Knox Bodegas showcases homegrown produce in guilty pleasures like chopped cheese sandwiches

A year ago, Knox Bodegas embarked on a journey that began with a humble food truck and culminated in the recent opening of their physical location in South Knoxville just a little less than a month ago.

Located next to the Dental Partners South Knoxville and the Gold’s Gym on Chapman Highway, Knox Bodegas offers food to go and through delivery via Door Dash. And things are just getting started.

“The vision is to create a space where people can enjoy the signature chopped cheese sandwiches but also have access to a wide range of traditional bodega items and amenities,” co-owner Coy Leach said.

The chopped cheese sandwiches, often likened to the New York version of the iconic Philly cheesesteak, is the centerpiece of the menu and is typically the flagship food item for traditional bodegas throughout New York City.

Over a year ago, co-owners Coy and Cade Leach utilized their farmland in Sweetwater to start a garden that produces lettuce, tomatoes and onions. However, they lacked a proper sales outlet for their produce, which ultimately led them to invest in a trailer to sell their homegrown produce. They wanted something more than just the fresh produce to attract customers, though, and that ultimately led to them serving dishes that showcase their produce.

“Our long-term goal is to eventually have everything on the menu, including the meat, to all be locally produced but for now it’s just all of our produce such as lettuce, tomatoes, onion, that will come from our garden in Sweetwater,” Leach said.

Their vision extends far beyond just the food menu. In the coming months, they plan to transform their location into a traditional bodega, stocked with a wide array of items catering to everyday needs.

“We eventually will have this space set up to become a one-stop-shop for the community and offering all the essentials like a traditional bodega for anything the community may need to get you through the night such as toilet paper, paper towels, cigarettes and much more,” Leach said.

As Knox Bodegas continues to evolve and expand its offerings, it remains rooted in its commitment to delivering a taste of New York's culinary culture to South Knoxville. Knox Bodegas is located at 6502A Chapman Highway. New daily dinner specials start next week.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox Bodegas: Homegrown produce highlighted in menu