It all began with a tray of jewelry set up front in a concessions store.
Before Kennedy Jewelers was the well-known fine-jewelry business it is today, it specialized in selling snow cone syrup and other treats.
"It started with just one [jewelry] case, but that overtook the business and dad split them," said Jeremy Kennedy.
At the time in the early '80s, the Kennedys sold the concession business to the Holder family and focused on jewelry.
Now, nearly 30 years later, the Kennedys' business is going through another major change. It's moving from its 2012 E. Main St. location of 37 years to a new development called Pavilion on Panorama just off East Brainerd Road.
"The neighborhood has been through many phases and the last three years ago have seen a real downturn," said Jeremy Kennedy, who noted that the store was the victim of an attempted robbery recently. "We think it's in the best interest of our staff and customers to move."
The store will officially close its doors on Main Street at the end of the month. While the family said they are looking forward to the move, they are also leaving a lot of great memories behind.
"My dad made my sandbox out of the sand leftover from this building," said Shane Kennedy. "One of the best things out of it for me has been helping men buy items for their wives and then helping their sons and son-in-laws pick out jewelry, and now they're bringing in their grandsons. It's been really neat to be a part of that."
Jeremy Kennedy said he encourages long-time customers to visit them at the new location, where the business plans to expand its offerings while continuing to provide the same low prices and excellent customer service.
"We're one of the best-kept secrets in Chattanooga," he said. "We just have some who won't come down because of the current location."