Fountain City residents now have a sweet new gathering place at Moonshine Mountain Cookies & Ice Cream, located at 5212 N. Broadway in the Fountain City Plaza. The shop, opened in 2024 by longtime Knoxville entrepreneurs Robin and Mike Maddux, blends homemade treats with a story rooted in family, faith, and local pride.
From a Single Cookie Shop to a Community Staple
The Madduxes first opened a gourmet cookie store in 2015 at West Hills Crossing on Kingston Pike. Their cookies quickly gained a following, prompting a second West Knoxville location to handle larger‑scale production and shipping. After years of customer demand, the family added an ice‑cream line, investing in a commercial batch freezer and completing a week of training in Florida – affectionately dubbed “Ice Cream University.”
Back in Knoxville, they crafted their own recipes using quality dairy from a local dairy and naturally sourced colorings. The result is a menu of cookies and scoops that reflect the flavors of the Volunteer State.
Family Involvement and Local Roots
Robin and Mike remain the owners, while their adult children, Colby and Peyton, work behind the scenes. General manager Aaron Evans and many longtime employees are described as an extended family. All four Maddux children are University of Tennessee graduates, and the shop’s staff includes several current UT students and alumni, reinforcing the deep Volunteer connection.
Community Highlights and National Recognition
A memorable moment came when former UT football player Alontae Taylor, under a name, image and likeness sponsorship, intercepted a pass during a nationally televised game. Moonshine Mountain promised two free cookies to fans who saw the play, and the promise was fulfilled on air, earning Taylor the nickname “The Cookie Monster.”
The shop’s cookies have also earned national accolades. USA TODAY named Moonshine Mountain among America’s 10‑Best Cookie Shops in both 2025 and 2026, bringing attention to this home‑grown Knoxville business.
Flavor with a Nod to Tennessee History
True to its name, the Madduxes incorporate small amounts of flavored Tennessee moonshine into many cookie recipes. They explain that the alcohol evaporates during baking, leaving behind a subtle spice and flavor boost. “We like to say we use just enough for a flavor burst, but not enough to upset the preacher!” the owners said, underscoring their respect for local faith traditions.
Importantly, no moonshine is used in the ice cream, ensuring a family‑friendly treat for all ages.
Supporting Families and the Local Economy
Customers often share stories of children racing to the counter, families sending cookies to aging parents, and service members receiving a taste of home while deployed. The shop has become a go‑to stop for former Knoxville residents returning to town and for out‑of‑state shoppers ordering shipped cookies as a “taste of Tennessee.”
Like many small businesses, Moonshine Mountain faced challenges during the COVID‑19 pandemic, but the owners credit their focus on customer service, product quality, and a positive workplace for weathering the downturn.
Giving Back to the Community
The Maddux family is active in local charities, school clubs, sports teams, and other community causes. They provide jobs for young people, often offering a first employment experience. “Our community is extremely important to us,” the owners said, highlighting their commitment to the families that support them.
For Fountain City families seeking a wholesome dessert stop, Moonshine Mountain offers more than cookies and ice cream—it offers a family‑owned business that honors Tennessee tradition, supports local employment, and welcomes every visitor with a smile.
Original reporting: Knox TN Today — read the source article.
