🍖 Holloway's Moves to Cherry Street, Free Roof Check-Ups and a Library Card for Every Tennessean: Your Main Street Roundup

Or: A Dunlap BBQ Spot Gets a Bigger Home (and a Kids’ Shop Takes the Old One), New Soaps and Stetsons on Local Shelves, a School Job in Spencer and a Lantern-Lit Saturday on the Plateau

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Thursday, October 22, 2026

Thursday on Main Street is like the day you sweep the porch before company comes. The week’s work is mostly done, and folks are getting ready for the weekend. This week’s news is bigger rooms, fuller shelves and open doors. A favorite Dunlap barbecue place is moving into a larger home with an event space, and a children’s shop will move into the old one. A local roofer is offering free check-ups before winter. Two Dunlap shops have new things on the shelves, a valley farm is putting in garlic, and the county library says any Tennessean can get a card. There’s a school job open in Spencer and a full weekend of benefit games, bingo and lantern tours.

Here’s what’s in it: Holloway’s is moving to 169 Cherry St. in Dunlap, with full-time hours starting Tues., Nov. 3, Lil Bo Peeps Children’s Boutique and Consignment is coming to Holloway’s old Rankin Avenue spot, Platinum Renovations is offering free roof and exterior inspections, Feral Forrest Pantry & Apothecary and The Dunlap Mercantile have new stock, Bird Fork Farm is planting garlic and growing, the Sequatchie County Public Library is issuing cards to Tennessee residents and Van Buren County Schools is hiring a special education assistant. As always, the dates are gathered at the bottom so they don’t slip your mind.

⏱️ What this means for you in 30 seconds

• Holloway’s new address: 169 Cherry St., Dunlap. Soft opening late October; full-time starting Tues., Nov. 3.
• Free roof check before winter: Platinum Renovations, call or text (423) 243-4729.
• Library card: bring a photo ID and proof of a Tennessee mailing address to 227 Cherry St., Dunlap.
• Fri., Oct. 23: Bingo & chili dinner, Fall Creek Falls Community Center. Dinner 4:30 p.m., bingo 6 p.m.
• Sat., Oct. 24, 1 p.m.: Ball Out for Bella benefit softball game at the SCHS softball field. Free to watch.

🍖 A Bigger Porch for the Barbecue: Holloway’s Moves to Cherry Street

Holloway’s, the BBQ and burger restaurant on Rankin Avenue in Dunlap, is moving to 169 Cherry St., Dunlap.Today reported Oct. 22. The owners, Eddie and Ash, plan a soft opening toward the end of October and full-time hours starting Tuesday, Nov. 3. The new place will have indoor and outdoor seating and a dedicated outdoor venue space for events. The owners said they’d had their eye on the Cherry Street building for a while and called the move an answer to prayer. They’ve been at Rankin Avenue for about 550 days, and their catering business has done more than 100 events.

The old spot at 16886 Rankin Ave. won’t sit empty. The owners plan to open Lil Bo Peeps Children’s Boutique and Consignment there. No opening date for the children’s shop was given yet.

What it means for you: A restaurant that moves into a bigger building is like a family that finally adds the extra bedroom. Same folks, same cooking, just more room at the table. Before you drive over for lunch in the next couple of weeks, check Holloway’s Facebook page to see whether they’re serving at the old spot or the new one. And if your young’uns are outgrowing their clothes faster than you can buy them, keep an eye out for that consignment shop.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Holloway’s moves to Cherry Street) · Dunlap.Directory listing

🏠 A Look Up Top Before the Cold: Free Roof Check-Ups in Dunlap

Blake Price of Platinum Renovations LLC is offering free inspections of roofs and home exteriors around Dunlap and the Sequatchie Valley, Dunlap.Today reported Oct. 22. The inspection covers the roof, gutters, siding and other outside parts of the house, and you get photos and a walkthrough of what he finds. Price says if your roof is in good shape, he’ll tell you so, with no pressure and no upsell. The company does roof replacement and repair, gutter installation and cleaning, siding and exterior painting. Call or text (423) 243-4729.

What it means for you: Checking the roof in October is like checking the woodpile before the first frost. It’s easy to put off and much nicer to know. Clogged gutters are the most common fall trouble, so even if you don’t call anybody, take a look after the leaves come down. If you do get any roof inspection, ask for the photos so you can see what they saw.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: free roof inspections) · Dunlap.Directory listing

🧼 New on the Shelves: Soaps and Oils at Feral Forrest, Stetsons at The Dunlap Mercantile

An update: Feral Forrest was in an earlier roundup. Here’s what’s new on its shelves.

Feral Forrest Pantry & Apothecary in Dunlap has added two cooking oils and four soaps, Dunlap.Today reported Oct. 22. The oils are 16-ounce bottles of sesame oil ($6.50) and pumpkin seed oil ($11.50). The new cold-pressed lye soaps come in jasmine silk, mountain air, white tea mint and tea tree mint.

Over on Rankin Avenue, The Dunlap Mercantile is now carrying the Stetson Skyline hat, a style Stetson traces back to 1894, Dunlap.Today reported Oct. 22. You can buy it in the store or online. The Mercantile is open Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., so today’s a shopping day.

What it means for you: A bar of good soap or a nice hat makes a gift like a jar of homemade jam. It’s small, it’s useful, and somebody local made the choice to stock it. If Christmas shopping makes you tired just thinking about it, knock out one or two gifts close to home this week.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Feral Forrest new products) · Dunlap.Directory: Feral Forrest Pantry & Apothecary · Dunlap.Today: Stetson hats at The Dunlap Mercantile · Dunlap.Directory: The Dunlap Mercantile

🧄 Garlic in the Ground: Bird Fork Farm Grows Into Fall

Bird Fork Farm in Dunlap is having a busy fall, Dunlap.Today reported Oct. 22. The farm says it is bringing in big harvests, getting ready for winter crops, planting garlic for next year and investing in new infrastructure. The farm puts a lot of attention on soil health and sells locally grown produce to the Dunlap and Chattanooga areas.

What it means for you: Garlic planted in October is like money in a Christmas club account. You put it away now and don’t see it again until next summer. If you like knowing who grew your food, look the farm up on Dunlap.Directory and ask how to buy from them.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Bird Fork Farm) · Dunlap.Directory listing

📚 A Card for Every Tennessean: The County Library Opens Its Doors Wider

The Sequatchie County Public Library, at 227 Cherry St. in Dunlap, says anyone with a current Tennessee mailing address can get a library card, Dunlap.Today reported Oct. 22. Bring a valid ID and proof of your Tennessee mailing address. The library also offers e-cards for its digital collection through the Libby app. Ask the library by email or in person how to get one.

And the Friends of the Library book sale at the Fair Building, 103 Heard St., is open to everyone today and Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., with Fill-a-Bag Day Saturday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

What it means for you: A library card is like a key to a neighbor’s barn full of tools. It doesn’t cost a thing and you can borrow as much as you’ll bring back. If you moved here recently, or your grandkids are visiting from another county, this is an easy one to check off.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: library cards for Tennessee residents) · Dunlap.Directory: Sequatchie County Public Library · Dunlap.Directory: Friends of Sequatchie County Public Library

🎓 Help Wanted on the Plateau: A School Job in Spencer

Van Buren County Schools is hiring a Special Education Educational Assistant at Van Buren County High School, Dunlap.Today reported Oct. 22. To qualify, you need either a high school diploma or equivalent plus a passing score on the ParaPro Praxis exam, or an associate’s degree. Send your application to Director of Schools Katina Simmons at ksimmons2@vanburenschools.org, or call the Board of Education at (931) 946-2242. The job is open until filled.

What it means for you: A good classroom assistant is like the second pair of hands at a quilting frame. The work goes smoother and nobody gets left behind. If you’re patient, like young folks and want school-day hours, this is worth a call.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Van Buren County Schools hiring) · Dunlap.Directory listing

🏮 A Full Weekend: Bingo, a Benefit Game, a Faire and Lantern Tours

Friday, Oct. 23: The 3rd Annual Sequatchie Valley Homeschool Renaissance Faire runs 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Central at MC Vet Mem Park in Whitwell, Dunlap.Today reported Oct. 22. Admission is a $10 donation per family.

Friday evening, the VB September Fest Committee hosts a Bingo Night & Chili Dinner at the Fall Creek Falls Community Center, 13692 Park Rd., Pikeville, Dunlap.Today reported Oct. 22. Dinner starts at 4:30 p.m.: chili or soup with grilled cheese, dessert and a drink for $10. Bingo starts at 6 p.m., and cards are $5 each. Money raised helps plan Van Buren’s first September Fest in 2027. Bring cash to be safe.

Saturday, Oct. 24, 1 p.m.: Former Sequatchie County High School softball players face off in Ball Out for Bella, an alum vs. alum benefit game at the SCHS softball field, Dunlap.Today reported Oct. 22. It’s free to watch. Holloway’s food truck, baked goods, a silent auction and T-shirts will be behind the scoreboard, and all proceeds go to Bella Cooper’s family.

Saturday evening, the Van Buren-Spencer Chamber of Commerce hosts Legends by Lantern at the amphitheater in Spencer, 5–8 p.m., Dunlap.Today reported Oct. 22. The Trail of Treats for kids starts at 5 p.m. with candy, games, face painting and live music. History by Lantern tours (1840–1900) leave at 5 and 6 p.m., and folklore tours leave at 7 and 8 p.m. Tour tickets are through the Chamber’s online form.

What it means for you: A weekend like this is like a church potluck. You don’t have to try every dish, just fill your plate with what suits you. Little ones might like Friday’s faire or the Trail of Treats. Grown-ups might like bingo, a ballgame for a good cause or a lantern walk through old stories.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Homeschool Renaissance Faire) · Dunlap.Directory: Sequatchie Valley Homeschoolers · Dunlap.Today: Bingo & chili dinner · Dunlap.Directory: Fall Creek Falls Community Center · Dunlap.Today: Ball Out for Bella · Dunlap.Directory: Sequatchie County High School · Dunlap.Today: Legends by Lantern · Dunlap.Directory: Van Buren-Spencer Chamber of Commerce

📌 Quick Notes: A Reception Spot, Co-op Volunteers and a December Concert

The Ridge, an event venue at 449 Dogwood Lane in Dunlap, is inviting couples who hold a small ceremony somewhere else to book their reception there, Dunlap.Today reported Oct. 22. Call (423) 364-5431.

Volunteers from Caney Fork Electric Cooperative spent their Co-op Day of Service at Old Burritt College in Spencer, repairing and reinforcing the handicap handrail and cleaning up the grounds, Dunlap.Today reported Oct. 22.

Looking ahead, First Baptist Church Whitwell, at 1970 N. Main St., hosts a Christmas concert with Eric Dempsey and Cristal Cooper on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 5 p.m., Dunlap.Today reported Oct. 22.

What it means for you: A fixed handrail is like a good neighbor. You hardly notice it until the day you need it. It’s nice to see folks doing the small jobs that make a place easier for everybody.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: The Ridge receptions) · Dunlap.Directory: The Ridge · Dunlap.Today: Caney Fork Electric volunteers · Dunlap.Directory: Caney Fork Electric Cooperative · Dunlap.Directory: Historic Burritt College Building · Dunlap.Today: FBC Whitwell Christmas concert · Dunlap.Directory: First Baptist Church Whitwell

📅 Dates to Circle (Stick These on the Fridge)

• Today, Thu., Oct. 22: Book sale open to all, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Fair Building, 103 Heard St. The Dunlap Mercantile open 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Fri., Oct. 23: Homeschool Renaissance Faire, Whitwell, 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Book sale, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Bingo & chili dinner, Fall Creek Falls Community Center: dinner 4:30, bingo 6.
• Sat., Oct. 24: Fill-a-Bag Day, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Ball Out for Bella, 1 p.m., SCHS softball field. Legends by Lantern, 5–8 p.m., Spencer amphitheater.
• Late October: Holloway’s soft opening at 169 Cherry St.
• Tue., Nov. 3: Holloway’s full-time hours begin at Cherry Street.
• Sun., Dec. 6, 5 p.m.: Christmas concert, First Baptist Church Whitwell.

✅ Your Main Street Checklist for This Week

• ✅ Write “Holloway’s: 169 Cherry St., Nov. 3” on the calendar.
• ✅ Want a free roof check before winter? Call or text Platinum Renovations, (423) 243-4729.
• ✅ No library card yet? Take your ID and a piece of mail to 227 Cherry St.
• ✅ Passed the ParaPro test, or have an associate’s degree? Call Van Buren County Schools, (931) 946-2242.
• ✅ Put a little cash in your pocket for Friday bingo or Saturday’s benefit game.
• ✅ Pick up one local gift this week: soap, oil, a hat or a book from the sale.
• ✅ Look up local shops on Dunlap.Directory, and send openings or hiring news to Dunlap.Today.

Practical rule: When a favorite place moves, write the new address and the first full day on the calendar, and check their page before you drive over.

— Dunlap.Today

📚 Plain-English Main Street Glossary

• Soft opening: A quiet, early opening before the official start, so a business can work out the kinks.
• Event venue: A space you can rent for weddings, parties, reunions or meetings.
• Consignment shop: A store that sells your used items for you and splits the money when they sell.
• Exterior inspection: A look at the outside of a house, like the roof, gutters and siding, to spot problems early.
• Cold-pressed lye soap: Handmade, old-fashioned soap made from oils and lye, mixed without cooking and left to cure.
• E-card: A library card for digital books and audiobooks only, used through an app.
• Libby: A free app that lets you borrow e-books and audiobooks with your library card.
• ParaPro Praxis: A test for school classroom assistants (paraprofessionals) that checks reading, writing and math skills.
• Co-op Day of Service: A day when electric cooperative workers volunteer on community projects.
• Alum: Short for alumni, meaning former students or players.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When does Holloway’s open on Cherry Street?

The owners plan a soft opening toward the end of October and full-time hours starting Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 169 Cherry St. in Dunlap. Check Holloway’s Facebook page for the exact soft-opening day.

What’s going into Holloway’s old building?

The owners plan to open Lil Bo Peeps Children’s Boutique and Consignment at 16886 Rankin Ave. No opening date has been announced.

Is the roof inspection really free?

Platinum Renovations says the inspection is free, includes photos and a walkthrough, and comes with no pressure. Call or text (423) 243-4729.

What do I need for a Sequatchie County library card?

A valid ID and proof of a current Tennessee mailing address. Take them to the library at 227 Cherry St. in Dunlap. Ask about an e-card if you only want digital books.

Who qualifies for the Van Buren County Schools assistant job?

Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and a passing ParaPro Praxis score, or an associate’s degree. Email Katina Simmons at ksimmons2@vanburenschools.org or call (931) 946-2242.

Is Legends by Lantern OK for little kids?

The Trail of Treats at 5 p.m. has candy, games, face painting and music for families. The later folklore tours at 7 and 8 p.m. are the spookier part, so they may suit older kids and grown-ups better.

Do I need a ticket for Ball Out for Bella?

No. It’s free to watch at the SCHS softball field at 1 p.m. Saturday. You can buy food, baked goods, T-shirts or bid in the silent auction, and all proceeds go to Bella Cooper’s family.

🔗 Other Resources

• Dunlap.Directory: find local businesses
• Dunlap.Today: New businesses
• Dunlap.Directory: Holloway’s
• Dunlap.Directory: Blake Price – Platinum Renovations LLC
• Dunlap.Directory: Feral Forrest Pantry & Apothecary
• Dunlap.Directory: The Dunlap Mercantile
• Dunlap.Directory: Bird Fork Farm
• Dunlap.Directory: Sequatchie County Public Library
• Dunlap.Directory: Van Buren County Schools
• Dunlap.Directory: Van Buren-Spencer Chamber of Commerce
• Sequatchie County/Dunlap Chamber of Commerce calendar
• Dunlap.Today

🏡 Bigger Rooms, Fuller Shelves and Open Doors

There’s nothing to fret over in this week’s Main Street news. A barbecue place is doing well enough to need a bigger building, and a new shop is ready to fill the old one. Local shelves are getting new things, a farm is planting for next year, and the library is making it easier to walk in and borrow a book. That’s what a healthy little valley looks like: folks building, stocking and showing up for each other.

So pick one stop from this list, go this week and tell a neighbor. Read Dunlap.Today for more of what’s new on Main Street, and send us a business we should know.