Hi, I’m Matthew Crookshank, a senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, studying Business Marketing with a minor in Management. I’ve always been interested in how ideas turn into real businesses, especially ones that solve everyday problems.

Afterhours Eats came from a real experience I had as a college student. Like a lot of people on campus, I found myself up late—whether it was studying, finishing assignments, or just hanging out—and realized how limited the food options were once everything closed. Most of the time, the only option was expensive delivery, which didn’t always feel worth it. That’s when I started thinking about a better solution.

What started as a simple frustration turned into the idea for Afterhours Eats—a concept focused on providing affordable, convenient, late-night meal options specifically designed for college students. Building this venture has allowed me to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to something real, while also learning firsthand what it takes to create and develop a business.

I’m passionate about creating solutions that actually fit people’s lifestyles, and Afterhours Eats is a reflection of that. Looking ahead, I’m focused on continuing to grow the idea, gain feedback, and explore how it could expand beyond just one campus.