WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD

Hard Knox Pizza is a hand-crafted, wood-fired pizza restaurant with locations in Hardin Valley, Bearden and on Central Street. Alexa Sponcia, majority owner, was recently recognized by the Knoxville Chamber with the 2023 Pinnacle Woman-Owned Business Excellence Award.

The Woman-Owned Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Workspace Interiors, is presented to an outstanding East Tennessee woman-owned business that is not part of a regional, national or global franchise, and is independently owned, operated and controlled.

“WorkSpace Interiors is honored to be this year’s sponsor for the 2023 Pinnacle Women-Owned Business Award,” said Bob Feathers, president and CEO, WorkSpace Interiors. “We celebrate and recognize Alexa Sponcia for her achievements in shaping the success of Hard Knox Pizza, and her demonstrated contributions and leadership in our community.”

The Hard Knox vision is to re-introduce neighborhoods to old-world culinary methods through modern concepts, while fostering community experiences in unique repurposed spaces. Their mission is to create an unforgettable culinary experience through pizza.

“We have a lot of pride in the way that we treat our employees, but also our community,” Sponcia says. “I believe wherever Hard Knox is, we can make a difference in the mile, two-mile radius around the restaurant and we can integrate in that community. I feel like I own a pizza restaurant, but I get to use that as an avenue to help other people.”

In 2015, Sponcia developed the School of Hard Knox. The program exposes under-resourced school students to local chefs and community members and introduces them to new foods. Through exposure and education on topics like resumes and interviews, the School of Hard Knox provides opportunities, hope and careers to youth in Knoxville. After taking a hiatus during the pandemic, the Hard Knox team is excited to start back this year.

Asked about her experience as a woman in a male-dominated industry, Sponcia says, “Initially, I took it personally when I wasn’t taken seriously. I had people that would ask where my husband was, or who didn’t believe I was the owner. But as the years went on, I used it to my advantage. I'm really competitive, so I used it as motivation to prove them wrong.

“My advice for other women looking to start their own business is to surround yourself with people. I always am searching for someone who has been past where I am now and asking advice. Just don't do it alone.”

For in-depth video interviews and more information on the Pinnacle 2023 Business Awards, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, visit www.knoxvillechamber.com/pinnacle.

−Knoxville Chamber

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Pinnacle business Awards: Hard Knox Pizza get Woman-owned award