Skip to main content
Friday, November 13, 2026Nov 13
Subscribe
All Sections
Search
More

Built to Last: A look at five leading legacy companies that originated in Chattanooga and have stood the test of time

A look back at the days when Krystal used to have a crystal ball, the inspiration for the restaurant's name, on every building. / Photo courtesy of Krystal Restaurants
A look back at the days when Krystal used to have a crystal ball, the inspiration for the restaurant's name, on every building. / Photo courtesy of Krystal Restaurants

By Jennifer McNally 8 min read

Hundreds of people start new businesses in Chattanooga each year. About half of them make it through the first five years. And most don’t make it past the 10-year threshold. We take a look at five leading legacy companies in the Scenic City — businesses that have developed products or ideas that have stood the test of time and continue to thrive today.


Chattanooga Bakery

Then

Chattanooga Bakery was founded in 1902 as a subsidiary of the Mountain City Flour Mill. The company made nearly 100 snack cake and cookie items under the Lookout trademark, named after the popular residential and tourist community atop Lookout Mountain.