As 2017 comes to a close, Andy Fox, AWE Hospitality president, is looking back on the year as a positive one for the Tellico Village Property Owners Association’s four restaurants.

For more than 30 years, Chintana “Gina” Makin has made a living in the restaurant industry.

Loudon County native Chelsea Stovall, 25, is using a mobile restaurant to turn her love of food into a career.

For more than half a century, Carl’s Drive-In has been a place for locals to fill up and not break the bank.

As consumers adopt a habit of supporting local shops, farmer’s markets provide an opportunity for residents to purchase fresh produce at an affordable price, while supporting small businesses.

In the last few months, the Yacht Club has seen a couple changes in leadership, including the addition of a new general manager and executive chef, both of whom say they are working together to create new ideas for patrons of the Blue Heron restaurant and event center.

Since starting in May, the Tellico Village farmer’s market has grown to include 28 vendors, and participating business owners said in recent weeks the market has brought more foot traffic and higher sales.