Originally opening in February, 1961, Lem's Korner is a staple in Blount County, with this month marking 60 years. It has changed hands numerous times, but in 2017 the current owner, Pete Schlegel moved to from Ohio to Tennessee to start a unique concept. He wanted to create a place that looked like a gas station on the outside but on the inside like a coffee shop where his customers could enjoy quality local coffee, fresh baked goods (known for their cinnamon rolls and donuts), homemade ice cream, their locally famous slaw dogs, Cat head biscuits, and biscuits and gravy.

Their top selling drinks are iced lattes and frappes named after some of the regulars:

• Sweet Bo - white mocha and raspberry

• Lazy Dave - Caramel, Coconut and Hazelnut

• Wicked Woody - Sea Salt Caramel and Vanilla.

For those non-coffee drinkers (names after one of the regular’s grandchildren):

• Easy Easton - Vanilla Bean Frappe

• Wild Waylon: Cupcake Frappe

Jill, who has been with Lem’s Korner since their opening February 13, 2019, said that she never drank coffee until she started working at Lem's Korner. Her favorite drinks are the Sea Salted Vanilla and the Wicked Woody lattes. Madisonville and Blount County share the same menu, however, the Madisonville location has a drive thru with coffee being their best selling item, and they are looking to expand their coffee menu at both locations.

Jessica’s conversation with Jill:

"People come in expecting a regular gas station, but get a surprise." - Jill, manager at Lem’s Korner

When I asked Jill if she could drink coffee with anyone, living or not Jill said, "George Jones because he was my hero growing up. It would be nice to have a cup of coffee with him instead of something stronger."

We both laughed.

I asked Jill to share her most cherished memory since she has started working at Lem's Corner. "We created a Pay It Forward board. This past fall on a Thursday at 7:15 AM a man came in and gave me $100. He said to pay for everyone's bill until it ran out. People would come in and be so surprised and grateful. Several people started adding money to it. No one paid for their bill until Sunday at 5 PM that week. I was so surprised this went on for four days. I get tears in my eyes talking about it. There were people from Detroit and California and all over that couldn't believe someone would be that nice to a stranger. That same man came back the following Monday, and gave me $50 to start it all over again. That has been the best days and memories I have had working at Lem's. It was really special. We still have the board up for anyone wanting to donate or in need of a treat."

I stopped in to take some pictures, and got to chat with a few of their sweet employees. I was excited to order my favorite blueberry and vanilla honey swirled homemade soft serve ice cream. As I was waiting for my ice cream I remembered back when I attended Heritage High School. I would stop in at Lem's every morning for chocolate covered donuts and milk before school almost everyday. It was quite the hotspot for Heritage students before and after school. A lady came in while I was there and raved over Vienna Coffee. Her favorite drink is White Chocolate and Coconut Latte.

Sydney Millsaps made me a delicious cappuccino with Vienna's award winning Thunderhead Espresso. I told her I was sure her dad stopped in there many times when we were in high school. She told me her favorite drink was an Iced Vanilla Latte. Addie Grace Lowry, one of her co-workers, likes the Iced Caramel Latte best and Kaitlyn Gribble said she likes frappes. She didn't give a specific flavor. All three girls were extremely joyful and made my experience feel like I was right in my own favorite Vienna Coffee House. Jill said to be on the lookout this month for their 60th year celebration of Lem's Korner.

Locations:

3553 East Lamar Alexander Parkway Maryville, TN

5262 New Hwy 68, Madisonville, TN

(865) 268-5870

https://www.facebook.com/Lemskorner/