In his book Standard History of Knoxville, Tennessee, published in 1900, the legendary editor and founder of the Knoxville Journal, William Rule wrote, “The finest building of the whole is the Phoenix… the highest building on Gay Street and, in fact, in the city of Knoxville.” Although the Phoenix may no longer be the tallest building downtown, we think it's still one of the grandest. 

Like the legendary bird that rose from the ashes, the Phoenix building has endured and emerged from two catastrophic fires. The original building, ornamented with a stone phoenix, was burned during what is now commonly referred to as “the million-dollar fire” of 1897, an infamous blaze that killed three people and destroyed an entire city block. The current building was erected in 1899 to house Cullen & Newman Queensware Wholesalers. Other notable former occupants include a Confederate prisoner of war, an FBI agent, and Fowler Bros. co., the iconic Gay Street furniture store which made its home in the building for well over 50 years.

The 104 suite was converted into a classic soda fountain and community pharmacy in 2016 by father son team Ron and Nolan Sherrill respectively. Paying homage to the classic tradition of Americana pharmacy practice, the shop is replete with antiques, curios and unique pharmacy and ice cream memorabilia transporting guests back to a simpler time.

The shop is currently family owned and operated. Parlor and Pharmacy guests alike are treated like family and we can’t wait to see you here!