Joel, April and Johnny Humble, from left, are the owners and currently the sole operators of the Little Country Market on Taft Highway, just over the Sequatchie County line. The market offers necessities such as bread and milk, plus lottery tickets and fresh-baked biscuits, subs and pizzas.
Photo by Emily CrismanOpened on Valentine's Day of this year, the Little Country Market is winning over hearts on both sides of the Sequatchie and Hamilton County line where it's located.
"We felt the community could use the convenience," said co-owner April Humble. "We hope to make it easier and not so far to pick up necessities you don't want to go to the store for, but would really like."
The receptionist at Signal Mountain Pediatrics runs the family-owned and operated store along with her son Johnny and husband Joel, who opened Humble's Cabinets and Counters next door two years ago.
"At least one of us is here all the time," she said. "Eventually in the future we plan to employ some people."
The Signal Mountain residents serve fresh-baked biscuits in the morning and sub sandwiches and pizzas for lunch and dinner.
The market's specialty is a New Orleans-style muffaletta sandwich, with Genoa salami, ham, pepperoni, mozzerella and garlic butter on a 5-inch sub roll. The sandwich is toasted and topped with either an olive spread or lettuce, tomato and Italian dressing.
"It's just a unique taste," said April Humble.
In the future, she said they plan to have ice cream and hot dogs as well.
Customers can have their order ready when they arrive by calling ahead, which is recommended for pizzas in order to allow time for the oven to heat up. The average wait time for pizzas is 20 minutes, she said.
The market's indoor dining area seats around 12, and outdoor seating may be added soon.
While currently open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., she said they are considering expanding the hours depending on customer demand. Humble said they would also like customer input on food offered or items carried at the market.
COUNTRY STORE
The Little Country Market is at 301 U.S. Highway 127, Suite A and can be reached at 886-6693.