Downtown Kingsport Association Reflects on 2025 Milestones

Looking ahead to continued growth and revitalization in 2026

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Downtown Kingsport Association (DKA) has released a recap of the key milestones and achievements for the downtown district in 2025. The report highlights 22 new business openings, 6 business ownership changes, and the addition of 97 new jobs. Major investments and projects like the Kingsport Mill redevelopment, Brickyard Village, and the completed Main Street Rebuild are reshaping the downtown area. DKA also hosted over 30 festivals, events, and special shopping experiences that brought an estimated 50,000 visitors to the district.

Why it matters

The growth and revitalization of downtown Kingsport is significant as it signals strong confidence in the district's future and its ability to attract new businesses, residents, and visitors. The investments and improvements made in 2025 are laying the groundwork for even greater progress in 2026 and beyond, positioning downtown Kingsport as a thriving commercial and cultural hub.

The details

According to DKA senior director Robin Cleary, the new businesses that opened in 2025 included several new restaurants like Galaxy Pizza & Arcade, Southern Craft BBQ, Momma D's and Ole Crow Tavern, as well as added entertainment options such as Kingsport's first cat cafe (Boops & Beans Cat Cafe) and Expedition Untamed. The Main Street Project was also officially completed in 2025. DKA was awarded a $300,000 Downtown Improvement Grant from the state of Tennessee, which funded 11 facade improvement projects totaling over $770,000 in downtown investments.

  • In 2025, downtown Kingsport saw 22 new business openings and 6 business ownership changes.
  • The Main Street Project was officially completed in 2025.
  • DKA was awarded a $300,000 Downtown Improvement Grant from the state of Tennessee in 2025.

The players

Downtown Kingsport Association

The organization responsible for promoting and revitalizing the downtown Kingsport district.

Robin Cleary

The senior director for the Downtown Kingsport Association.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“2025 was another impactful year for Downtown Kingsport, setting the stage for even greater progress in 2026.”

— Robin Cleary, Senior Director, Downtown Kingsport Association

What’s next

The Downtown Kingsport Association is launching a new community-driven campaign called "100 Strong for Downtown Kingsport" to raise funds for programming, promotion, and marketing initiatives that will further highlight the downtown district.

The takeaway

The revitalization and growth of downtown Kingsport in 2025, marked by new business openings, facade improvements, and increased visitor traffic, demonstrates the district's resilience and potential to become an even more vibrant commercial and cultural hub for the city in the years ahead.