CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (September 30, 2026) – Since acquiring the 13-acre retail site, local real estate developer Urban Story Ventures has reached the next phase of redevelopment and is excited to announce Dutch Bros Coffee is coming to the East Ridge Shopping Center.
“From the early stages of building out the new site plan, we knew we wanted to transform the vacant land and outdated retail center into a vibrant mixed-use hub,” said President and Managing Partner Jimmy White of Urban Story Ventures. “Following months of planning and millions of dollars in
renovations, we’re happy to share that the facilities are almost fully leased, and we’re working with Dutch Bros, a national coffee franchise with over 1,000 locations, on building out the first outparcel in this bustling up-and-coming area of East Ridge and greater Chattanooga.”
“Dutch Bros is proud to invest in East Ridge at an exciting time for the community,” said Ethan Flynn, Real Estate Manager for Dutch Bros Coffee. “As Ringgold Road continues to see new investment and redevelopment, we believe this location is well-positioned to serve a growing customer base while contributing to the areas continued revitalization.”
When recruiting specific tenants, White has focused attention on the needs of the local community and revitalizing the site as a mixed-use social hub. Dutch Bros’ real estate team shared the same vision reimagining the space.
“We’re excited to bring our unique culture and menu of handcrafted coffee, energy drinks, teas, lemonades, and more to East Ridge, and we look forward to building lasting relationships with our customers and neighbors. Our goal is to be more than just a coffee shop—we strive to create a
welcoming space that brings smiles, supports the local community, and delivers memorable experiences with every visit,” said Flynn.
In the last two years, Urban Story Ventures has filled vacancies with a diverse mix of local, regional, and national tenants.
“We are excited to welcome Dutch Bros Coffee to East Ridge and appreciate their investment and confidence in our city,” said Mayor Brian Williams of East Ridge. “This redevelopment led by Urban Story Ventures is another strong example of the continued investment and momentum we’re seeing along the west end of Ringgold Road corridor – taking an aging, underutilized property and transforming it into a vibrant destination that is attracting new businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening our community. Projects like this demonstrate that East Ridge continues to be a great place to invest, do business, and grow.”
Once empty suites are now filled with businesses offering a range of services — including food and beverage, personal hygiene, sports and wellness, apparel, and financial and professional services.
Earlier this year, the Urban Story Ventures leasing team welcomed anchor tenant Goodwill Industries, Inc. to its largest vacant big box space.
“We opened a new, 34,790-square-foot Goodwill store and donation center in the former Food City located at 3715 Ringgold Road in East Ridge earlier this year,” said Gena Weldon, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area. “This facility was designed not only for shopping and convenient donations, but also to support life-changing mission services. Thanks to the partnership and expertise of Urban Story Ventures, we’ve built more than a store; we’ve created a community resource that will impact lives for years to come.”
In addition to Goodwill, Dale’s Heating; Air, Liberty Tax Service, and Security Finance opened new locations at the retail center. Other tenants chose the site for their first location. Local nonprofit organization Chattanooga Room in the Inn opened its first thrift store, which services its downtown women’s shelter. Expanding into the area, the national franchise Stoners Pizza will be the next new tenant in the Goodwill building.
After the acquisition in 2024, Urban Story Ventures met with elected officials in East Ridge to go over plans for the site and designs for updated infrastructure. The developer received approval last year for a right-of-way abandonment on a portion of the outer edge of its property, which the developer says will slow down traffic and create additional area for activation, by converting part of Old Ringgold Road into a promenade and making improvements to sidewalks and intersections.
The Urban Story Ventures leasing efforts have recruited several tenants bringing new jobs to East Ridge, all with zero public incentive. The developer will continue its renovation efforts in the coming months and is interviewing tenant prospects for the remaining space and outparcels.
About Urban Story Ventures
Urban Story Ventures is a Southeast commercial real estate development group based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Led by Jimmy White, the company’s portfolio focuses on mixed-use, office, industrial, and retail sites, reimagined for their highest and best use. Projects include iconic and historical landmark buildings as well as 100+ acre redevelopments like the Bend. Full-service capabilities include property management, leasing, and maintenance. For more information, visit UrbanStoryVentures.com.
