If there’s one word to describe Franklin, it’s “historic.” And while many of our buildings and landmarks have been well-preserved mainstays for decades, we’re proud to recognize our local businesses that are historic in their own right.
Located in the heart of Downtown Franklin, Puckett’s Restaurant has been a beloved staple since 2004. It’s long been revered for its hearty Southern breakfast spreads, classic meat-and-threes, and shelf of grocery staples, but its history in town spans far beyond that.
In celebration of a milestone anniversary, we’re flipping through the archives to uncover the full history of the beloved brand, and spotlighting all the fun events and activations going on this month to mark the occasion.
Groceries, Gas, and Gatherings
Dating all the way back to the 1950s, the very first Puckett’s (which was originally called Fox & Locke and has returned to that name today) filled a pivotal need for residents in small town Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee: it was the go-to grocery store, gas station, and gathering spot right in the heart of town. Then, in the mid-1990s, local entrepreneur Andy Marshall seized an opportunity to purchase the business and make it his own.
He kept grocery items on shelves, but upped the ante on hospitality by also selling his own home-cooked family recipes.
The Evolution and Expansion of Puckett’s
In the early 2000s, the grocery store transformed into a full-blown restaurant and music venue. The small stage surely made a name for itself, welcoming both big names and undiscovered artists who would go on to make history. It was on its way to becoming a bustling music venue and a beloved eatery all in one, and soon, Marshall turned his attention toward expansion.
Downtown Franklin, just a few miles away from Leiper’s Fork, was a natural next step for Puckett’s. Twenty years ago, the 4th Avenue dining room opened its doors as a full-service restaurant that brought plenty of Leiper’s Fork’s allure along with it. There are still groceries and goods lining the walls, a stage frequented by songwriters and singers, and a massive menu of good ole’ Southern dishes (plus some of the best barbecue in town).
The success continued, and Puckett’s went on to expand in Tennessee with locations in Downtown Nashville, Columbia, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro, Pigeon Forge, and Hendersonville, then crossed state lines with a restaurant in Cullman, Alabama. Also under the A. Marshall Hospitality umbrella are Scout’s Pub in Franklin’s Westhaven community and Deacon’s New South in Downtown Nashville.
Celebrating 20 Years in Franklin
This milestone anniversary will be celebrated in style all month long at the Franklin location. Join the fun for Throwback Thursdays, which will feature the original menu items from the 2004 opening (think: the King’s French Toast, a BBQ platter, and a smoked bologna sandwich), and on Tuesdays, 20% of proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club. Throughout the month, the brand will give away surprise gifts, host special musical performances, and hold a contest for a year’s worth of Puckett’s sauces and spices.
For more information on the brand’s programming and history, visit puckettsrestaurant.com
