The Grizz Market & Deli is located at 2210 Highway 11W directly opposite Grainger High School, home of the Grizzlies. Photo by Austin Dalton.
RUTLEDGE — A new, locally owned market and deli is preparing to open along Highway 11W and will soon bring a fresh business and strong sense of community pride to Rutledge.
The Grizz Market & Deli is located at 2210 Highway 11W directly opposite Grainger High School, home of the Grizzlies. Construction is nearing completion and the owners say the business is expected to open in the coming weeks.
Co-owner Walt Morgan said the idea for The Grizz has been discussed within his family for years and is now becoming a reality.
“We’re very excited to bring The Grizz to the Grainger County community. My dad Daryl and I have talked about doing this for the past ten or so years,” Morgan said.
Photo Courtesy of The Grizz Market & Deli
Morgan described the store as a blend of modern convenience and hometown character with a foundation built on faith.
“Our vision for this store is for it to be a modern gas station while maintaining that small town charm. Our true main vision and goal is to keep God at the center of this store. Without him, we wouldn’t be building this store or even own the property. It’s all His anyhow and we want to honor Him the best we can at The Grizz,” he said.
That philosophy, Morgan said, will guide how customers are welcomed and served.
Photo Courtesy of The Grizz Market & Deli
“Our goal is to treat people the way we would want to be treated. Grainger County is home to my family and myself and we can’t wait to bring this store to the community,” he said.
Inside the store, customers can expect a wide range of drink options including soft serve ice cream, Coca-Cola fountain drinks, slushies, freshly brewed coffee, iced coffee, frappes and freshly brewed tea.
Food will be a major focus at The Grizz, particularly the deli.
“Our deli is going to feature several different items and I’m quite excited about it. The deli features mostly ballpark type food but I’ve personally tasted everything and am very hopeful for it,” Morgan said.
Pizza will also be a featured item with Morgan emphasizing a different approach than typical convenience store offerings.
“I’m really excited for our pizza. We have done some things differently there as far as gas station pizza goes and I think it’s going to be a high quality product,” he said.
Photo Courtesy of The Grizz Market & Deli
Another highlight will be steamed sandwiches prepared using industrial equipment.
“I’m also very excited for our steamed sandwiches. We have an industrial steamer and everything has tasted great out of there,” Morgan said.
Breakfast items are expected to include cheddar rounds along with the possibility of a unique specialty item.
“As far as breakfast goes, I’m pumped to offer cheddar rounds. I know those are a big hit at other places in the area and I’m hoping these will be too. We also may offer a specialty item for breakfast that you don’t see too many places. I’m very excited about it and hope we can make it happen,” he said.
Photo by Austin Dalton.
The store will feature two public restrooms and will participate in a BP rewards program that applies both at the pump and inside the store.
“There will also be a BP rewards program that will apply to your purchases both at the pump and inside the store. It’s a free loyalty program that discounts gas. We’re very excited to offer that,” Morgan said.
With construction nearly complete, the owners say anticipation is being built as opening day approaches.
“We are planning to open in the coming weeks. Everything is finally coming together, and we’re almost done with construction. As soon as we have an opening date, it will be posted to our Facebook page. We can’t wait to open up!” Morgan said.
As The Grizz Market & Deli prepares to open its doors, the Morgans say their goal is to create a welcoming space that reflects Grainger County values while offering a fresh and exciting new option for the community.