The Moxley Carmichael staff — and their “plus ones” — at the holiday party last week. Missing from photo is Lauren Miller, our senior vice president, who was out sick. (Photo by Kayla Stover.)
Several years ago we moved the Moxley Carmichael staff holiday party out of downtown Knoxville and into Sevier County to support our neighbors after devastating fires gutted tourism there for a while. We knew they needed our business in the tough time. (Click here for a story on that party.)
But, this year, it was a downtown Knoxville business that needed our support. Sweet P’s Downtown Dive is being dealt a double whammy with the closing of the Jackson Avenue ramps to the east of the eatery and the Broadway Viaduct to the north for two separate construction projects. “Our business is down between 10 and 14 percent,” said Jonathan Ford, a co-owner of the barbecue restaurant. “But the signage has helped. It’s really not that hard to get here once you figure it out.”
Sweet P’s and nearby Balter Beerworks both can be accessed by vehicle from Broadway or on foot from Gay Street. Just take the colorful steps at the corner of Gay Street and Jackson Avenue to walk to the restaurants.
The Downtown Knoxville Alliance installed some clever directional signage to help folks navigate the construction projects and get to Sweet P’s and Balter Beerworks, as well as the Old City.
If you are on foot, take the stairs!
Here they are.
Here’s what you will be avoiding.
We made it! From left, Moxley Carmichael’s CFO Shaun Fulco, Michael Higdon and Moxley Carmichael Vice President Scott Bird and Megan Teeter, who will begin working with Moxley Carmichael as an account executive in January. We can’t wait!
Spinach squares were an appetizer. We have some vegetarians on staff, so we were cognizant of that when planning the meal.
Kevin and Maria McHale. Maria is still out on maternity leave after having baby number two. We were so happy to see her at this event and are very excited about her return.
Our senior web developer John McCulley, left, with our creative director, Charley Sexton, and his wife, Linnie.
From left, graphic designer Katrina Roberts; Amy Barger, our manager of first impressions; public relations specialist Lydia Bailey and her boyfriend, Craig Henry.
Another vegetarian option, these asparagus rolls were awesome!
Moxley Carmichael’s president, Alan Carmichael, at the appetizer station.
Meatballs definitely were a non-veggie alternative!
Kayla Stover and Rusty Graham were two Sweet P’s folks who made our party so much fun.
They went above and beyond the call of duty! (Well, definitely above!)
Alan with Gary Conrad, the manager that night.
Yum.
It wasn’t pinot grigio, which is my favorite wine. But it was a very fine substitute. The brand is “Indecent.” Its slogan: a pretty good white wine blend. Ha.
From left, our newest account executive, Whit Whitmire; his friend, Victor Wood; Maria Cornelius, our manager of last impressions (also known as an editor!); and Greg and Tina Knight. She’s a very talented writer on our staff.
Our fabulous interns! From left, Loren Gilbert, Margaret Hamilton, Anna Pearson and Jenna Witt.
Katrina and her friend Cody Woodside.
Alan with Maria McHale.
John McCulley with his girlfriend, Carrie Tapp.
Everybody got this Moxley Carmichael swag. We TOLD Maria it was bad luck to open it indoors, but she ignored us. She said she’s not superstitious. OK. Don’t come crying to me …
Yep.
What a great night! We have the best team ever, I feel very fortunate to be part of it. What’s not to love about Sweet P’s? Thanks for another fabulous outing with amazing folk.
Shaun: Thanks for all you do for the team! I agree with you about how special our group is. Sweet P’s is pretty special, too!
I was so bummed to miss this night. And not just because I was on the couch with a fever and box of tissues instead. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Lauren: We missed you. But so glad you took care of yourself and are on the road to recovery.
A fun evening in one of my favorite locations!!!! Happy holidays to you, Alan, and your whole staff!!!
Rusha: Thanks! Same to you and Bert!
What an intrepid group. Love the signage, especially this one: Yucky Streets–Tasty Treats. It really isn’t that hard once you figure it out. The eye catching signs definitely help.
Thanks for the shoutout! What a wonderful evening and so nice to see everyone! Can’t wait to come back.
A company that cares…about even serving vegetarian food. Lucky employees!
Merry Christmas, Alan and Cynthia.
Gay: Let’s encourage more folks to go there. Sweet P’s has been doing so well. I hate to see them hurt by something they can’t control.
Maria: The best part of the evening was getting to spend time with you and Kevin! Girlfriend, you are missed!
Gina: You are so nice to say that. Merry, merry!
This is really hard for Sweet Pea. We will go there soon!
Sweet P’s catered Vanquish’s Cajun Christmas PartyGras last week…so delicious!!
Love the signage…agree it is quite clever!
Monique: That would be great if you all would.
Marge: Great to hear! Love “PartyGras!”
Chris: I think it helps get attention.
We love Sweet Pea’s! We get our Thanksgiving turkey there and it is delicious!
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