Each year, as we get more and more interest in Best of the Best, and as more businesses vie for top position, new winners emerge. This year saw an explosion in both number of votes and changes in first place. In 61 categories, voters crowned a new champion, an amazing turn of events.
Additionally, with the advent of electronic voting, coupled with voters required to vote in a minimum number of categories, we have virtually eliminated ballot box stuffing.
We want to give our readers a true Best of the Best. With the number of votes and efforts to eliminate over-voting, we’re proud of our results and our winners.
This year, we’d like to celebrate one of our first-time, first-place winners. Although he has previously won best stylist, with Grow, Shane Archer has pulled an upset to win Best Salon. In just over ten years, he matured from high school graduate to owner of one of Knoxville’s top salons. The fascinating story of transitioning from a high school graduate to owner of one of Knoxville’s top salons in just over ten years is a story we know you’ll want to hear. We thought you’d like to hear it.
Archer knew his calling from an early age: “I remember going to the beauty parlor with my grandma and my mom when I was younger,” he says, “and we would sit in the corner with a glass-bottled Coke from the machine, and these old women would come in looking haggard and awful, and you could tell that they were there to make themselves feel pretty, and when they left they looked and felt like a whole different person.” That’s when Archer established an aesthetic that would govern his personal and professional life: “It is so cool to have the ability to like touch people on that level.” Then he decided to do just that.
Archer’s journey to establish Grow started in the most inauspicious of ways: by being fired from his first salon job. After graduating from cosmetology school in 2008, he worked at Ross the Boss, who recruited him fresh out of school. He notes that he was in a way excited when they terminated him. “I know that sounds strange,” Archer says, “but I knew that is not where I wanted to be long term.”
As Shane tells it, at the end of a busy Saturday at the Turkey Creek location, he was asked to “talk” with Ross Badget, Jr. (the son of the eponymous salon’s founder) and with the salon coordinator. He assumed that he might be promoted to have his own station at the salon, having been a “floater” up to that point. Instead, “He sat me down, and he was like, ‘there’s been some things and stuff going on, and you’ve been voted off the island’.” Archer then assumed he was being moved to another store. But no; he was being terminated, told that he didn’t mesh well with others and that his lifestyle had “a little bit to do with it.”
When Shane had his exit interview with the founder he asked him, “Did you fire me for being gay?” Archer recalls that Ross said, “I don’t have to answer that. Tennessee is a right to work state. I could fire you for wearing a purple shirt if I wanted to.” Archer has never forgotten that, and for every interview he did at every salon after, he wore a purple shirt.
When he moved on to Hairpeace, he told the owner Ethan Brewer that “My goal is to one day do my own thing. I told him my story and that I felt really strongly about owning my own salon. And he kind of joked and said, ‘Well maybe I’ll sell you this one one day’.”
Archer praises Brewer for helping him develop his artistry. “He allowed me to do a lot of things like become a educator for a product company instead of being there every single day.” And so Shane developed skills in another area of the industry. He continues to be a national educator for a product line he uses at Grow—he has chosen it because “of its eco-stance and general awesomeness.” He travels around the country on the weekends to teach classes in other salons.
“Ethan gave me the opportunity to train under him and some very successful hair stylists,” Archer continues. “He gave me a launching pad—kind of like a springboard—to get me where I am. I’m grateful for that.”
When Archer was ready to open his own place, he just went for it. He has some definite opinions on and insights into the salon industry. “I decided to do my own thing, he says, “because I witnessed things in other salons that I liked and didn’t like.” He chose to make it a place where stylists love to work—“at the end of the day we’re artists,” Shane says, “and if you don’t like what you do it’s going to come out in your work, and your work will suffer, your clientele will suffer, and without them you have nothing.” He envisioned a workplace that felt inclusive instead of exclusive.
“A lot of salons build, or try to build, loyalty to their brand instead of to their stylists,” Shane notes, “so if the stylist ever leaves, then the salon still keeps the clients—keeps the money. Whereas I am of a different philosophy. I am very upfront with my stylists. The whole point is to empower them to be the best that they can be.” Archer says that he can’t stand when an owner attempts to build loyalty to the salon instead of the stylist. “They’re not your clients. They’re the stylist’s clients,” he asserts.
He designed Grow to make every single person, both worker and client, part of the conversation. He wanted a place that felt like home, wanted it to be a place that was warm and inviting. Exemplary of this are the coffee bar in the waiting area and a color bar where, “instead of sitting in front of a mirror gazing at yourself looking like a crazy person with foils hanging everywhere and color on your eyebrows, you can sit and work on your laptop or eat lunch or talk to someone across the table.” He relies on the word “community” to describe Grow. Indeed, one of his favorite stories is about how two women who were neighbors didn’t meet until they were together in the salon. Now, they’re friends. And most of what you see in the salon supports community as well: the candles, the music, the art, the jewelry, and the coffee are all local.
Naming the salon was an important process. While he wanted to keep his name out of it and craft something simple, positive, and uplifting, multiple professionals told him that he should have his name in it as well. They compromised.
And so his creation became Grow: A Shane Archer Concept. While he wanted it to be a happy name that evoked an emotion, he also wanted people to think about what the name meant to them. And he wanted to grow his staff, their and the salon’s clientele, and the community. As Archer says, “we just want Grow to keep growing. I just want to do everything different than any other salon is doing.” Apparently, the name is serving him well.
There are similar success stories throughout this year. We hope you enjoy our presentation of Knoxville’s Best of the Best.
Around Town
Charity
- Knoxville Area Rescue
- Ministries (KARM)
- East Tennessee Children’s Hospital
- Young-Williams Animal Center
Children’s Party Destination
- Zoo Knoxville
- JumpJam Trampoline Park
- Ijams Nature Center
Dance Club
- Cotton Eyed Joe
- Hanna’s
- Sassy Ann’s
Event Venue
- Tennessee Theatre
- The Standard
- The Mill & Mine
Bar/Game Night/Trivia
- Aubrey’s
- Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria
- Mellow Mushroom
Kids’ Camp
- Tate’s Day Camp
- Zoo Knoxville
- Camp Ba Yo Ca
Marina
- Concord Marina
- Sequoyah Marina
- Fort Loudon Marina
Outdoor Adventure
- Ijam’s Nature Center
- Zoo Knoxville
- River Rat
Patio – Urban
- Aubrey’s
- Balter Beerworks
- Calhoun’s on the River
Patio – Waterfront
- Lakeside Tavern
- Calhoun’s on the River
- Sweet P’s Barbeque & Soul House
Small Music Venue
- Open Chord
- Scruffy City Hall
- Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria
Touring Service
- Knox Brew Tours
- Haunted Knoxville Ghost Tours
- Knoxville Tours
Wedding Venue
- The Pavillion at Hunter Valley Farm
- Blackberry Farm
- The Standard
Art & Music
Body Artist
- Sarah Hurst – Vivid Tattoo
- Dale Johnson – Mythical Markings Tattoo Studio
- Jon Goad – Born This Way Body Arts
Body Art Studio – Piercing
- Born This Way Body Arts
- Saint Tattoo
- Alter Ego Tattoo
Body Art Studio – Tattoo
- Born This Way Body Arts
- Saint Tattoo
- Mythical Markings
Local Actor
- Johnny Knoxville
- David Keith
- Quentin Tarantino
Local Actress
- Dolly Parton
- Dale Dickey
- Megan Fox
Local Americana Band
- The Black Lillies
- The Chillbillies
- 10 Years
Local Blues Band
- Kitty Wampus
- The Dirty Dougs
- Crawdaddy
Local Painter – Abstract
- Zach Searcy
- Curtis Glover
- Dawn Hawkins
Local Painter – Landscape
- Robert A. Tino
- Jim Gray
- Kathie Odom
Local Painter – Portrait
- Bobbie Crews
- Ammi Knight
- Shari Ford
- Victor Costantino
Local Printer
- Printedge
- Graphic Creations
- Nothing Too Fancy
Local Rock Band
- 10 Years
- Pop Rox
- The Black Lillies
- Kitty Wampus
Local Singer / Songwriter – Female
- Emily Ann Roberts
- Dolly Parton
- Kelsea Ballerini
Local Singer / Songwriter – Male
- Chris Blue
- Kenny Chesney
- Erick Baker
Local Visual Artist – Abstract
- Zach Searcy
- Rucker Wells
- Rob St. Clair
- Richard Jolley
Beauty
Barbershop
- Frank’s Barbershop
- Jerry’s Barbershop
- Western Plaza Barber Shop
Facial
- Pure Luxe
- Grow
- Avada
Hair Colorist
- Shane Archer – Grow
- Belinda Gambuzza – Salon Visage
- Kip Allen – Salon Visage
Hair Removal – Laser
- Ideal Image
- Skin Wellness
- Spa Visage
Hair Removal – Wax
- European Wax Center
- Spa Visage
- Grow
Hair Salon
- Grow
- Salon Visage
- Belleza Salon and Spa
Hair Stylist
- Shane Archer – Grow
- Janet Williams – Sola Salon Studios
- Frank Gambuzza – Salon Visage
Makeup Artist
- Rachel Archer – Grow
- Kevin McCullough – Salon Visage
- Blair Griffin – Beauty by Blair
Manicure/Pedicure
- Soho Nails
- Dynasty Nail Spa
- Casablanca Nail Bar
Spa
- Spa Visage
- Pure Luxe Salon, Spa & Medspa
- Belleza Salon and Spa
Tanning Salon
- Sun Tan City
- Beach Bums Tanning Salon
- Josie’s Boutique & Salon
Correction: In the hair stylist category of both our print and online magazine, we initially and inadvertently located Frank Gambuzza in the incorrect salon.
Dining
Americana Restaurant
- Aubrey’s
- Litton’s
- Lakeside Tavern
Asian Restaurant
- Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse
- Taste of Thai
- Nama Sushi Bar
Bakery
- Magpies Bakery
- VG’s Bakery
- Ham’N Goodys
Bar/Pub
- Balter Beerworks
- Downtown Grille & Brewery
- Aubrey’s
Barbeque Restaurant
- Dead End BBQ
- Full Service BBQ
- Sweet P’s Barbeque & Soul House
Bartender – Female
- Kim Long – Wild Wing Cafe
- Jessica Brown – Two Doors Down
- Jaclyn Burdette – The Edge
Bartender – Male
- Morgan Pope – Wild Wing Cafe
- John Snow – The Edge
- Joe – Downtown Bar & Grille
Bearden Restaurant (Lyons View to Morrell)
- Dead End BBQ
- Calhoun’s
- Bistro by the Tracks
Beer Selection
- Casual Pint
- Bearden Beer Market
- Carolina Ale House
Breakfast
- First Watch
- Pete’s
- Sami’s Café
Brunch Restaurant
- Lakeside Tavern
- Copper Cellar
- Tupelo Honey Cafe
Burger
- The Stock & Barrel
- Litton’s
- Stock Burgers
Business Lunch
- Aubrey’s
- Brown Bag
- Lakeside Tavern
Caterer – Party – Takeout/Delivery
- Brown Bag
- Bradford Catered Events
- All Occasion Catering
Caterer – Party – Full-Service
- Bradford Catered Events
- All Occassion Catering
- Buddy’s Bar-B-Q Custom Catering
Caterer – Wedding
- All Occassion Catering
- Bradford Catered Events
- Calhoun’s/Copper Cellar Banquet & Catering
Cedar Bluff Restaurant
- Altruda’s
- Taste of Thai
- Aubrey’s
Coffee Shop
- Honeybee Coffee
- K Brew
- Vienna Coffee House
Cupcake
- Magpies Bakery
- GiGi’s Cupcakes
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
Deli
- Nixon’s Deli
- Sam & Andy’s Restaurant
- Brown Bag
Dog-Friendly Restaurant
- Tomato Head – Market Square
- Aubrey’s
- Balter Beerworks
Downtown Restaurant
- Downtown Grill & Brewery
- Stock & Barrel
- Tupelo Honey
East Restaurant
- Louis’ Drive-In Restaurant
- Aubrey’s
- Chandler’s Deli
First Date Restaurant
- Melting Pot
- Lakeside Tavern
- Calhoun’s On the River
Food Truck
- Cruze Farm
- Savory and Sweet
- Forks on the Road
Happy Hour
- Downtown Grill & Brewery
- Balter Beerworks
- Aubrey’s
Ice Cream
- Cruze Farm
- Coolato Gelato
- Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain
Italian Restaurant
- Altruda’s
- Naples
- Savelli’s
Local Dessert
- Litton’s
- Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop
- Cruze Farm
Local Meat and Three
- Chandler’s
- Wright’s Cafeteria
- Jackie’s Dream
Margarita
- Chez Guevara
- Babalu Tacos and Tapas
- Cancun Mexican restaurant
Mexican Restaurant
- Chez Guevara
- Pelancho’s Mexican Grill
- Casa Don Gallo
North Restaurant
- Litton’s
- Central Flat’s & Taps
- Aubrey’s
Pizza
- Big Ed’s Pizza
- Hard Knox Pizzeria
- Pizza Palace
Seafood
- Chesapeake’s
- Shrimp Dock
- Shuck Raw Bar & Grill
South Restaurant
- Ye Olde Steakhouse
- Sweet P’s Barbeque & Downtown Dive
- SoKno Taco Cantina
Sushi
- Nama Sushi Bar
- Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse
- Sushi Spot
Vegetarian Menu
- Tomato Head
- Sunspot
- Yassin’s Falafel House
West/Farragut Restaurant
- Lakeside Tavern
- Conner’s Steak & Seafood
- Taste of Thai
Wine List
- Water Into Wine
- Drink. The Wine Dive
- Blackberry Farm
People
Aesthetician
- Abbey Hudson
- Mary Jackson
- Katie Anderson
Barista
- Amanda Cummings – Starbucks
- Aaron Kirby – Honeybee West
- Meg Parrish – Old City Java
Chiropractor
- Brown Chiropractic
- Apple Health & Wellness
- Michael Petty
Cosmetic Dentist
- Buzz Nabers DDS
- Harold Silber DDS
- Kristi Newton DDS
Event DJ
- Jim Ogle, Ogle Entertainment
- DJ Stan Duh Man
- Corey Ozair – Music in Motion
- DJ Sterl the Pearl (Sterling Henton)
Family Dentist
- Buzz Nabers DDS
- Harold Silber DDS
- Gary Chesney DDS
House Painter
- McLain’s Painting
- CertaPro Painters
- Obregon Painting
Interior Designer
- Todd Richesin Interiors
- Shae Design Studio
- Wolfgang Interiors
Local Meteorologist
- Todd Howell
- Matt Hinkin
- Mike Witcher
Local Politician
- Tim Burchett
- Madeline Rogero
- Bill Haslam
Local Radio DJ
- Marc & Kim
- Andy & Alison
- Hallerin Hilton Hill
Local Radio Talk-Show Host
- Hallerin Hilton Hill
- Marc & Kim
- Andy & Alison
Local TV News Anchor
- Abby Ham
- Robin Wilhoit
- Russell Biven
Massage Therapist – Female
- Kay Kay Smith at Longevity Massage Specialists
- Kelly Marie (Mitchell) at Longevity Massage Specialist
- Jill Collins at Tennova Health and Fitness
Massage Therapist – Male
- Travis Jackson at Longevity Massage Specialists
- Aaron Searcy
- Barclay Graves at Spa Visage
Optometrist
- Barry Winston
- Brent Frye
- Blake Rust
Orthodontist
- Christopher O’Rourke
- James Pickering
- Andy Turner
Personal Trainer – Female
- Sarah Van Sickle
- Christy Phelps
- Shea Sims
Personal Trainer – Male
- Russell Scales
- Britton Leitch
- Johnny Davis
Photographer – Commercial
- Bruce McCamish
- Colby McLemore
- JoPhoto
Photographer – Portrait, Female
- Sarah McAffry
- Tracie Ancelet
- Hannah Davis
Photographer – Portrait, Male
- John Black
- Colby McLemore
- Joe Atkins at JoPhoto
Photographer – Wedding, Female
- Tracie Ancelet
- Kathleen at JoPhoto
- Leah Bullard
Photographer – Wedding, Male
- Joe at JoPhoto
- John Black
- Jason Messing at Juicebeats Photography
Physical Therapist
- Knoxville Orthopedic
- BenchMark Physical Therapy
- UT Physical Therapy
Plastic Surgeons
- E. Edward Breazeale Jr.
- Tom Gallaher
- David B. Reath
Realtor – Commercial, Female
- Laura Bailey
- Maribel Koella
- Laura Slyman
Realtor – Commercial, Male
- Justin Bailey
- Jay Cobble
- Lucas Haun
Realtor – Residential, Female
- Laura Bailey
- Sharon Bailey
- Rhonda Vineyard
Realtor – Residential, Male
- Lucas Haun
- Justin Bailey
- Cole Edwards
Veterinarian
- Dr. Jim Butler
- Dr. Nathan Butler
- Dr. Stephanie Hickey
Yoga Instructor – Female
- Sandy Larson – Sandsation Yoga
- Emily Hildreth – Real Hot Yoga
- Jill Bartine – Breezeway Yoga Studio
Yoga Instructor – Male
- Philip Clift – Renegade Yoga Center
- Gary Runyon – Real Hot Yoga
- Randy Rainey – Blue Ridge Yoga
Schools & Education
Daycare
- Tate’s School
- Grace Baptist
- Nanny’s Child Care
Preschool
- Tate’s School
- Grace Christian Academy
- West Hills Baptist
Private Elementary School
- Grace Christian Academy
- Webb School of Knoxville
- Christian Academy of Knoxville
Private Middle School
- Webb School of Knoxville
- Grace Christian Academy
- Christian Academy of Knoxville
Private High School
- Webb School of Knoxville
- Christian Academy of Knoxville
- Grace Christian Academy
Tutoring Service
- Sylvan Learning Center
- Emerald Youth Foundation
- Huntington Learning Center
Stores & Services
Antique Store – Furniture
- Bearden Antique Mall
- Mid Mod Collective
- Clinton Antique Mall
Antique Store – Memorabilia
- Nostalgia
- Becca’s Attic
- Chintzy Rose
Architect – Commercial
- BarberMcMurry Architects
- Michael Brady, Inc.
- McCarty Holsaple McCarty, Inc.
Architect – Residential
- Jonathan Miller
- Holly Williams
- Cara Knapp
Assisted Living
- NHC Farragut
- Morning Pointe
- Arbor Terrace
Auto Mechanic
- Mike Human at Human’s BP
- Jim Phibbs – Phibbs Auto Servie
- Bao Bui – Bao Auto Repair
Auto Repair Shop
- Matlock Tire
- Fisher Tire
- Halls Service Center
Banking – Business
- ORNL Federal Credit Union
- Regions
- Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union
Banking – Personal
- Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union
- ORNL Federal Credit Union
- First Tennessee Bank
Bicycle Shop
- Cedar Bluff Cycles
- Greenlee’s Bicycle Shoppe
- Bike Zoo
Boat Dealership
- American Boat Center
- Alcoa Good Times
- Travis Marine
Body Shop
- Joe Neubert Collision Centers
- Walker’s Collision Repair
- ABRA Auto Body & Glass
Boutique Store
- Josie’s Boutique & Salon
- Spoiled Rotten Boutique
- Reap the Sew Boutique
Bridal Shop
- White Lace & Promises
- Wedding Wonderland
- Bella Boutique
Cabinet Shop/Dealer
- Dixie Kitchen
- Kitchen Sales
- Knox Rail Salvage
Car Dealership – Domestic
- Beaty Chevrolet
- Ted Russell Ford
- Rice Buick GMC
Car Dealership – Import
- Harper Auto Square
- Rusty Wallace Honda
- Fox Toyota Clinton
Cleaning Service – Home
- Merry Maids
- The Clean Authority
- Two Maids & A Mop
Cleaning Service – Commercial
- Coverall
- Jani-King
- Duncan & Sons
Compounding Pharmacy
- Volunteer Pharmacy
- Belew Drugs
- P3 Compounding Pharmacy
Computer Repair
- Computer Depot
- Geek Squad/Best Buy
- Apple Store
Consignment Shop
- Repeat Boutique
- Consign to Design
- Planet Xchange
Contractor – Flooring
- Broadway Carpets
- David’s Abbey Carpet & Floors
- Frazier’s Carpet One Floor & Home
Contractor – Landscape
- Earthadelic
- Volunteer Lawn
- Proscapes Lnadscape Design Group
Contractor – New Construction
- McCamy Construction
- Smithbuilt Homes
- Johnson & Galyon Construction
Contractor – Outdoor Living Space
- Earthadelic
- McCamy Construction
- Prime Renovations
Contractor – Pool
- Campbell’s Pool & Spa
- Aurora Pool Spa & Billiard
- Quality Pools of Knoxville
Contractor – Remodeling
- McCamy Construction
- Earthadelic
- Prime Renovations
CPA
- Jerry Tipton
- Pugh CPA’s
- Lawhorn CPA Group
Credit Union
- Knoxville TVA Employee Credit Union
- ORNL Federal Credit Union
- Y-12 Credit Union
Dry Cleaner
- Prestige Cleaners
- Farragut Cleaners
- Crown Cleaners
Eyeglasses Shop
- Winston Eye & Vision Center
- The Eye Group
- Luttrell’s Eyewear
Fitness Center
- Planet Fitness
- National Fitness Center
- YMCA
Florist
- Crouch Florist
- Petree’s Flowers Inc.
- Lisa Foster Floral Design
Furniture Store – Home
- Knoxville Wholesale Furniture
- O.P. Jenkins
- Bliss Home
Furniture Store – Office
- Office Furniture Outfitters
- A&W Supply Inc.
- Office Works LLC
Gun Store
- Buds Gun Shop & Range
- Harvey’s Pistol & Pawn
- Gunny’s Range and Guns
Health Food Store
- Eddie’s Health Shoppe
- Three Rivers Market
- Go Nutrition
Home Health Care
- East TN Children’s Hospital Home Health Care
- Amedisys Home Helath Care
- Covenant Home Health Care
Insurance Agent
- Jerold Johnson – Senior Financial Group
- Drew Griggs – State Farm
- Cindy Doyle – State Farm
IT Provider
- WOW!
- The IT Company
- Geeks for Less
Jewelry Store
- Markman’s
- Kimball’s Jewelers
- Rick Terry Jewelry Designs
Landscape Architect
- Sara Hedstrom – Hedstrom Design
- Dale Madden – Earthadelic
- Stephen Hackney – Stephen Hackney Landscape Architecture
Men’s Clothing
- M.S. McClellan
- Jos. A. Bank
- John H. Daniel
Mortgage Company
- Mortgage Investors Group
- ORNL Federal Credit Union
- Movement Mortgage
Motorcycle Dealership
- Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson
- Harley-Davidson of Knoxville
- Tommy’s Motorsports
Nutrition Store
- Eddie’s Health Shop
- Three Rivers Market
- Complete Nutrition
Package Store
- Bob’s Liquor & Wine Store
- McScrooge’s Wine & Spirits
- Ashe’s Wine & Spirits
Pet Boarding
- Butler Animal Clinic
- Catatoga Kennels
- All Kreatures
Pet Groomer
- Foxy Locks Pet Grooming
- Doggone Pretty
- Bark Place Grooming
Pet Store
- Agri Feed Pet Supply
- River Dog Bakery
- CitiFid-o
Plumber
- Cedar Bluff Plumbing
- Scott’s Plumbing
- Hiller Plumbing
Security System
- HIS Security
- SafeT Systems
- Protection 1 Security Solutions
Small Gym
- CrossFit Knoxville
- Orange Theory
- Workout Anytime
Sporting Goods Store
- River Sports Outfitters
- Uncle Lem’s Outfitters
- Tennessee Sporting Goods
Tailor/Alterations
- Sandra G’s Alterations
- Prestige Cleaners
- Quality Alterations
Wedding Planner
- The Pavillion at Hunter Valley Farm
- Margaret Claire’s Weddings & Events
- Stressless Weddings by Megan
Women’s Clothing
- Josie’s Boutique & Salon
- Altar’d State
- Est8te
Yoga Studio
- Real Hot Yoga
- The Glowing Body
- Barre3
[…] To see a complete list of 2017 winners, visit http://cityviewmag.com/best-of-the-best-2017/. […]
I would like to vote on the best. How do I do that on your website?
Go to bestof.cityviewmag.com and request a ballot. Thank you for participating!
Shane Archer -Grow
We appreciate your enthusiasm. Make sure your vote is counted by going to bestof.cityviewmag.com and casking a ballot.