2021 Weigel's 90th Anniversary

The Shelby Report of the Southeast congratulates on its 90th Anniversary

In this special commemorative section, The Shelby Report of the Southeast celebrates Weigel’s, an East Tennessee-based convenience store chain, on its 90th anniversary.

Run today by the family’s fourth generation, the company prides itself on its rich heritage, innovation and passion for people and the communities it serves.

Known by many for its wide variety of milk, Weigel’s is investing heavily in technology and fresh food options. As Doug Yawberry, company president, put it: “We have a lot of moving parts, but everybody’s excited about those moving parts.”

Future filled with food, tech and expansion Business has ‘a lot of moving parts, but everybody’s excited’

by Eric Pereira /content creator

The spirit of the late CEO Ken McMullen carries on in the vision for Powell, Tennessee-based Weigel’s as company executives continue to plan for the future.

“He would want us to grow,” said Bill Weigel, chairman, of McMullen’s desire for the business, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2021.

This includes plans for expansion, more fresh food options, and new milk flavors, to name a few.

Weigel also is comfortable knowing that Doug Yawberry, currently serving as president, will be McMullen’s successor

“He’s well prepared,” he said. “Doug is a lot more organized and is a super delegator and gets other people involved better than we did.”

Director of Operations Brad Anderson expressed similar optimism in Yawberry.

“I’ve known Doug for a year and a half. And from day one, the man is phenomenal,” he said. “I will tell you that I would follow Doug anywhere. And I mean, as far as a leader goes, the best boss I’ve had. He’s very understanding, very demanding and like, ‘Here’s what we’re going to do.’ But not over the top. I mean, he holds a standard and you know it…he’s a great leader,” Anderson said.

that – whether it’s buying a packaged meal and prep at home or whether it’s a microwavable deal that you take home – you know those are next logical steps for us that tie into the commissary.”

Food is Weigel’s future and technology is key for that, with the company is making the necessary shifts to do so.

“We’ll be able to do mobile ordering, we’ll be able to do curbside delivery, all the things we’re able to do much easier now than before,” Yawberry said.

In October, Weigel’s will be rolling out a new pointof-sale system to provide more visibility and from that point they’ll build upon a new register system.

“Our new POS and some of these new other options will allow us to expand loyalty and actually just be able to serve our customers better because they’ll be more in tune with what they want how they want us to deliver,” Yawberry said.

“Food will be a big part of our change. Cigarettes will go down, gas will go down, and food will go up. So we’re positioning for that now,” Weigel said.

Weigel’s welcomes milk flavors

The milk category is a mature category that hasn’t had much innovation or change in the last few decades, according to Nick Triantafellou, director of marketing and merchandising.

“When you approach the [milk] door, I would always comment that it was the frozen white tundra where nothing ever changes,” he said. “We have seen in other mature categories the way to bring excitement back is to experiment with flavors and style of drink.

“Since we built our business on the back of our dairy with a strong customer following, it was only natural to bring back that excitement to our milk products by doing something East Tennessee has never seen before.”

Some of the new flavors have included Peanut Butter Chocolate, Orange Creamsicle and Birthday Cake, which celebrates the company’s anniversary. With Weigel’s being a smaller company, Triantafellou said the process for creating new milk flavors doesn’t take as long.

“As a small company, we can move pretty quickly on ideas and getting it to the stores. We definitely look at a local consumer profile paired with local flavors that people love,” he said.

“Using data to prove that Peanut Butter is the No.1 candy profile in our stores, chocolate is the No.1 milk mix, combine the two and it was an easy home run. People in East Tennessee love their Reese’s. Playing off that flavor profile, we were able to create our first mix.”

Milk will remain a focal identity of Weigel’s, however, Weigel said there are no plans to go into the realm of plant-based milks.

“We have to maintain our position here,” he said. “All convenience store chains hate milk…we love it.”

Please see page 32

Mobile delivery, new POS system

“We have a lot of moving parts, but everybody’s excited about those moving parts,” Yawberry said.

Fresh food options are an area of intense focus for Weigel’s as you’ll see the kitchens in their new stores offer a plethora of snackable and indulgent choices. Supplying an extended variety of options will be possible with a commissary and test kitchen being built.

“We know prepared meals are becoming more and more mainstream. And of course, the pandemic took it to a whole other level,” Yawberry said.

“We want to be that provider for our customers. And on the way home, they don’t have to stop by the grocery store to do that. They can stop by us to do

OCTOBER 2021 THE SHELBY REPORT OF THE SOUTHEAST 30

Bill Weigel, chairman Doug Yawberry, president, and Kurt Weigel, training and recruiting director Photos by Eric Pereira

Late leader McMullen leaves legacy of growth, planning

First non-family member CEO hailed as visionary, ‘father of the new stores’

by Eric Pereira /content creator

When Bill Weigel was in need of a helping hand for his growing convenience store company in Powell, Tennessee, a friend referred him to the late Ken McMullen, who at the time was a district manager for a milk company in Detroit, Michigan.

After dinner with McMullen and his wife, Weigel knew he needed him to help lead the business.

“I wrote out a proposal to him on a napkin,” he said. “And that morning, I gave it to him at the breakfast. And so he came down and he wanted to give a 30-day notice. So I called him every night for 30 nights,” Weigel said.

In 1981, McMullen joined Weigel’s in what would become a 40-year career. His initial job with Weigel’s was as the company’s operations manager.

McMullen was instrumental in the company’s growth through his innovative spirit. In 2017, became its CEO. He was the first non-family member CEO of this 90-year-old company and grew the Weigel’s chain to 70 stores and a bakery.

On July 29, the company was devasted to learn of his sudden death at age 74.

“He knew everybody by first name. He greeted everybody, every morning, in his office…and he said excuses were a waste of time, it only meant you failed,” Weigel said.

“Any job that we had, he had done before. If you'd never cleaned the bathroom, he would show you how to clean one. Whatever you needed to learn he would show you how to do it and his expectations were above the chart. You knew what he wanted and, by golly, you didn't want to let him down.”

McMullen was always making decisions based on the long run and considering every factor.

“He would think beyond the decision and what would happen with that decision down the road. He would always think ahead,” Weigel said. “And that was always something we were proud of – that we would think not of just this decision, but how it's going to affect everything else.”

According to Brad Anderson, director of operations for Weigel’s, that was McMullen’s vision.

“Because he said, ‘If you're just planning for the day, it won't be successful.’ He said you have to plan for 5, 10, 15 ,20 years down the road,” Anderson said.

Kurt Weigel, training and recruiting director for Weigel’s, met McMullen when he was 10 years old and saw their bond strengthen throughout the years.

“My dad was right hand and [Ken was] left hand…they just relied on each other for everything. That's what they did. They were like brothers…they fought like brothers did, but they also knew to agree to disagree and then move on. Because it's part of that, how they did things and try to get things out there and they were visionary. And they both had great ideas and they want to get things done. They laid a good foundation for us going forward. We wouldn't have all this without them,” Kurt Weigel said.

Kurt Weigel knows McMullen would want the company to keep moving forward.

“Ken would want us to keep going, not wallow…let’s keep moving,” he said. “It’s a big loss, but it will get people to step up and hopefully get people to rise up their game, as far as this management team, because we’ve all got to pick up the slack.”

‘Intense eye on innovation’

Company impact

A few of Weigel’s historical milestones thanks to McMullen’s involvement include but are not limited to:

⚫ In 1985, the Summit Hill location opened, introducing food in Weigel’s stores. Today, there are 70 Weigel’s stores with plans for more.

⚫ In 1998, Topside Road was the first completed site with the new “Weigel’s look.” It featured eight double-sided pumps and what is now considered the traditional smart-looking brick store. The next 36 stores built would continue this style.

⚫ In 2004, Weigel’s was named Top 100 Private Companies in Tennessee

⚫ In 2011, Weigel’s was nominated as the Chain to Watch by Convenience Store Decisions Magazine.

⚫ In 2016, the Clinton, Tennessee, location was remodeled to become the first official Weigel’s truck stop. Four wide diesel bays, made for trucks, as well as DEF at the pumps were put in place. The store sported a full remodel, with upgraded interior and payment options.

⚫ In 2019, Weigel’s won the Convenience Store of The Year Award from Convenience Store Decisions Magazine.

Bill Weigel credited the latest Weigel’s look to McMullen, calling him “the father of the new stores.”

“The hardest worker I've ever seen. He led by example. And 41 years you know, we never separated we did everything together. He was just like a brother… it’s a big loss for me and a big loss for our company.” Weigel said.

Doug Yawberry, who currently serves as president, will succeed McMullen.

“I felt comfortable with Ken. He was that kind of guy,” Yawberry said. “I respected Ken because he was very straightforward. And I work off that fair and honest feedback and straightforward way of addressing things and dealing with people, and Ken was that guy.”

The men spoke every day for 13 years. Out of habit, Yawberry continues to check if the light is on in McMullen’s office.

“If you're not having disagreements, then you're probably not getting anything done’” Yawberry said. “But we saw a lot eye-to-eye and we would move things in that same general direction. We felt the same. When you're aligned like that with your boss. Things are really good. And then we had a good relationship as far as I was concerned.”

Family support mattered when McMullen took the job at Weigel’s. As a CEO, he emulated that as well when considering decisions. Weigel needed approval from McMullen’s wife to bring him on board and McMullen needed Yawberry’s daughter’s approval to bring him on as director of operations at the time.

“Your family support in what you do is just as important as what you do,” Yawberry said. “And he was just making sure that that family support piece was there. And he wasn't going to do something that was going to be a bad impact on my family. I had a lot of respect for that. And that's the kind of guy he was.

Yawberry said Weigel and McMullen helped him as a leader to be prepared for every question thrown his way when presenting a new plan.

“I better have all my ducks in a row, because they’re going to ask me three million questions,” Yawberry said. “And then when they’re done with those three million, they’re going to ask me two million more…it took me to a different height of being detail oriented, and being ready.

“So if I’m going to step in front of somebody…I’m going to know where I’m headed, what I’m talking about, what are the potential outcomes. I’m going to be ready for all those questions.”

All of the future initiatives will move with the Weigel’s brand as plans for new store locations are in line, with one of the next major market targets being Chattanooga.

“We have an intense eye on innovation and the different technologies that bring us into the future of marketing/merchandising,” Triantafellou said. “We are constantly studying consumer insights, technologies, and marketplace scenarios to make sure the decisions we make are the correct ones that will help grow the business now and many years into the future.”

OCTOBER 2021 THE SHELBY REPORT OF THE SOUTHEAST 32

Ken McMullen From page 30 Photos by Eric Pereira

Presence in eastern Tennessee active, runs deep Involvement started early; ‘We look at our community as family’

by Eric Pereira /content creator

Many grocers and convenience stores do what they can to stay involved in their local neighborhoods. For Weigel’s, the mission of giving back involves several initiatives.

Whether it’s helping a child shop for a Christmas present, uniting a veteran with a service dog, or donating thousands of gallons of milk, the company helps future generations thrive in the face of adversity.

One of the differentiators that Kurt Weigel, training and recruiting director, sees in Weigel’s when compared to other convenience stores is their local presence and involvement.

“I think the fact that we're so local –and we're so involved now – I think that makes a big difference,” he said.

Weigel added that the company donated $200,000 to community service organizations in 2020.

One of the keystone events is the Weigel’s Family Christmas tradition that began in 1998. It brings together more than 200 local children in need and some 300 volunteers for a special Christmas shopping spree.

Each year, the Salvation Army selects deserving children while Weigel’s organizes the event and provides funding. Since the program’s inception in 1998, it has impacted more than 4,200 children.

Other community service and outreach efforts include but is not limited to:

⚫ Weigel’s Annual Golf Tournament, which serves as a fundraiser for Weigel’s Family Christmas.

⚫ Smoky Mountain Service Dogs, an organization that helps match service dogs with veterans.

⚫ The Milk Fund – provides dairy and food supplements to children, elderly and underprivileged families.

⚫ Second Harvest Food Bank

⚫ Street Hope Tennessee. Its mission is to eliminate the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children in the state, while providing safe environments to foster hope and healing. The Weigel’s Foundation recently presented it with a $10,000 check as part of the nonprofit’s annual fundraising campaign.

⚫ Boy Scouts.

⚫ Involvement with University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

“Weigel’s community service goes back to family,” Kurt Weigel said. “We are a family-owned company and we look at our community as family as well and it’s where we all work together and serve families all over East Tennessee. We are very proud to help where help is needed and to make sure we take care of not only our internal family but external as well.”

The future of Weigel’s community service includes continuing to “raise awareness and help to children of all ages and all backgrounds [to] have a better opportunity and life experience by doing what we can to make that possible,” Kurt Weigel said. “We will continue our work with veterans as well and doing all we can to make sure we are a viable asset to East Tennessee.”

They’ve got to be customer friendly… I can teach the rest, but if you're not friendly and you're not happy, it's not going to work.”

Weigel’s does its part to know its employee experiences, too. Even if that means the executive team visits stores.

“People are not just numbers, they're names… especially for me,” Kurt Weigel said. “I do a lot of hiring…they reach out to us, and the fact that we can go out to the stores – like we do around the holidays – and go out and visit the stores and help out wherever needed, and they see us out there, it makes a big difference.

“Every holiday, we're out in stores… we're doing what we can to help out. We work on Saturdays. We do anything we can to make sure they're taken care of, and we're just dedicated. We want to make sure our people know that, ‘Hey, we're here for you. And we're here to support you.’”

Terran Simerly, master trainer, has been happy to see employees grow along with her. She started as a cashier and worked her way up.

“Watching the people that I've trained grow from cashier to store managers, and definitely the customer following…I've been watching these people come in, watching their kids grow. It is a beautiful experience,” Simerly said.

“We started by bringing six kids shopping, and now we invite more than 200,” said Bill Weigel, chairman. “The gracious support of the many volunteers and our vendor partners makes the day possible. This event embodies the true spirit of Christmas.”

Being a part of the community also means building relationships with customers, and the company makes sure that’s possible by bringing in the right team members. Weigel’s is one of the largest employers in the Powell, Tennessee, community.

“I can teach all the skills in the world, but there's got to be personality,” Kurt Weigel said. “They’ve got to be happy.

OCTOBER 2021 THE SHELBY REPORT OF THE SOUTHEAST 34

Much more than milk – chain marks milestone, savors its history President

by Eric Pereira /content creator

Not many convenience stores have hit the 90-year milestone, and few that do are still family owned and operated by the fourth generation.

“All the family companies are selling out and now you’ve got the big mega companies…it's bad for the people that work there, but it's good for us,” said Bill Weigel, chairman of Weigel’s. “We can think quicker, we act quicker and we make decisions quicker.

“We're more passionate about our stores than they are. If you've got 200 to 800 stores, each one is just a number. And for our business, each one's a store that we care about and watch every day. So that's a big advantage for a family company. And I think that's going to be the thing that will keep us going – is to remain a family company.”

Doug Yawberry, president at Weigel’s, sees this year’s anniversary as a testament to the company’s heritage and culture.

“Not everybody's got a heritage that rich... and there's many advantages with it that work for you. It's an advantage to customers, but we’ve got to share that part of our brand and part of what we do, we need to continue to drive that and drive it harder,” he said.

“If you've got a wonderful history and a good history, and it's about quality and good people ... you want to hang on to that. That's your culture. Your history creates your culture,” Yawberry said.

The company has bounced back from hardships as well. Weigel was called for military service in 1961, when he returned home, he learned the company had lost 40 percent of its business.

“I had some concerns, but I never thought about quitting,” Weigel said. “You just keep working hard, not looking back.”

In an earlier instance, the city of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, proved to be a saving grace. The dairy business was facing challenges prior to World War II. All of a sudden, Oak Ridge became inhabited by tens of thousands of people.

“[The city] was home to several massive Manhattan Project facilities employing thousands of workers during and after World War II and was the headquarters for the project after relocating from New York City,” according to the National Park Service. “These facilities in Oak Ridge operated with one goal in mind – enriching uranium for use in the world’s first atomic bomb.”

All of those new residents needed milk. And today, you can still find the classic dairy product and new flavors in all Weigel’s locations.

Weigel’s celebrated its 90th anniversary with the kickoff campaign of “90 Years for Us, 90 Days for You” and the introduction of a limited edition flavor profile, Birthday Cake Milk.

The campaign, which ran through Aug. 1, included several products within stores on sale for 90 cents. They highlighted daily prizes for Weigel’s guests and employees, with a special companywide birthday celebration June 18.

Vendor participation contributed Jeep Wranglers, 28 70-inch TVs, PS5s, new Xbox consoles and hundreds of other prizes for the celebration.

“It’s huge,” Kurt Weigel, training and recruiting director, said of the company’s milestone. “It’s so special. Usually, a lot of family generation companies don't make it past the second generation, but we're fourth…that's unusual… to reach 100 years, that'd be incredible if we can say that.”

OCTOBER 2021 THE SHELBY REPORT OF THE SOUTHEAST 36

says quality and good people are key, ‘not everybody's got a heritage that rich’

The Weigel’s leadership team, from left: Nick Triantafellou, director of marketing and merchandising; Doug Yawberry, president; Kurt Weigel, training and recruiting director; Bill Weigel, chairman; and Brad Anderson, director of operations.

A Farm in Wartburg

Carl Augustus Weigel emigrated from Saxony, Germany. He bought a 470-acre farm for $1,000 in Wartburg, Tennessee and moved there with his wife and two children.

Broadacre Dairy

William Senior (age 20) converted his portion of the Powell Station farm into Broadacre Dairy, which begins to grow rapidly. The iconic barn that was built at that time is still standing (and being used) today!

Growing Broadacre Dairy

Lynn and William purchased the other portion of the initial farm from their Uncle Arthur, doubling the space to grow Broadacre Dairy.

Weigel’s Farm Store

The days of East Tennesseans wanting home delivery for milk were fading. The concept for “Weigel’s Farm Store” was created for the convenience of the working mother and families.

1970 Self-Serve Gas Pumps

On a gamble, the first self-serve gas pumps were installed at a Farm Store on Emory Road. These, as we all know now, turned out to be one of the best chances Weigel’s may have taken.

“Milk Man”

Milk House Built

A Farm in Knoxville

Carl decided better farming opportunities existed near Knoxville, and sold his farm to buy 600 acres east of Knoxville (Near the Forks of the River).

Carl farmed this land until his death, upon which his first son, Christian, became head of the household.

A 12’ x 12’ milk house is built to allow raw milk to be bottled and delivered. This allows the brothers to put the milk into larger containers and deliver more at a time, thus making the potential for more profit.

Pasteurized Milk in East Tennessee

Along with the introduction of electricity to Powell Station, came the decision to buy a 50 gallon pasteurizer. This purchase made Broadacre Dairy the first Dairy in East Tennessee to distribute pasteurized milk.

Powell Station Farm

Christian’s sons, William Walter and Arthur Wallace, purchased their own farm in Powell Station (now known as Powell).

Management by William’s Sons

By this point, complete management was in the hands of William’s sons, Lynn B and William W Weigel. Lynn was in charge of the dairy processing and business office, while William ran the operations and marketing. Both men had completed two years of study at UT School of Dairy Science. (Pictured left to right: Lynn B, William Walter Sr, and William (Bill) Walter Weigel)

This extra space was much needed, as the Dairy had a fleet of over 15 mechanically refrigerated delivery trucks to run milk routes. They were firmly establishing themselves as the “Milk Man” we all hear about in fond historical tales.

1977 An Official Office

Weigel’s Milk Depot Farm Stores

Within three years, an additional ten “Weigel’s Milk Depot Farm Stores” were built to support the emerging “shopping” trend of getting essentials as people were out rather than delivery.

A Full Time Dairy

Broadacre Dairy had truly become a modern dairy and farm. With the extensive 400+ head herd, milking was now a full time, around the clock endeavor.

Custom Piping

A custom piping system was installed that guaranteed the freshest milk a person could purchase. The pipes ran directly from the milking machine to the processing plant. This meant that when the customers opened their milk, it was the first time the milk was exposed to air. Talk about farm fresh!

Walk-In Weigel’s

The first Walk-In Weigel’s Convenience Store opened in June. It was located on Oak Ridge Highway and 1,800 square feet in size!

The company had grown so much, it was time for an official office that was bigger than the corner of the Dairy Barn. Construction began right next to the barn, ensuring to stay close to the hub of Broadacre Dairy.

1977 Shatterproof Milk Jug

Weigel’s introduced their shatterproof gallon milk jug.

1979 30+ Stores

Weigel’s had now grown to a 30 store count, all in the Knoxville area. Billy Weigel knew that the East Tennessee community needed more.

Introducing the Icee

Weigel’s introduced Icee to the Knoxville Market. Until 2010, Weigel’s was the exclusive destination for Icee east of the Mississippi River.

1840 1850 1950 1960 1910 1930 1940 1950 1970 1847 1931 1945 1958 1963 1964 1967 1947 1951 1952 1934 1936 1938 1853 1918

1980 1990 2000 2010 2010+

Top 100 Private Companies in TN

Weigel’s was in the Top 100 Private Companies in Tennessee.

Boyd Smith Honored

Boyd Smith, a manager at the Middlebrook Pike location, was awarded the National Store Manager of the Year by Convenience Store Merchandiser Magazine. Weigel’s policy of making customers #1 was vindicated in Boyd’s actions and his award.

Our Annual Boyd Smith Customer Service Award still honors both Boyd Smith and the passion we have for our customers to this very day.

The Best Cup of Coffee in Knoxville

Weigel’s won the award for The Best Cup of Coffee in Knoxville. The award was given to the stores that the readers of the Knoxville News Sentinel voted as the best! Our customers were loving us, and were letting us know.

Chain to Watch Award

Weigel’s was nominated as the Chain to Watch by Convenience Store Decisions Magazine.

Corporate Office Contruction Complete

Construction was completed on the new, expanded corporate office. While it is still right beside the dairy, there was now more room to house all of the employees that were now needed to assist in running the expanding company.

2000 Prototype Store

Celebrating 70 Stores

Weigel’s celebrated the opening of their 70th store on Choto Road and Northshore Drive. Billy’s theory of giving more Weigel’s to the community has truly become a successful business.

Weigel’s Chocolate

Milk Wins Blue Ribbon

Weigel’s Truck Stop

Clinton Location was remodeled to become the first official Weigel’s Truck Stop. Four wide diesel bays, made for trucks, as well as DEF at the pumps were put in place. The store sported a full remodel, with upgraded interior and payment options for all of the local and over the road truck drivers.

Large Business Excellence Pinnacle Award

Summit Hill Location

Summit Hill location was opened, bringing with it the first introduction to food in the Weigel’s Stores.

Middlebrook Pike Location Complete

Middlebrook Pike was completed, and brought with it the concept of deli food that was prepared on site to order.

New “Weigel’s Look”

The prototype store for the 2000s decade is completed. The 4,000 square foot store in Clinton featured E-85 Fuel in addition to standard gasoline.

Best Convenience Store Award

The prototype store for the 2000s decade is completed. The 4,000 square foot store in Clinton featured E-85 Fuel in addition to standard gasoline.

Milk Fund

Weigel’s joined The Knoxville Journal (now Knoxville Sentinel) and WIVK in the Milk Fund effort. Weigel’s typically provides 20-25 percent of the funds annually. The Milk Fund has provided dairy and food supplements to children, elderly and the underprivileged since 1939.

Cappuccino

Weigel’s introduced Cappuccino into the Knoxville Market for the first time.

Topside Road was the first completed site with the new “Weigel’s Look”. It featured eight doublesided pumps and what is now considered the traditional brick store. The next 36 stores built would continue in this style.

Weigel’s Family Christmas Tradition

Weigel’s Family Christmas Tradition is founded. Billy Weigel and family started by taking six-eight children shopping, allowing them to spend money to get all of the items on their Christmas wish list. This Tradition continues today, but on a much larger scale. Up to 200 children are served breakfast, transported to their shopping destination, and then served a hot lunch before their parents return to pick them (and the presents) up.

No-Surcharge ATMs

The installation of No-Surcharge ATMs in all of the stores. “Why should our customers have to pay to get their own money? We can give something back to them.”

Weigel’s Chocolate Milk: 1st Blue Ribbon

Weigel’s Chocolate Milk won it’s first blue ribbon at the Tennessee State Fair.

80th Anniversary

80th Anniversary for Weigel’s. The milestone was celebrated by awarding over $200,000 in prizes to employees and customers for 80 days that summer. The finale was awarding a car to one of our loyal customers!

Weigel’s Chocolate Milk has won an additional Blue Ribbon in the Tennessee State Fair.

Weigel’s Kitchens

The opening of the Lafollette Store brings Weigel’s Kitchens into life! Customers can now come in and order food as they like. Full option menus are available, filled with things like hamburgers, pizzas, french fries, quesadillas…you get the idea! All made to order fresh for you, just the way you like it.

Introducing Organic Coffee

Organic Coffee is introduced to the Knoxville Market. (By Weigel’s of course!) Having pure, natural, earth healthy coffee is important to us.

Weigel’s was awarded the Large Business Excellence Pinnacle Award for having over 200 employees and showing profitability, growth, and sustainability.

Awarded Best “Convenience Store & Coffee

Weigel’s was again voted the Best Convenience Store and Coffee by the Knoxville News Sentinel and its readers.

Wags for Warriors Campaign

Weigel’s launches their Wags for Warrior donations campaign. All of the collected revenue goes directly to the Smoky Mountain Service Dog center that trains support animals for our local veterans. If you are interesting in helping this organization, donate at your local Weigel’s.