Dishing Out — Something New!

Middle Tennessee has become a foodie’s paradise, with new restaurants popping up all the time. Blending rich culinary traditions, fresh local ingredients, and inspired creativity, our community offers some of the best food around. Discover the latest additions to the food scene and treat yourself to their delicious creations. Whether it’s a gooey warm cookie or a flavor-packed salad, you’ll be glad you came in hungry. Bon appétit!

Perenn Bakery

Perenn Bakery
94 East Main Street
Franklin, TN 37064
(615) 979-9083 | perennbakery.com

BAKERY AND CAFÉ BY DAY — EUROPEAN ROTISSERIE AND BISTRO BY NIGHT

When the pastries are calling, look no further than Perenn Bakery. This new location in Franklin opened at the end of May and will transport you to Europe with its cozy vibe and delicious food. Located along the Harpeth River in downtown Franklin’s historic Boat House, this European-style bakery and restaurant, owned by Aubrey and Tyler O’Laskey, Culinary Institute of America graduates, delights patrons with breakfast and lunch service from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily.

Perenn’s new location in Franklin will blend the charm of a café, the warmth of a neighborhood bakery, and the convenience of a market. Delicious bites of Lemon Ricotta Pancakes hot off the griddle, to die for Avocado Toast, pretty as a picture Ricotta Toast, or the Traditional Breakfast served up with two eggs any style, potato pave, Gifford’s bacon, and toast with butter and jam are bound to impress. Looking for a big salad or sandwich for lunch? The Perenn Kale Salad is loaded with flavor and topped with rotisserie chicken or Ora King salmon if desired. The Croque Madame or Garlic Confit Grilled Cheese will make anyone smile; they are that good.  

Perenn Bakery proudly, whenever possible, serves locally sourced organic ingredients to highlight the best of the season. Stop in today and be whisked away to the cobblestone streets of Europe while you enjoy a delicious coffee and croissant in the heart of historic downtown Franklin.

The café will be transformed into a European rotisserie and bistro with dinner service launching on Thursday, September 4. Reserve your table for dinner, available Thursday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Explore the dinner menu on their website. The Perenn Sunday Roast, served daily, sounds delightful! And remember, their parking lot requires validation.

Dirty Dough

Dirty Dough
209 South Royal Oaks Blvd
Suite #250
Franklin, TN 37064
(615) 249-1920 | dirtydoughcookies.com

Life is sweet! Life gets messy. It’s better with cookies.

As they say, “It’s what’s inside that counts.” Not all cookies are alike, and Dirty Dough has super-stuffed cookie bombs! You won’t find a thicker, softer, more gooey, or flavorful cookie than the ones from Dirty Dough.

The “dirty” refers to the filling, mix-ins, and layers that go into their special cookie process. Try one of their classics like Chocolate Chip, PB Overload, or Cookies N Crème. They also offer weekly cookie flavors that rotate. Examples include Lemon Poppyseed, Brookie S’More, or Tiramisu Cheesecake – all fantastic, so check back often for the weekly flavors! In addition to cookies, they have Dirty Refreshments: Dirty Drinks – Sodas, Shakes, Coffees/Frappes,and Refreshers. A refreshing Caribbean Crush, a thick Twist and Shout milkshake, Java Chip Frappe, or a Strawberry Hibiscus Lemonade are also worth the stop.

Treat yourself today to some warm gooey cookies and satisfy that sweet tooth the dirty way. If you can’t stop by in person, Dirty Dough offers delivery and convenient app ordering, complete with weekly cookie notifications and exclusive offers.

JamBox Sandwich Shop

JamBox Sandwich Shop
1311 Murfreesboro Road
Franklin, TN 37064
(615) 465-6366 | jamboxdeli.com

Sandwiches that jam!

The vibe at JamBox is as distinctive as its sandwiches, instantly transporting you back to the ‘80s and ‘90s. Each handcrafted sandwich creation will delight any foodie and make you want to come back time and time again. The blend of savory meats, cheese, and signature jams on the sandwiches creates a flavor explosion with every bite.

Jambox has partnered with local businesses to ensure freshness and taste. The bread is delivered daily from Charpier’s Bakery, and Nashville Jam Company supplies the jam. SANDWICHES THAT JAM include Purple Rain, Californication, Orange Crush, Peaches For Me, Cranberry Linger,and All Eyes On Cheese, whichis the perfect vegetarian option. For those wanting something on the light side, the MIXED TAPE GREENS are sure to please. Purple Haze, Sgt Pepperoni, Chicken Weezer, and Da Club 50 salads are loaded with goodness.  

For those looking for CLASSIC HITS, The Hero, Post Bologne, and Sammy Hagar Club will satisfy, and for the meatless option, Tomato Swift won’t disappoint. All fan favorites for sure! Pressed sandwiches or VINYL STYLE include Mambo #5, Tuna Turner Wrap, M-Chez Hammer Wrap, and the Grilled Pimento-to.

Owner Tyler Lechtanski worked for more than six months creating the menu and wants everyone who enters JamBox to find something they love. “The Orange Crush is my favorite because I really like orange marmalade. The Californication is a favorite of the staff. It’s our spicy sandwich featuring Doritos and six-pepper jam on it,” he said.

Get your jam on at JamBox. Open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Looking to bring the vibe to your office or next party – let JamBox do the catering. It will be a jamming good time!

Flower Child

Flower Child
1500 W McEwen Drive #150
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 716-3161 | iamaflowerchild.com

Healthy food for a happy world.

Where there’s goodness in every bite, Flower Child, a fast-casual restaurant from eleven-time James Beard nominated restaurateur Sam Fox, opened in late June 2025 in Franklin. This is the first location in Tennessee for Phoenix-based Fox Restaurant Concepts.

Located in the McEwen Shopping Center, this feel-good restaurant is for everyone. Specializing in fresh, healthy food made with real ingredients, it’s clean eating for all, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and paleo diets. Fan-favorite dishes include the Mother Earth Bowl, featuring ancient grains, sweet potato, portobello mushroom, avocado, cucumber, broccoli pesto, charred onion, leafy greens, red pepper miso vinaigrette, and hemp seed; the Avocado Caesar with romaine, parmesan, bread crumb, chive, avocado Caesar dressing; the Chicken Enchiladas with guajillo chile, smoked gouda, poblano crema, organic black bean, roasted corn, and avocado; and the Flying Avocado Wrap with smoked turkey, gouda, romaine, tomato, and avocado hummus.

The 3,703-square-foot Franklin location, plus patio space, is vibrant and inviting, creating a unique-to-Tennessee version of Flower Child. As guests approach, they are greeted by a cheerful, hand-painted, bright yellow lemon mural on the exterior. Inside, the space radiates warmth and positivity, featuring art curated by Fox Restaurant Concept’s graphic designer Gracie Lott. Visitors may even notice creative touches that pay homage to Benjamin Franklin, the town’s namesake.

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, guests can dine inside or dine al fresco to enjoy the fresh air. Those in a rush can place to-go orders for delivery, pickup, or curbside pickup. For added convenience, patrons can use the Flower Child app to enjoy a seamless ordering experience and earn rewards. Flower Child also offers a catering menu perfect for gatherings, events, and special occasions.

The Southern Baking Co.

The Southern Baking Co.
4847 Main Street
Spring Hill, TN 37174
(615) 614-1102 | thesouthernbakingco.com

Baked with love, rooted in tradition.

The Southern Baking Co. opened in early 2025 and is a bakery grounded in love, tradition, and the enduring legacy of family. Owner Erinn Hartwell founded the bakery as a heartfelt tribute to her mother, Momma Shirley, inspired by her mother’s unwavering dedication and the warmth and joy she brought to every kitchen she graced.

Guests can savor a made-from-scratch breakfast menu that includes omelets, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, and avocado toast. Sides like grits, bacon, sausage, and crispy potatoes round out the morning offerings. For lunch, pair a refreshing mocktail with options like a Turkey Panini, Chicken Caesar Salad, or Cobb Salad with all the fixings, and a soup that promises to please. 

Desserts and pastries vary daily, but no matter what’s on the menu, whether it be Chocolate Croissants, German Chocolate Cake, or Cinnamon Rolls, it will hit the spot and is guaranteed to delight. Gluten-free items are also available. Grab some cookies or pies by the slice for that afternoon treat, along with a Southern Press Coffee or Tea.

Every treat is made from scratch with the finest ingredients, honoring time-honored Southern recipes and the memories of home-baked goodness. From rich, indulgent classics to modern, gluten-free delights, every item is crafted with the same love and care that Momma Shirley poured into every meal. Come share in their story, where every bite is filled with love, and every visit feels like coming home.

Patrons can also experience the charm of The Southern Tea Room. Whether you are looking to enjoy a delightful High Tea experience with freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches, pastries, and premium teas, or host an intimate tea party, the elegant space is designed for connection, relaxation, and a bit of indulgence. Reservations are recommended for both High Tea and private tea parties. Book your teatime today, and children are welcome too!