By Emarie Bailey
The Athens Chamber of Commerce welcomed Pie Hound to downtown with an official ribbon cutting on November 13, 2025.
“Our owner, Kit Housley, this is his first restaurant that he’s ever owned… He wanted his own restaurant in his hometown,” says Ansley Travis, the general manager of Pie Hound.
Pie Hound, a new pizza restaurant, is located at 13 East Madison Avenue, Athens, Tennessee. It is in the heart of downtown, and very close to Tennessee Wesleyan University’s campus, making it a spot to hang out or get some food for college students.
The exterior of Pie Hound seems unassuming; however, the interior is filled with life. The entrance doors are large, wooden and glass double doors that lead into the open concept restaurant. The brick interior gives a rustic look that is coupled with the industrial framework, creating an interesting aesthetic, especially for the small town of Athens, Tennessee.
You might be wondering: “Why is this restaurant named Pie Hound?” The reason for that is due to the owner’s two Basset hounds, called Button and Rosie, whose names are honored on the menu. Button is also seen as the mascot for the restaurant.
With a flavorful menu, Pie Hound offers a variety of appetizers, pizzas (including build your own pizzas), sandwiches, wings, salads, desserts, and drinks. The food options pair nicely with the aesthetic and vibe of the restaurant’s architecture.
Pie Hound is dedicated to the Athens community, as portrayed on their website, and there is a possibility of offering Tennessee Wesleyan University students a place to come more often.
“I think probably when it gets closer to finals, we might do some kind of student discount… I hope that more students start to come eat here,” Ansley Travis describes her wishes for the future of Pie Hound in our community.
Photos by Ash Johnson and DJ Humphreys
Edited by Ash Johnson
Interview by DJ Humphreys, Ash Johnson, and Bri Johnson