Ian’s Market 141 is a new convenience store at 16th Street and Clinch Avenue. Members of the store hope to be more than just a shop and become an integral part of student life for Volunteers.
Ian’s Market 141 doesn’t just serve the UT community — it is run by it. Joshua Forbey, general manager of Ian’s Market 141, is a master’s candidate at the Haslam College of Business Online MBA Program.
“The majority of our customers are students, the majority of staff are students and the ownership’s family are either Alumni or currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs at UTK,” Forbey said. “We are run by Vols for Vols.”
Blessing Aldridge, a cashier at Ian’s Market 141, expanded on the market’s goal for Knoxville and UT.
“We’re not just another store on campus — we want to be a part of the student community,” Aldridge said. “We strive to create a friendly, familiar environment where students feel comfortable stopping by, whether for a quick snack or just to say hello.”
Forbey wants Ian’s Market 141 to be a place where students get a snack, a cool drink, a boost of caffeine or whatever they’ll need for the weekend ahead.
Aldridge and Forbey emphasized the importance of customer feedback to the store as they enjoy hearing from students on what they appreciate and what could improve the market.
The market’s employees also hope to develop personal relationships with customers, and the community and to become students’ go-to destination for everything from alcohol to dorm essentials.
As a part of the market’s mission of serving UT students, they worked with the university to accept VolCard for payment. As a result of student feedback, Forbey fulfilled students’ requests.
“We reached out directly to the VolCard Office and they were helpful with informing us on the requirements of the program and the associated fees,” Forbey said. “We were all set up shortly afterward and we have had numerous Vol Card transactions since.”
Students can use their VolCard to purchase anything in Ian’s Market 141 — except alcohol, nicotine, delta and tobacco products.
Ian’s Market opened during finals week in December 2024. One main challenge the store faced was slow business due to the timing of Christmas break. However, the store has gradually picked up as they see new faces daily.
The plans for Ian’s Market 141 are far from complete — Forbey looks forward to possibly turning the undeveloped property below the store into a pizza restaurant and bar, expected to be completed this year.
“We are partnering with Godfather’s Pizza and opening a bar and full-service restaurant in 2025 with multiple taps, pizzas, pizza by the slice, wings, and various grab-and-go options,” Forbey said.
Other plans include opening up another Ian’s Market across the river, targeted toward students, that will sit in the lower level of the Davy Apartments.
These apartments are currently under construction at the intersection of Blount Avenue and Henley Street. This location will also collaborate with Godfather’s Pizza and will offer pizza rolls, calzones, wings and more.
Ian’s Market has ambitious plans to continue and expand its service offerings to UT students. More information can be found on their Instagram.
