locals with their freshly baked goods and premium roasts.
With seven locations around Knoxville and two more currently under construction, it’s clear that business has been booming. Just this month, a K Brew bakery in Historic North Knox opened, where they sell fresh bread, muffins, bagels, cinnamon knots, and more! Supporting local businesses, they line the shelves with grocery items from local vendors, and shout out two other small businesses in the area on their website. It’s this community that the cafe cultivates that makes it so inviting and addictive, not just the warm jalapeno cheddar bagel with mouth-watering bacon cream cheese.
When I heard that there may be a location coming to Hardin Valley, I was forced to investigate (for the sake of the students!) the location on Ebenezer Road and was delighted by the open space, elegant design, and comfortable seats. I particularly enjoyed the sensory swing seats in the corner, under glowing fairy lights and the back wall, decorated with bright colored letters in a painted mural done by a local artist. The low, aesthetic lighting creates a relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to stay for hours. K-Brew makes the perfect study spot, especially with the free wifi! Having a location so close to campus will be extremely convenient, and it’s certain to have students coming back for more.
Despite my typical dislike of coffee, I ordered their seasonal drink, the banana pudding latte, and the aforementioned jalapeno cheddar bagel. It was delicious, the flavor not overpowering or cloyingly sweet and yet distinctly tasted like banana pudding! I highly recommend it for your next visit; this seasonal flavor will have you nostalgic for potlucks in the summer sun. The bagel was warm and soft, the cheddar flavor coming through and the jalapeno giving it heat without being too spicy. The cream cheese balanced it all out, and the bacon…well, bacon makes everything better.
However, as I am not a big coffee drinker myself, I brought along an expert, Alumni Editor David Lavrinovich, who was kind enough to give me the scoop! He describes K Brew’s other seasonal drink, the coconut dream latte, as “the perfect balance of actual coffee flavor with a little something extra, while still not being too sweet.” Lavrinovich also regularly enjoys their cinnamon vanilla latte and honey lavender latte, which are “strong staples of the K Brew menu that can be enjoyed year-round.”
For any other non-coffee drinkers, their chai is also a wonderful choice! Or if you loved the coffee, they sell their roasts by the bag in person and online. Those looking to save money can pop by between 5-6 p.m. on weekdays to enjoy drip coffees, cappuccinos, and bagels for only a dollar a piece! Their website also states that they use “organic milk from a local dairy farm, organic syrups and organic chocolate” and make the bagels and cream cheese in-house.
K Brew effortlessly combines quality with comfort at reasonable prices. Being a college student, it can be hard to support local businesses when trying to save money, but K Brew makes it simple and delicious. Not to mention their dedication to partnering with other local businesses and supporting Knoxville nonprofits like Keep Knoxville Beautiful, who clean the environment; Volunteer Club, supporting student athletes; and Nourish Knoxville, who helps local farmers.
More businesses like this are needed in Knoxville that not only invite the community inside but provide for them. Not to mention, they have delicious coffee even a coffee hater like me can love, and bagels that will have you ruined for big-box grocery store bagels. So, if you’re ever in need of a coffee, a snack, or just a comfortable seat with wifi, find your local K Brew!
