10 Cookeville Businesses That We Miss

Established in 1854, Cookeville has grown from a small Tennessee township into a bustling city over its nearly 170-year history. Its population has ballooned from just over 10,000 in the 1970s to a vibrant community of more than 35,000 today.

As the city has expanded, many businesses have come and gone, each leaving its unique imprint on the community. Some of these establishments are remembered particularly fondly by the residents, becoming integral parts of Cookeville’s rich tapestry.

In this article, we journey down memory lane, paying tribute to some of these beloved businesses.

10 Cookeville businesses that we miss

In the below list I share a few businesses that have impacted Cookeville and its citizens over the decades. The list isn’t exhaustive, so I encourage you to add suggestions that you remember in a comment.

1. Burger Chef

Nestled on E 10th St., Burger Chef was a beacon of joy and comfort for Cookeville’s residents from its opening in 1966 until its closure in 1996. This establishment served as a beloved local hub, a place where many Cookeville natives can recall having their first restaurant meal. For many Tech students at the time, it was a favorite hangout spot offering affordable and satisfying meals.

Burger Chef’s mushroom burger was legendary, a fond memory for those lucky enough to have tasted it. The restaurant was also a practical spot for some, a convenient location to wait after school for a ride home. It was these simple, everyday connections that built a lasting legacy for Burger Chef in the hearts of many.

After the closure and rebranding to “Pleasers,” the building later housed the restaurant “India Palace” before succumbing to a fire in 2008. Today, the site is home to the Washington Place Apartments. The physical space has changed, but for many, the memories of Burger Chef still linger.

2. Spring Street Market

Spring Street Market, established in 1960 by Mr. Bonnell Nabors, was a pillar of the Cookeville community for over 60 years. Generations did their grocery shopping there and built fond memories. Nabors sold the store to Mr. Junior Gaw in 1975, and later, it changed hands again in 1987, going to Mr. Leo Depriest. The market saw decades of change but remained a beloved part of the community until its closure.

Patrons remember Spring Street Market as their go-to grocery store during their time in Cookeville. They fondly recall the affordability and variety the store offered. It wasn’t unusual to buy a week’s worth of groceries, including steak, shrimp, and chicken, for just $20. A stark contrast to today’s prices, where a grocery bill can easily exceed $150, with less meat.

What makes the memory of the market truly unique are the little details. Despite the oddity of being allowed to smoke inside the grocery store, it was the animatronic band that played for the kids that brings a smile to the faces of those who remember it.

3. Pirate’s Cove (The Fun Tunnel)

Pirate’s Cove, known for its classic video games, was a staple in the Cookeville Mall starting in 1978. Countless quarters were dropped into the machines by kids and teenagers seeking a bit of fun and excitement. Over time, Pirate’s Cove transitioned into The Fun Tunnel, but it remained a cherished part of the local scene for the younger crowd, a straightforward arcade providing endless hours of enjoyment.

Part of the excitement for these young visitors was the mall’s energetic atmosphere, particularly with the Sound Shop next door, where lines often formed for concert tickets. The energy and buzz added to the allure of a trip to the arcade.

In the mid-2010s, the location briefly transformed into a hamburger shop, catering to a different audience. But for many who spent their younger years dropping quarters into arcade machines, memories of Pirate’s Cove and The Fun Tunnel remain vivid. Time has moved on, businesses have changed, but the nostalgia for those carefree days at the arcade lingers.

I remember being dropped off there as a kid and carefully spending my allowance on all of my favorite video games. This was back when most games were 25 cents and some were 50 cents. Because I had practiced so much, I could make a dollar or two last for hours playing Street fighter 2.

4. The Varsity Twin

The Varsity Cinema Theatre, established in 1969 as a single-screen theater, was transformed into the Varsity Twin in the early ’80s, featuring two screens. Over the years, ownership changed hands, from Leon Hurst to Consolidated Theatres and eventually to Carmike Cinemas in 1989.

Following a period as a dollar theater, the Varsity Twin transitioned to being used as office space for several years. Eventually, the property was purchased by the university and converted into the alumni building, marking a new chapter in its history.

The Varsity Twin holds cherished memories for those who frequented it, and its transformation into an alumni building serves as a reminder of its significance to the community and its connection to the university.

5. The Soup Kitchen

The Soup Kitchen, a small soup restaurant located at 20 W Broad St. in Cookeville, TN, was a local favorite for many years. However, the exact duration of its operation remains unclear. Unfortunately, like all others on this list, it eventually did go out of business. Today, the location is occupied by Seven Senses, an award-winning restaurant that has thrived in the area for the last 7 years or so.

The Soup Kitchen always had a nice selection of delicious soups, and served both regular cornbread and the highly sought-after Mexican cornbread which had a reputation for selling out for the day quickly. Additionally, The Soup Kitchen offered the convenience of family-sized portions for takeout, allowing people to enjoy their favorite soups at home.

Though The Soup Kitchen has left a void, the memories of its tasty offerings continue to linger. Some still find themselves longing for its return, even if in a different location, as they appreciate the success of Seven Senses, which now occupies the space once filled by The Soup Kitchen

6. Maddux Hardware

Maddux Hardware, a beloved Cookeville landmark, closed its doors in 2005 after 65 years of serving the community. Established in 1940 by Bob Lee Maddux and Sam Denton Poteet, the store became a homeowner-friendly staple, offering a wide range of products.

It provided not only merchandise but also a gathering place for customers and friends to engage in conversations and share stories. Despite facing competition from larger superstores, Maddux Hardware thrived by offering exceptional customer service, in-house repairs, and unique items.

Unfortunately, Maddux Hardware closed, leaving a void in the community. Its warm and welcoming environment will be fondly remembered by those who cherished its presence. However, the transition brought forth the emergence of Tennessee Legend Distillery, symbolizing the evolving nature of businesses and the community’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Maddux Hardware’s legacy remains a testament to the significance of local establishments and their lasting impact on the community. The Maddux sign is still on the corner where it’s always been and the building is now referred to as Maddux Square.

7. The Mousetrap

During the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, the Mousetrap, a small market next to a laundromat near Tennessee Tech campus, captured the hearts and appetites of students. This beloved establishment offered a variety of delicious eats and treats that left a lasting impression on those who frequented it.

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit the culinary delights that made the Mousetrap a beloved market near Tennessee Tech campus in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Do you perhaps remember any of these?

• Steamed sandwiches
• 99-cent roast beef
• Pastrami
• Reuben
• Stuffed spuds

Sadly, the Mousetrap eventually closed its doors. While time may have passed and the market may be gone, the memories of its delectable offerings and the warm atmosphere it provided continue to linger. The Mousetrap’s legacy lives on through the stories shared by those who enjoyed its flavors and the sense of community it fostered.

8. Echo Valley Pool

Echo Valley Pool was a beloved community swimming facility that captured the hearts of its visitors and created many memories. It served as a refreshing oasis and a gathering place for residents of all ages, offering respite from the summer heat and a venue for fun and relaxation.

The community cherished Echo Valley Pool for its welcoming atmosphere, where generations of families created cherished memories, enjoyed quality time together, and formed lasting connections.

The loss of Echo Valley Pool is deeply felt by the community, as it represented more than just a place to swim—it was a symbol of togetherness and summertime fun for generations.

The memories created within its waters will forever remain in the hearts of those who experienced its welcoming embrace. Echo Valley Pool’s remarkable 88-year run will be remembered as a testament to the lasting impact it had on the community it served.

9. Tastee-Freez

Tastee-Freez was more than just a restaurant to the folks of Cookeville, Tennessee; it was a cherished institution. Nestled comfortably on South Jefferson Ave in the Bargain Town Shopping Center, it stood as a beacon of warmth and conviviality, serving the community for many years under the devoted stewardship of Nelson and Shirley King.

Today, Tennessee Title Loans occupies its former location, but the spirit of Tastee-Freez lingers on in the vivid reminiscences of those who frequented it. The establishment was much-loved for its footlong hotdogs and sinfully soft chocolate ice cream, but it was their best-in-town grilled cheeseburger that stole the show. Satisfying meals were often followed by delectable milkshakes, shared amongst families on their way home from school, making Tastee-Freez a favorite stop.

This was not just a place for delicious food, but also for creating memories – laughter rang through the air, sometimes due to a hilarious whipped cream mishap, courtesy of the friendly staff. Many customers, now grown-ups, even had their first jobs at Tastee-Freez, a testament to its enduring presence in the community.

Its absence is deeply felt in Cookeville, and Tastee-Freez’s legacy continues to thrive through shared stories and nostalgic recollections. The townspeople don’t just miss a restaurant; they miss a piece of their collective history, a timeless symbol of their community spirit.

10. Foutch’s Meats

The Foutch’s business story, which began as a modest grocery store in Cookeville in 1910, is deeply woven into the fabric of the local community. Over the years, the enterprise transformed and flourished, becoming the much-loved hometown butcher shop, Foutch’s Meats. The store was acclaimed for supplying Cookeville’s residents with the freshest cuts, originating from locally slaughtered animals.

As the business evolved into the significant regional enterprise, Foutch’s Distributing, it ran a fleet of trucks serving middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky. It became a vital source of employment for locals, some of whom dedicated their entire working lives to this business.

The remarkable legacy of Foutch’s isn’t just built on its evolution and service to the community, but also its rich family tradition. The management of the business has spanned four generations of Foutchs, each contributing to its growth and success over the decades.

In the 90s, Foutch’s Meats gave way to Foutch’s Coffee and Spring Water, located in Algood, TN, symbolizing the family’s adaptive spirit and dedication to serving the local community. The new venture is thriving, demonstrating the Foutch’s enduring business acumen and their ability to resonate with changing customer needs.

Even though the cherished hometown butcher shop no longer exists, the Foutch’s legacy lives on through the memories of former employees, its lasting impact on the local economy, and the continued success of the Foutch’s brand. The original site of Foutch’s Meats, now a field near Phoenix USA on Foutch’s Drive, stands as a testament to this enduring history.