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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Knoxville, TN
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
Service Areas
The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Knoxville, TN You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Knoxville, TN
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Knoxville, TN
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
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Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Knoxville, TN that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in Knoxville, TN
SmashCity's burgers are a hit, if a bit pricey | Grub Scout
The Grub Scouthttps://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/columnists/grub-scout/2024/01/24/knoxville-restaurant-review-smashcitys-burgers-are-a-hit-but-pricey/72318133007/
For the Knoxville News SentinelLike most of you, The Grub Spouse and I found our lives turned upside-down when Snowmageddon '24 descended upon our region. After being trapped in the Grub House for days, we found a Goldilocks window of time to escape to downtown Knoxville. The roads were navigable enough for us to squeeze in a performance of "Wicked" at the Tennessee Theatre and kill the proverbial second bird by walking a few blocks to ...
For the Knoxville News Sentinel
Like most of you, The Grub Spouse and I found our lives turned upside-down when Snowmageddon '24 descended upon our region. After being trapped in the Grub House for days, we found a Goldilocks window of time to escape to downtown Knoxville. The roads were navigable enough for us to squeeze in a performance of "Wicked" at the Tennessee Theatre and kill the proverbial second bird by walking a few blocks to SmashCity for a pre-show dinner.
This wasn’t my first experience with the tiny burger franchise (the other location is in Omaha, Nebraska, of all places). I first tried their fare almost two years ago during a visit to their original Knoxville home, Marble City Market (the business was simply known as Smash in those days). I tried their Truffle Smash burger on that outing and walked away having immediately elevated it to one of my favorite local burgers.
However, they flew the coop about six months ago, departing MCM and finding a cozy new home on Central Avenue, near the intersection of Summit Hill Drive. They have their own parking lot there and occupy a small but welcoming space that certainly has a lot more personality than the MCM food-court seating area.
The Spouse and I were greeted by a genial employee who was eager to answer any questions we might have. She informed us that since SmashCity’s relocation from its previous venue, the business had made some minor changes, including offering a single-patty burger option and a different variety of fries.
These days, three beef burgers ‒ including the SmashCity Classic (American cheese, grilled onions, pickles and more) and my previous order, the Truffle Smash (provolone cheese, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms and truffle mayo) ‒ are on the menu. There’s now also a build-your-own option that allows the customer to pick the toppings, cheeses and sauces. All burgers come with fries and are served on a potato bun unless one goes with the gluten-free bun.
This time, I ordered the Spicy Smash ($16.50) and kept all the default ingredients — pepper jack cheese, grilled onions, grilled jalapeños and spicy mayo — including the potato bun.
The Spouse chose one of the chicken sandwiches, the Chicken Smash ($17.50), which is made with two ground-chicken patties, provolone cheese, red onion, lettuce, tomato and honey mustard. Also available are the Spicy Chicken Smash, which is similar but features pepper jack cheese and spicy mayo; the Black Bean Smash, a veggie burger made with two black-bean patties; build-your-own versions of both the chicken and veggie sandwiches; and the Kids Smash Pack (for ages 12 and younger), a single-patty burger served with fries and a host of available toppings and cheeses.
Add-ons include more fries, bacon, an additional patty and extra servings of SmashCity’s RAD sauces (truffle mayo, spicy mayo, Smash sauce, house ranch and honey mustard). These range from 50 cents each for the sauces to $5 for another helping of fries. However, considering that each sandwich comes with fries, it’s hard for me to imagine needing more. But who knows what people do?
Neither sandwich disappointed. My Spicy Smash burger was delish, although comparing it to the Truffle Smash I had in '22, it didn’t stand up quite as well (and that is reflected in my slightly lower food score this time). Overall, however, these burgers remind me a lot of what comes off the grill at Five Guys, which is my go-to burger among the national fast-food chains.
Although I don’t typically go out of my way to eat sandwiches made with ground-chicken patties, I have to say that The Spouse’s Chicken Smash was a big hit with my palate, delivering a great blend of poultry, veggie, cheese and sauce toppings.
The price points at SmashCity still aren’t my favorite part of their business model. This meal for two cost us around $37 (after taxes, before tip), whereas a comparable meal at Five Guys would have rung up at about $25. But none of that cancels out the fact that SmashCity makes a mighty good burger. However, wait until it’s safe to hit the roads again before giving one a try. Smashed burgers are good. Smashed vehicles are not.
SmashCity
Food: 4.25
Service: 3.75
Atmosphere: 4
Overall: 4
Address: 211 S. Central St.
Phone: 865-474-1941
No alcohol service
Kids’ menu
Department of Health score: 99
Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
For burgers and chicken sandwiches that are simply smashing, try this burger stop that has recently settled into a new home downtown.
Former Vols’ NBA results for Jan. 25
Ken Layhttps://sports.yahoo.com/former-vols-nba-results-jan-123745261.html
Two former Vols competed in the NBA Thursday. One former Vol did not play due to illness, while one did not play due to a coaches decision.Boston defeated Miami, 143-110, at Kaseya Center in Miami...
Two former Vols competed in the NBA Thursday. One former Vol did not play due to illness, while one did not play due to a coaches decision.
Boston defeated Miami, 143-110, at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.
Josh Richardson totaled eight points, three assists, two rebounds and one assist in 24 minutes for the Heat. He converted 4-of-9 field goal attempts.
Indiana defeated Philadelphia, 134-122, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Jaden Springer recorded eight points, and two rebounds for the 76ers in 15 minutes. He converted 2-of-3 field goal attempts and 4-for-4 free throw attempts.
Tobias Harris did not play due to illness for Philadelphia.
The Lakers defeated Chicago, 141-132, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Julian Phillips did not play for the Bulls due to a coach’s decision.
Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
From junior college to starring for Tennessee, Dalton Knecht took a long road to March Madness
AP Newshttps://apnews.com/article/march-madness-dalton-knecht-tennessee-eb0c0680a6243f8c70338f2439e77e87
DETROIT (AP) — Dalton Knecht didn’t have a lot of choices to continue his basketball career coming out of Prairie View High School in Henderson, Colorado.That didn’t stop him from becoming a star at Tennessee.“There are some people that are not the highest-rated players and stuff like that,” Knecht said Thursday. “It just shows that you go a d...
DETROIT (AP) — Dalton Knecht didn’t have a lot of choices to continue his basketball career coming out of Prairie View High School in Henderson, Colorado.
That didn’t stop him from becoming a star at Tennessee.
“There are some people that are not the highest-rated players and stuff like that,” Knecht said Thursday. “It just shows that you go a different route, going JuCo, hitting the transfer portal.”
Knecht did both.
Out of high school, he stayed in Colorado and took his raw talents about 120 miles away to Northeastern Junior College. Two years later, he landed a mid-major offer from Northern Colorado and led the Big Sky in scoring at 20.2 points per game a season ago.
Knecht bet on himself again and it paid off, transferring to Tennessee and earning a spot as a first-team AP All-American.
“No one could’ve projected what he’s done,” Volunteers coach Rick Barnes said.
Knecht is the clear-cut star player for second-seeded Tennessee (26-8) and will draw a lot of attention from third-seeded Creighton (25-9) on Friday night in the Sweet 16.
The winner will face first-seeded Purdue or fifth-seeded Gonzaga in the Midwest Region final on Sunday with a Final Four bid at stake.
College basketball’s showcase has been elusive for the Vols, whose longest run in the NCAA Tournament left them one win short of the Final Four in 2010 under coach Bruce Pearl. The past two years, Barnes’ Vols have lost in the Sweet 16.
Tennessee, of course, did not have Knecht yet a year ago, and the team was also without lightning-quick point guard Zakai Zeigler due to a torn ligament.
Knecht is a difference-maker, whose ability to make 3-pointers, create off the dribble and dunk over defenders has made him a likely lottery pick in the NBA draft this summer.
The SEC Player of the Year averages 21.1 points — making 39% of his 3s — along with nearly five rebounds and two assists.
“I don’t know that you’d guard him with one guy,” Creighton coach Greg McDermott said. “I think you have to give him different looks, and that’s the plan. Hopefully take away his easy ones because he’s going to make enough tough ones because he’s an elite player.”
Like Knecht, the Bluejays have a late-blooming star.
Baylor Scheierman took the only Division I offer he had at South Dakota State. He spent three years with the Jackrabbits before transferring two years ago to Creighton.
The 6-7 Scheierman, the first Division I men’s player in history to have at least 2,000 career points, 1,000 rebounds, 500 assists and 300 3-pointers, is a third-team AP All-American.
“Two years ago Dalton was at Northern Colorado and Baylor was at South Dakota State,” McDermott said. “Now you have a first-team All-American and a third-team All-American playing against each other in the Sweet 16, so an unbelievable story.”
___
AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness
Men's Tennis Central: #8 Tennessee vs. #21 Alabama
University of Tennessee Athleticshttps://utsports.com/news/2024/3/28/mens-tennis-central-8-tennessee-vs-21-alabama.aspx
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The eighth-ranked Tennessee men's tennis team is back on Rocky Top this weekend, as it plays host to No. 21 Alabama on Friday at 5 p.m. ET at Barksdale Stadium.Live stats will be provided and can be found here. Live streaming is available through Playsight here. CrackedRacquets is providing cross-...
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The eighth-ranked Tennessee men's tennis team is back on Rocky Top this weekend, as it plays host to No. 21 Alabama on Friday at 5 p.m. ET at Barksdale Stadium.
Live stats will be provided and can be found here. Live streaming is available through Playsight here. CrackedRacquets is providing cross-court coverage of SEC matches on Friday through ESPN+, which can be found here.
Admission is free and complimentary tennis parking is located in SC40 at the Kingston Pike Building. Additional parking information can be found here. The first 75 fans will receive an exclusive Give My All sign.
For outdoor matches at Barksdale Stadium this season, concessions and alcoholic beverages will be sold on the concourse at the top of the grandstand behind court two. More information on Tennessee's enhanced fan experience efforts can be found here.
LAST TIME OUT The Vols (17-4, 6-1 SEC) downed in-state rival No. 44 Vanderbilt, 6-1, on the road on March 24. Nicolas Kobelt made his SEC debut with a 7-6(4), 6-2 effort over Michael Ross at the No. 4 spot. UT won the doubles point for the 17th time this season with wins on courts one and two.
SCOUTING ALABAMA Alabama (15-8, 4-3 SEC) is currently on a four-match winning streak, coming off a pair of home wins vs. Arkansas, 5-2, and LSU, 5-2. Filip Planinsek, ranked 42nd in the nation, holds a 10-8 record atop the Crimson Tide's singles lineup and is 3-6 vs. ranked opponents this season. Enzo Aguiard is 6-8 at the No. 2 spot, while Andrii Zimnokh boasts a 17-4 record in 2024, playing primarily at the No. 2 and 3 spots. UA is 34-24 in doubles this season, highlighted by the 69th ranked pair of Filip Planinsek and Andrii Zimnokh, who is 8-2 at the No. 2 spot.
VOLS IN THE RANKINGS Singles #5 - Johannus Monday #40 - Shunsuke Mitsui #109 - Filip Pieczonka
Doubles #7 - Johannus Monday/Angel Diaz #20 - Shunsuke Mitsui/Filip Pieczonka
CRIMSON TIDE IN THE RANKINGS Singles #42 - Filip Planinsek #84 - Enzo Aguiard
Doubles #69 - Filip Planinsek/Andrii Zimnokh
CHRIS LI FINDING A GROOVE Chris Li is currently on a six-match winning streak in SEC play and holds a 7-1 record at the No. 3 spot for Tennessee.
JOMO VS. RANKED OPPONENTS Johannus Monday tallied his 50th career win over a ranked opponent with his straight-set victory over VU's No. 85 Danil Panarin. The senior boasts an impressive 10-0 mark over top-10 ranked opponents and is three singles victories shy of eclipsing 100 career wins.
ANGEL AND JOMO AT NO. 1 Angel Diaz and Johannus Monday, ranked seventh in the nation as a pair, registered their 10th dual match victory of 2024 with their 6-2 effort over the Commodores' No. 54 Klopper and Ross. The duo holds a 6-1 record vs. ranked opponents this season.
UP NEXT Tennessee will take on No. 20 South Carolina for Senior Day on Sunday, March 31, at 1 p.m. ET.
Marble City Market expands offerings with Afghan and cantina-style cuisine | Grub Scout
The Grub Scouthttps://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/columnists/grub-scout/2024/03/27/knoxville-restaurant-review-marble-city-market-adds-afghan-cantina-cuisine/73097708007/
I had planned to have dinner with the elder Grub Sprout last week, but things didn’t work out. So The Grub Spouse and I turned to the next place on my list, which was Marble City Market. There were a couple of newer establishments I hadn’t tried yet, so The Spouse and I set out for Rom’s House and ...
I had planned to have dinner with the elder Grub Sprout last week, but things didn’t work out. So The Grub Spouse and I turned to the next place on my list, which was Marble City Market. There were a couple of newer establishments I hadn’t tried yet, so The Spouse and I set out for Rom’s House and Madres Fresh Cantina. Our plan was to divide and conquer. And eat.
We agreed that The Spouse would take cantina duty, while I was intrigued by Rom’s House, a vendor specializing in Afghan cuisine. The Spouse and I went our separate ways on what appeared to be a fairly slow dinner hour at MCM.
Rom’s menu is pretty straightforward. The two main dishes are Rom’s Fast Fix-A-Quick Delicious Small Bite (a name that doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue) and Rom’s Bowl (much better). I chose the latter ($15.99), which is a base of rice, a protein (I picked chicken over beef or plant-based chicken), a side salad, hot sauce and Afghan bread.
Available side items are pakawra (Afghan-style fries), rice and salad, but I passed on those since my meal already came with salad. But I did see fit to try the rice pudding ($3.99), Rom’s only dessert item.
Meanwhile, The Spouse was trying to figure out an ordering strategy at Madres Fresh Cantina, which primarily centers around tacos, quesadillas and burritos. For example, there are four burrito choices — ranging from West Coast and Southwest to Depot and Jalisco - as well as four taco fillings.
The Spouse first considered the West Coast Taco Plate, which features two tacos and two sides for $16. But then Spousey realized it would be more cost-effective to order two tacos a la carte (the carne asada for $6 and the carnitas for $5) and also get the BYO quesadilla for $12. The quesadilla comes with a choice of a protein, two toppings and a sauce. The Spouse opted for a combo of chicken and cheese. Overall, ordering this way was more expensive, but that allowed us to sample more main items and forego the two sides that would have come with the taco plate.
Unlike on our last visit to Marble City Market, we didn’t have to wait terribly long for our respective orders, and they both were ready at pretty close to the same time. I did get to try The Spouse’s food first. The quesadilla was decent though nothing groundbreaking. The two tacos were both good too, delivering well-seasoned meats and soft corn taco shells that were robustly flavored.
My meal made a definite visual impact. I knew that Rom’s Bowl came with Afghan bread, but I didn’t realize that it would be served as a large round sheet placed over the top of the bowl like a cap. The bread had also been oven-cooked to some degree, so it was slightly crispy and warm.
I was pleased with my meal on the whole, especially since I had no preconceived or researched notions when it came to Afghan food. The chicken chunks had been prepared in a curry-style sauce that had strong Indian-food vibes. The jasmine rice was really good, too, as was the tomato-heavy salad and the dome of bread. The green hot sauce, which visually reminded me of a skhug sauce (it may have been, for all I know), wasn’t excessively fiery. Unfortunately, I didn’t care for the lightly sweet rice pudding. But that’s not as much a knock on Rom’s as it is the fact that I simply don’t care much for the dish.
Interestingly, I thought this trip would be a mini milestone of sorts, aka the first time I could say I had eaten at every current MCM vendor. But I discovered that a new Asian eatery had set up shop since my last visit, so it looks like I’ll be returning to Marble City Market yet again.
Rom’s House
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: NA
Overall: 4
Madres Fresh Cantina
Food: 3.75
Service: 3.75
Atmosphere: NA
Overall: 3.75
These two food vendors are tasty additions to the culinary experiences available at Marble City Market.
Disclaimer:
