When you think of baking in Williamson County, you tend to think biscuits. Many versions have attracted acclaim, but the Loveless Cafe—located in the shadow of the entry to the Natchez Trace Parkway—has been recognized around the world for some of the very best biscuits since 1951.
But our bakery bounty runs much deeper, with landmarks old and new that run the gamut from sweet to savory and down home to international, with old-school to innovative new offerings.
Meridee’s Breadbasket has been welcoming the sunrise in downtown Franklin since 1984. Locals gather in this historic spot on 4th Avenue South for cinnamon rolls, quiches and breakfast sandwiches, and their signature fruit tea.
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On Fourth Avenue North, Triple Crown Bakery is known for gourmet pastry, as well as formal tea service. Their selection of sweets, from scones to custom cakes and gluten-free alternatives, is legendary.
And at The Harpeth Hotel two blocks east, McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions is a European-style café open for breakfast and lunch. Bagels and schmears, a quiche of the day, fresh muffins and croissant sandwiches from the pastry team will hit the spot.
On that side of downtown, two relatively new options have become major contributors—places like Franklin Bakehouse, with sourdough baked fresh from Leiper’s Fork Distillery whiskey mash, and Perenn Bakery, with award-winning croissants and baguettes. Both offer robust breakfast and lunch menus to-go and in-house.
Speaking of croissants, Five Daughters Bakery at The Factory at Franklin turned our worlds upside down a decade ago with their version of the cronut, a decadent creation that incorporates the best of both donut and croissant into a flaky, endlessly-layered, and often-stuffed handful of joy.
Just down the street, look for the Airstream trailer on Hillsboro Road in front of Rest Haven Cemetery. Inside, Tiny Little Donuts are being fried to order, with regular glazed and chocolate flavors complemented by rotating daily specials.
And then there are the truly unique concepts. Take the Flower Kitchen on Franklin Road, which combines custom florals with organic, looseleaf tea blends, plus craft coffees, house-made pastry and brunchy dishes in a dreamy atmosphere.
Chetzels Bakehouse in Cool Springs takes gluten-free to the next level, with unique allergy-sensitive baked goods served with a Mediterranean vibe. The namesake chetzel is a cheesy flatbread offered in multiple flavors, and the menu continues with unexpected flair—kefir smoothies, empanadas, and sweet treats—all gut-friendly.
If Down Under is what you’re craving…or perhaps didn’t even know you were missing…then Elroy Coffee Co. is a must-visit. Mother-daughter duo Alycia and Emma make a great cup of coffee, and their fruit smoothies and hot honey muffins are delicious. The Nutella grilled croissant is equally wonderful. But where they truly shine is in the Australian meat pies and sausage rolls, baked fresh daily and typically sold out before lunchtime.
From the timeless to the trend-setting, we know our baked goods around here, and we look forward to sharing them with you.
