Knoxville's McKay's Bookstore Closing After 40 Years

Owners sell property to Turkey Creek Hospitality, prompting final road trip for loyal customers

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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After 40 years in business, McKay's used bookstore in Knoxville, Tennessee is closing its doors this spring. The store's owners have sold the property to Turkey Creek Hospitality, leading to the impending closure. In 2024, hundreds of people took a "McKay's road trip" to the store before its announced closure.

Why it matters

McKay's was a beloved institution in Knoxville, serving as a hub for book lovers and the local community for four decades. Its closure marks the end of an era and the loss of an independent bookstore in a city that has seen increasing corporatization of its retail landscape.

The details

McKay's used bookstore has been a fixture in Knoxville since 1986, offering a vast selection of used and rare books across multiple floors. The store's owners recently sold the property to Turkey Creek Hospitality, a local real estate development company, leading to the store's impending closure this spring.

  • McKay's opened in Knoxville in the summer of 1986.
  • In 2024, hundreds of people took a "McKay's road trip" to the store before its announced closure.
  • McKay's will be closing its doors this spring.

The players

McKay's used bookstore

An independent used bookstore that has operated in Knoxville, Tennessee for 40 years.

Turkey Creek Hospitality

A local real estate development company that purchased the property where McKay's bookstore is located.

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What’s next

McKay's will be closing its doors for good this spring after 40 years in business.

The takeaway

The closure of McKay's bookstore in Knoxville marks the end of an era for the city's independent retail landscape, as increasing corporatization and real estate development continue to reshape the local business community.