About Us

Established in 1975, Saunooke’s Mill is a landmark on the Cherokee Indian Reservation at the entrance to the Great Smokies National Park.  The property on which our mill sits has been in the Saunooke family for many generations.  The land was handed down to Charles Saunooke from his parents, former Principal Chief, Osley Saunooke and former Council Member, Bertha Saunooke.

Charles and wife Carol scoured the Smokies looking for the grist mill and water-wheel that is still in use today.  Upon completion of the retail store the mill began producing stone ground grits and corn meal, using all natural ingredients. After receiving calls and emails asking for more stone ground products when customers returned home and discovered the good taste, a website was designed to make it easy to order. 

In 2019, Charles retired and the mill was purchased by local resident John Parker, a Native American Cherokee Indian.  Today, Saunooke’s Mill is visited by thousands of vacationers to Cherokee, NC.   We hope you take time to look around online or come by Saunooke Mill when you are on the reservation. Meanwhile, if you want us to send something extra, please do not hesitate to contact us.