Stone's Throw Coffee Will Open in South Knoxville
Owners Casey and Zoey Stone plan to debut their new coffee shop on Chapman Highway in late October 2026.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Stone's Throw Coffee is scheduled to open its doors at 3615 Chapman Highway in South Knoxville at the end of October 2026. The new business, owned by Casey and Zoey Stone, occupies the former site of the South Press Cafe.
Why it matters
The owners intend for the establishment to serve as a safe environment for the local community and visitors. The cafe's name is a tribute to the historic 1969 Stonewall Riots.
The new business is located at 3615 Chapman Highway and takes over the facility vacated by South Press Cafe in 2025.
The players
Casey Stone
Casey Stone is a co-owner of the new coffee shop who brings 20 years of experience in the theater industry to the project.
Zoey Stone
Zoey Stone is a co-owner of the new business working to establish a safe space for the South Knoxville community.
The details
The shop features a dedicated stage for community programming, including slam poetry, author readings, and drag shows. Additionally, the space contains a sensory room designed by the owners' daughter to accommodate visitors.
Timeline
The shop will open at the end of October 2026.
South Press Cafe previously closed its doors in 2025.
Market Landscape
The business draws inspiration from the Stonewall Riots of 1969 to position itself as a culturally significant community hub. This approach differentiates the cafe in the local market by anchoring its brand identity in a specific historical movement.
Residents in South Knoxville will gain a new venue for social programming and community events starting late October 2026. The inclusion of a sensory room also provides a new accessibility option for patrons visiting the Chapman Highway location.
The takeaway
The coffee shop aims to bridge the gap between commercial service and community advocacy by offering specialized spaces for performance and sensory needs. Customers can expect a venue that prioritizes inclusivity through its unique interior design and event programming.
Further reading
For more on new businesses arriving in the city, visit the Knoxville Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Knoxville News Sentinel.
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Do you believe it is important for your community to have locally-owned cafes as safe spaces?
