Grinder House Coffee Shop Named 2026 Tourism Property of the Year
(UCBJ) – Grinder House Coffee Shop (GHC) in Crossville was named the 2026 Tourism Property of the Year in the Small category during the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association’s Stars of the Industry Awards. The honor recognizes businesses for excellence in customer service, visitor experience and positive contributions to their communities and Tennessee’s tourism industry.
Across the state, the Upper Cumberland Region continues to grow as a tourism destination, drawing attention in part because of its locally owned businesses and unique destination experiences. Both play a significant role in attracting visitors to the region and generating economic activity.
Grinder House has become one of those experiences, combining coffee and food with live music, arts, hospitality and community programming.
“Grinder House is such a great example of what tourism looks like in the Upper Cumberland,” said Upper Cumberland Tourism Association (UCTA) Executive Director Billie Davis. “It is locally created, authentic to its community and gives people a reason to stop, stay and experience something they cannot find everywhere else.”
“Seeing a Crossville business recognized among Tennessee’s outstanding tourism properties is something our entire region can celebrate.”
The UCTA represents the 14-county region of Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Van Buren, Warren and White counties.
Davis said collaboration across county lines is important to the region’s tourism efforts.
“Visitors do not experience us according to county boundaries,” Davis said. “They may stay in one community, hike or paddle in another, eat dinner somewhere else and discover a small town they never planned to visit along the way.”
Exploration throughout the Upper Cumberland benefits communities across the region, according to Davis.
“That is why regional tourism matters. Every time we give people another reason to explore the Upper Cumberland, there is an opportunity for that visitor dollar to reach another local business and another community,” she said. “With record visitor spending, growing statewide visibility and stronger partnerships among tourism organizations, businesses, communities and Tennessee Tech, the focus now is on turning that momentum into sustained economic impact.”
The UCTA will continue highlighting the importance of tourism this fall at the 2026 Upper Cumberland Tourism Impact Awards on Thursday, Nov. 12. The awards will recognize individuals and organizations making a difference in tourism, highlight its role across the region and celebrate those contributing to the Upper Cumberland’s continued growth.
“There is incredible work happening throughout these 14 counties,” Davis said. “Our job is to connect it, tell that story and make sure more people discover Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland.”
Pictured above: Grinder House Coffee Shop of Crossville was named the 2026 Tourism Property of the Year.
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