As we continue celebrating our Road to 10 Years, we’re honored to recognize the incredible businesses and families who have believed in the Knox St. Patrick’s Parade from the very beginning.

To start, we’re shining the spotlight one of the first to believe in our plan – Mike and Carol Connor.

Their story began as Knoxville Catholic High School sweethearts, and more than 51 years of marriage later, they’ve built an inspiring legacy rooted in faith, family, hard work, and giving back. Together, they’ve raised four children and are proud grandparents to seven grandchildren.

Professionally, the Connors have built one of the Southeast’s most respected restaurant groups, operating 21 restaurants across the region, including nine Connor’s Steak & Seafood locations and 12 The Chop House restaurants. Their commitment to quality has earned national recognition, with Connor’s Steak & Seafood being named one of the Top 100 Steakhouses in America.

But what means the most to us is their unwavering commitment to family and community.

As Founding Partners, Mike & Carol and their Family Foundation has helped our parade grow into one of Knoxville’s treasured family traditions while supporting the important work of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee and other community initiatives.

One of our favorite parade-day traditions is seeing the Connor family show up in force each year. Their enthusiastic participation, smiling faces, and Irish spirit remind us that the parade is about much more than a procession—it’s about family, friendships, and celebrating together.

We are blessed with the partnership with the Mike & Carol Family Foundation- their generosity, and belief in what this parade represents. Their support over the past decade helped make this event possible, and we’re grateful to celebrate them in this milestone year.