Collier Family Announces $50 Million, 10-Year Expansion Plan

The Collier family of Sevier County, announced today that they intend to invest $50 million dollars in Sevier County over the next 10 years.

The announcement coincides with the Collier family’s 50th anniversary in the tourism industry. During the past four years, the Colliers have invested more than $20 million in Sevier County, most recently with the opening of its Country Cascades Waterpark Resort in Pigeon Forge, a $10 million dollar project.

Collier Development and Collier Restaurant Group employ more than 1,100 employees, making it one of the largest employers in Sevier County. It also is one of the county’s most diversified hospitality operations spanning the lodging, dining, winery and event sectors.

Mindle and Irene Collier began in 1968 with the 22-room Mountain Skys Motel in Pigeon Forge. Their four children, Steve, Don, Brent, and Kay, each have taken active roles in the family business and now the third generation has taken leadership roles. The Collier family owns 16 restaurants, four hotels, five wineries, a distillery, and a commercial laundry facility, among other investments in the county.

“As our family marks this historic anniversary, we’re are also renewing our commitment to Pigeon Forge and Sevier County with plans to invest $50 million over the next 10 years across all of our businesses,” said Don Collier. “Our parents, Mindle and Irene Collier had the foresight to believe in this destination half a century ago, and we proudly continue to build on the foundation that they created for us.”

“The Collier family believed in Pigeon Forge in 1968, and we believe in Pigeon Forge area today,” said Kay Collier-Pittman. “Our Smoky Mountain Resorts Hospitality Group is proud to have grown alongside Pigeon Forge area. Together, we have helped create one of America’s favorite vacation destinations.”

The Collier family will mark the occasion on May 15 with an appreciation luncheon to honor all of the Sevier County businesses with whom it works so closely. At the luncheon, the Collier’s plan to announce a full calendar of events that includes Festivals, Celebrity Concerts and appearances by Pam Tillis, Bart Millard of MercyMe (I Can Only Imagine), Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Dennis Swanberg, The Hoppers, The Drifters, Jay Siegel’s Tokens (Lion Sleeps Tonight) throughout the year. For more information on the events visit http://www.greatsmokyevents.com.