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Knoxville, TN

Consolidating startup debt to strengthen financial stability and expand community impact.

• Unique Atmosphere: Offers two distinct dining experiences: a whimsical tea garden and a dark academia-style library.
• Community Engagement: Hosts events, fundraisers, and collaborations with local businesses and nonprofits.
• Inclusive Dining: Accommodates diverse dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan options.
• Educational Programs: Provides monthly tea classes on history, brewing methods, and cultural significance.
• Award-Winning Establishment: Earned 13 awards in its inaugural year, including recognition from Community Votes Knoxville 2024.

The Kraken’s Cup is a full-service restaurant and tearoom located in the Fountain City neighborhood of Knoxville, TN, offering a unique dining experience with two distinct atmospheres: the whimsical English Tea Garden and the sophisticated Adventurer’s Library. Known for its inclusive and accessible approach to traditional afternoon tea, The Kraken’s Cup accommodates a variety of dietary needs and features a diverse menu of scratch-made dishes, pastries, and teas. Additionally, the establishment serves as a community hub by hosting local events, partnering with small businesses, and supporting nonprofits through fundraisers and donations. The funds raised will help consolidate high-interest credit card debt incurred during the startup phase, enabling the business to redirect resources toward operational stability and growth.

By eliminating financial burdens from unforeseen startup costs, The Kraken’s Cup aims to enhance its financial foundation and continue fostering a safe, inclusive space for its customers and staff. This initiative aligns with the company’s mission to deliver an unparalleled dining experience while supporting local businesses and educating the community through tea classes and cultural programming. Strengthening its operational base will allow The Kraken’s Cup to expand its reach and further its impact as a community cornerstone in Knoxville and beyond.

Company Info

The Kraken’s Cup offers a unique dining experience with themed settings, extensive tea selections, and community-focused initiatives in Knoxville, TN.

The Kraken’s Cup is a full-service restaurant and tearoom located in Fountain City, Knoxville, TN, offering a unique dining experience in two distinct settings. Guests can choose between the whimsical English Tea Garden, adorned with plants, fairy village decorations, and a cozy atmosphere, or the Adventurer’s Library, a darker, more intimate space inspired by a 1930s library aesthetic. The establishment features over eighty-eight teas and tisanes, along with traditional afternoon tea services, scratch-made lunch dishes, pastries, and a range of retail items like tea accessories and loose-leaf teas. Catering to diverse dietary needs, The Kraken’s Cup provides gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, making it an inclusive destination for all.

The Kraken’s Cup emphasizes community engagement by partnering with local businesses, showcasing their products, hosting classes, and collaborating with non-profits for fundraisers. Regular tea classes educate guests on tea history and brewing methods. The business has received numerous accolades, including 13 awards from Community Votes Knoxville 2024, and finalist recognition in various local categories. The Kraken’s Cup aims to create a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable space for all visitors, combining its mission of community support with a passion for offering approachable, high-quality afternoon tea experiences.