The South Knoxville location of Kay's Ice Cream Parlor on Chapman Highway will be closing its doors for good Saturday.
Dating to the mid 1930s, Kay's outlets once dotted the East Tennessee map.
“It was shock, and 'Nah, this ain't going to happen,' ” said Theresa, manager of the final location. “I have not broken down yet. I guess I will break down on the last day."
Theresa has been working for Kay's for more than 20 years. She worked in the Maryville location that eventually closed until she was asked to move to manage the Chapman Highway store.
"A lot of memories” Theresa says. “I have a lot of people that have been coming to Kay's since they were knee-high and they would come in and tell me, Oh, my papa would bring me here and now I am bringing my grandkids.' "
Kay's Ice Cream Parlors had created memories for generations of ice-cream lovers. Thanks to those memories, Theresa believes the business will live on in spirit.