Like the blossoms bursting across our landscape, a number of new businesses are springing up in Franklin and Williamson County. From restaurants to retailers and cultural destinations, these welcomed additions are already becoming part of our community fabric.
In and around Franklin’s historic core, several landmark eateries have thrown open their doors to great success in recent months. Take a short walk down East Main Street to the Factory at Franklin, a 1930s-era stove factory turned shopping, dining and entertainment destination with a multi-year retooling is coming to fruition. On the heels of the opening of the new Turner Theater for Studio Tenn’s productions, new restaurants including The White Alligator, Otaku Ramen, and Hattie B’s Hot Chicken have recently begun service, and Daddy’s Dogs, Edley’s Bar-B-Cue and Etch are estimated to come online in April and May. Fork of the South’s expanded retail shop and milkshake bar are opening soon, and the celebrated Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is already serving scoops next to the Skylight Bar in the Grand Hall. You could easily spend a couple hours exploring all the Factory has to offer.
Back across the Harpeth River on Main Street, Bestia Mare has brought coastal Italian fare to town in a big way. Chef Frank Pullara’s sister concept to his popular Culaccino across the street features sustainably sourced seafood, impressive raw bar offerings, and a complement of land-based dishes.
Down Bridge Street, the new Williamson County History and Culture Center brings Franklin’s story to life in a state-of-the-art museum featuring immersive multimedia experiences, artifacts and engaging displays that span from prehistoric populations to Franklin’s founding 225 years ago, and through pivotal moments of the 20th century that shaped our town.
On the retail side, Tin Cottage on Main Street has long been a destination for locals and tourists alike. With a wide variety of gifts, home furnishings, local apparel and mementos, owners Greg and Marianne DeMeyers have helped make Franklin what it is today. Now, they’ve added Southern Manor, a curated style shop focused on southern entertaining, merrymaking and home traditions, housed in a circa 1895 old home on Third Avenue North.
Less conspicuous but every bit as cool: Amendment XVII Cocktail Club has further elevated the craft cocktail scene with an anti-prohibition Speakeasy accessible from the alley behind 318 Main Street, adjacent to the historic Williamson County Courthouse. Enter through the back doors of Mellow Mushroom and look for the switch that can get you inside.
If it’s coffee you’re after, two new options have hit the streets: The Fainting Goat on Columbia Avenue across from the Carter House and Hank’s Coffee Station on West Main Street are offering delightful brewed drinks, pastries and other treats.
Out in the Westhaven community toward the Natchez Trace Bridge, The Board Room is a new wine and charcuterie bar with a unique set of additional selections — think caviar service, raw oysters, and an extensive bourbon and whiskey list.
If you’re looking for Williamson County’s more urban outpost, the McEwen Northside district in Cool Springs is the place to go for shopping and dining. Just opened is Blue Sushi Sake Grill, a hip, clubby spot for Japanese tapas and their namesake offerings.
On the other side of the coin is downtown Nolensville’s Wabash Southern Kitchen. This historic rural village is known for its antique shops, and two native brothers have set up an old-school meat and three diner with a modern twist that is earning rave reviews.
Whether it’s your first visit to Franklin or you’re coming back for old favorites, these fresh finds are worthy of any itinerary.
