New Cinnaholic opening in Pigeon Forge offers plant-based desserts

Cinnaholic is bringing something sweet to the Smoky Mountains this Friday. The plant-based bakery known for its vegan cinnamon rolls is opening a new location in Pigeon Forge.

All of Cinnaholic’s ingredients are free of dairy, lactose, eggs and cholesterol. The bakery’s made-from-scratch goodies are customizable, so customers can choose from a variety of frosting flavors and toppings to create their own tasty treats. The menu will include cinnamon rolls, brownies, cookies, coffees and more.

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The Pigeon Forge shop will be the second in Tennessee. Holly Roe, owner of both locations, told Knox News she’s excited to offer healthy desserts to a growing demographic of diners in East Tennessee.

“Pigeon Forge is right outside the most visited national park in the country, so obviously, it’s going to be a good spot for hungry visitors craving cinnamon rolls,” Roe said.

A sweet spot

Roe purchased franchising rights to open two Cinnaholic locations in 2018. She started with a West Knoxville storefront and said she’s always had her sights set on Pigeon Forge.

Cinnaholic is the most recent addition to the 150-acre Mountain Mile development, which includes 150,000-square-feet of outdoor retail space called “Tower Shops.” REI, Junction 35 distillery and restaurant, Coffee Armory and the thrill ride Mountain Monster are open at the complex.

Turf lawns surround the stores and are open year-round for concerts, picnics, movie nights and more. An ice skating rink will soon open for the winter.

Roe said the up-and-coming development’s outdoor spaces and views of the Smoky Mountains sold her on the property. Floor-to-ceiling windows were installed inside Cinnaholic to maximize the natural beauty of the area.

“It’s an absolutely beautiful space. We have a huge green space right outside our door, and we even have Frisbees for sale so kids can play outside,” Roe said. “I think our guests are not only going to enjoy, of course, the best cinnamon rolls on the planet, but also the best views you can get in Pigeon Forge.”

Pandemic put plans on pause

The opening of Cinnaholic was delayed earlier this year when COVID-19 cases spread across the region, though Roe’s Knoxville business was able to stay open amid the pandemic. While she waited for the second shop to be built, Roe said she came up with some creative ways to keep customers and employees safe.

“We adapted. I think that’s the keyword for 2020,” Roe said. “We’re doing whatever it takes to keep everybody safe and to continue to serve.”

Roe and her team offer curbside delivery, third-party delivery through apps like Uber Eats and completely contactless pickup. All employees wear masks, and customers are asked to wear masks when they enter either store. Roe also is hoping customers take advantage of the large outdoor area at the Pigeon Forge location to slow the spread of ,the virus.

“We’ve really tried our best to provide a place where people feel safe coming,” Roe said. “It’s super easy to stay safe (at Cinnaholic Pigeon Forge), which is a huge positive thing because there’s music playing outside and there are fire pits and benches.”

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