The Coop Coffee Shop, located inside the Visitor's Center in Downtown Knoxville is moving to a new location at 1008 East Woodland Avenue after Friday, September 7.
Starting the following Monday, the public is once again allowed to bring food inside the Visitor's Center.
Outside food has not been allowed inside, even for the daily Blue Plate Special lunch-time concert series, for the past few years. CVB President Kim Bumpas said the change comes because there will no longer be a for-profit business in the coffee shop space. She also said allowing people to bring their own food into the center is a way to encourage visitors and locals to stop in.
"You'll be able to see an immediate different look, and I think it will be about the Visitor's Center and why people come here. You know people come here for our live music, which is great, but you also come here for information," explained Bumpas.
The CVB will continue to sell coffee and bottled drinks.