Chattanooga's Acme Feed and Seed Faces Closure After Tax Hikes

Longtime family-owned business struggles to stay afloat amid rising costs in Nashville area.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Acme Feed and Seed, a beloved Chattanooga institution that has served the community for generations, is facing an uncertain future as it grapples with the impact of historic property tax hikes in the Nashville area. The family-owned business, which has been a fixture in the local agricultural and outdoor supply market, is now fighting to stay afloat amidst the rising costs and economic pressures brought on by the tax increases.

Why it matters

The potential closure of Acme Feed and Seed would not only be a significant loss for the Chattanooga community, but it would also highlight the broader economic challenges facing small, family-owned businesses in the region as they struggle to adapt to the changing landscape. The story underscores the ripple effects of policy decisions made in Nashville and the importance of supporting local enterprises that are the backbone of many communities.

The details

Acme Feed and Seed, which has operated in Chattanooga for over 80 years, is facing a stark reality as its property taxes have skyrocketed in recent years. The business, which has been passed down through multiple generations of the same family, is now grappling with the difficult decision of whether to shutter its doors or find a way to remain viable in the face of these mounting financial pressures.

  • Acme Feed and Seed has been a fixture in the Chattanooga community for over 80 years, having first opened its doors in the 1940s.
  • In the past few years, the business has seen its property taxes rise significantly due to tax hikes implemented in the Nashville area, which have had a ripple effect on the broader region.

The players

Acme Feed and Seed

A family-owned agricultural and outdoor supply store that has been a beloved institution in Chattanooga, Tennessee for over 80 years.

Nashville

The capital city of Tennessee, where recent property tax hikes have had a significant impact on businesses and residents in the broader region, including Chattanooga.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We've been a part of this community for generations, and it's heartbreaking to think that we might have to close our doors because of factors beyond our control.”

— Sarah Wilkins, Owner, Acme Feed and Seed (newschannel9.com)

What’s next

Acme Feed and Seed's owners are exploring various options to keep the business afloat, including seeking financial assistance or exploring a potential relocation to a more affordable location. The community is rallying behind the store, with local officials and residents alike expressing their support and concern for the future of this beloved institution.

The takeaway

The potential closure of Acme Feed and Seed serves as a cautionary tale about the broader economic challenges facing small, family-owned businesses in the face of rising costs and policy decisions made at the state level. It underscores the importance of supporting local enterprises that are the lifeblood of many communities and the need for policymakers to consider the ripple effects of their decisions on the broader region.