World Grotto to get new proprietors
Owner of venue on Market Square says it was 'unable to support itself'
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Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly characterized previous ownership of the business.
After years of struggling to financially survive, the owner of World Grotto, the cave-like entertainment venue on Market Square, is saying goodbye.
Susie Dew, who opened the Grotto five years ago to bring world culture and art to her hometown, said the business was simply "unable to support itself."
"The truth is, it has been a tremendous struggle from day one, but I kept fighting, believing with all my heart we could get there, but it was not so. Knowing when to let go is probably one of the hardest things to accept, but once you do there is no turning back, and this is where we are now, it simply didn't work," Dew wrote on her Facebook page.
New owners are expected to take over the venue, which will hold a farewell celebration on Saturday.
While the new owners have a different vision, Dew said, they intend to keep the downstairs an entertainment venue.
"They are truly a good group of people that I feel confident will care for the Grotto in my absence," said Dew, who plans to spend her time with her two daughters.
Dew did not identify the new owners but Justin Nicholas and Jim Buckner have surfaced as potential proprietors. Nicholas and Buckner could not be reached for comment.
World Grotto is located in one of several Market Square buildings previously owned by Scott and Bernadette West, who were convicted of using drug money to renovate the properties.
The building at 16 Market Square was purchased by Cardinal Enterprise Inc. in October 2007
Business writer Carly Harrington may be reached at 865-342-6317.
© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel
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