Discover the Charms of The Factory at Franklin
Updated November 20, 2024
The Factory at Franklin is a hidden gem in the heart of Tennessee. Just blocks from downtown Franklin, it’s more than a shopping and dining destination; it’s a living, breathing part of the city’s heritage. Built in 1929, this sprawling complex of factory buildings was originally the home of Dortch Stove Works and later The Jamison Bedding Company. After a period of dormancy in the 1990s, the factory was rehabilitated and repurposed as a shopping and entertainment complex.
Today, the complex is undergoing a brand new transformation. The recent acquisition of the property by Holladay Properties has ushered in an era of unprecedented revitalization. With new restaurants, green spaces, and refurbished event venues, The Factory at Franklin is poised for an exciting new chapter.
The Unique Appeal of The Factory at Franklin
At The Factory at Franklin, history is not just remembered; it’s vividly alive. The buildings, with their industrial past, have been restored and repurposed, seamlessly blending the past with the present. The thoughtful preservation of industrial elements—poured concrete floors, high ceilings, and rows of clerestory windows and skylights—add undeniable charm to the space.
And while the building is truly exceptional, it’s the eclectic mix of local artisans and entrepreneurs who make this space shine. Whether you are a long-time local or a curious traveler, The Factory at Franklin offers an exceptional array of food, drink, art, and experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. Prepare to be charmed by diverse shops, delighted by delicious restaurants, and captivated by inspiring performance and event spaces.
Culinary Delights: A Celebration of Food, Drink, and Good Times
From handcrafted cocktails to delectable cuisine, your taste buds will embark on an unforgettable journey of flavors. Here’s what awaits you at The Factory at Franklin:
The Skylight Bar: Begin your adventure at the Skylight Bar. Located in the heart of the Grand Hall, this lively gathering spot is ideal for people-watching and soaking up the unique atmosphere.
Franklin Juice Co.: Enjoy a selection of certified organic cold-pressed juices and acai bowls, perfect for a healthy refreshment.
Honest Coffee Roasters: Sip the finest coffee around, sourced from the highest quality beans from across the globe.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Embark on a flavor adventure and satisfy your sweet tooth with a selection of handcrafted ice creams.
Five Daughters Bakery: Indulge in freshly baked goods, including cinnamon rolls, blueberry muffins, and other treats that cater to discerning palates.
Urban Sips: Quench your thirst with something out of the ordinary. This charming shop offers a refreshing selection of gourmet sodas and Hawaiian shave ice, each crafted with unexpected and unique flavors.
Mojo’s Tacos: Experience a unique blend of Mexican flavors with a Tennessee twist. This popular eatery is known for its unique culinary creations where each dish is infused with a touch of Southern charm.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: Spice it up at this local favorite. Hattie B’s has perfected the art of hot chicken, offering a range of heat levels to satisfy every palate.
Grey’s Fine Cheeses: Expand your cheese horizons at Grey’s. This cut-to-order cheese shop offers a curated selection of artisanal cheeses from around the world. Take some home with you!
Otaku Ramen: Try something new at Otaku Ramen, where you can enjoy a savory bowl of ramen, flavored and topped to your specifications.
Daddy’s Dogs: Liven things up at this popular eatery known for its inventive hot dog creations.
Edley’s BBQ: Savor the slow-smoked goodness at Edley’s BBQ, where meats are cooked with Southern white oak and sides are made fresh daily.
The White Alligator: Indulge in Bourbon Street-inspired cocktails and delectable po’boys at The White Alligator, a New Orleans eatery bringing the flavors of Louisiana to Franklin.
Bubble Love Tea: Enjoy handcrafted bubble tea, where each drink combines freshly brewed tea with milk or fruit and fun, chewy tapioca pearls for a refreshing and unique experience.
The Southern Tea Room: Savor a unique blend of Southern charm and traditional English tea at this cozy spot, where you can enjoy a selection of delicious pastries, savory bites, and beloved family recipes.
Saffire: Discover Saffire, offering an eclectic menu of comfort foods and southern staples, including the beloved Saffire ribbon salad, signature martinis, and wood-fired grill meals.
Etch: Savor globally-inspired dishes at etch, where award-winning chef Deb Paquette crafts innovative flavors in a stylish setting.
Shopping Spree: Unveiling Treasures at The Factory at Franklin
From upcycled treasures to exquisite jewelry and everything in between, The Factory at Franklin offers an array of unique shops, guaranteed to appeal to every taste.
Fork of the South: Explore handcrafted creations from local artisans at this general store, brimming with Southern charm.
Lemon Gift Shop: Discover a one-stop destination for all your gift-giving needs, featuring a wide selection of home décor, candles, baby items, clothing, jewelry, and more.
Ameraucana Blue: Find the perfect piece to express your personal style at this gorgeous home decor shop, where every item is a unique work of art.
CR-71: Explore the intersection of art and sustainability at this innovative shop, showcasing unique creations that give new life to reclaimed and upcycled materials.
Nature’s Art: Bring the outdoors in and add an earthy charm to your home and garden with hand-crafted treasures inspired by nature.
Blue Flowers: Find a skateboard and something cool to wear while you ride it at this hip little shop.
The Find: Elevate your wardrobe at this vintage boutique, where expertly curated secondhand finds offer a sustainable way to express your individual style.
Judith Bright: Adorn yourself with stunning one-of-a-kind, handcrafted jewelry made on-site by local artisans.
Tala Jewelers: Rediscover the brilliance of your jewelry with full-service repair or pick out something new from a dazzling selection of handcrafted pieces.
Luna Record Shop: Step back in time and browse an impressive selection of vinyl records, cassettes, and unique gifts.
Made in TN: Celebrate Tennessee’s rich heritage at Made in TN, a gift shop brimming with locally designed and crafted treasures.
Stonebridge Art Gallery: Surround yourself with beauty at this unique gallery, where you will find an unpretentious atmosphere, custom framing expertise, and a collection of affordable paintings from around the world.
Third Coast Clay: Unleash your inner artist and create your own masterpiece at this paint-your-own pottery studio.
Amelia’s Flowers: Take home an armful of freshly picked blooms for a fragrant reminder of your visit to The Factory at Franklin.
Stella Rhodes: Celebrate timeless style and modern sophistication with a curated collection of women’s clothing, hat styling, and home decor.
Times Past and Present: Discover unique gifts, home décor, clothing, jewelry, local souvenirs, and more at this eclectic shop.
Johnnie O: Browse effortlessly stylish apparel that blends East Coast prep with West Coast casual, with a distinctive take on men’s fashion and lifestyle essentials.
Pamper Yourself: Unwind and Rejuvenate at The Factory at Franklin
If you need a little self-care, you’ll find that at The Factory at Franklin, too.
The Blockhouse: Recharge at this men’s barbershop and bar, where you’ll experience top-notch grooming in a relaxed atmosphere.
Structured Hair Salon: Discover your signature look with personalized hair styling from a curated collective of talented stylists.
Ground Floor Yoga and Wellbeing: Build a strong foundation for growth and transformation through accessible programming and personalized guidance.
Entertainment and Events: The Heartbeat of The Factory at Franklin
For residents and visitors alike, The Factory at Franklin serves as a hub for entertainment, offering both live music and theatrical productions.
The Mockingbird Theater: Enjoy the sounds of local and regional bands at this state-of-the-art venue, offering a full bar—serving beer, wine, spirits, and food—as well as special events and productions.
Studio Tenn: Lose yourself in the magic of live theater with this renowned professional regional theatre company.
Click here for the Calendar of Events at The Factory at Franklin.
Let’s Party: Host Your Event at The Factory at Franklin
From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, the unique event spaces at The Factory will ensure your event is unforgettable.
The beautifully renovated Turner Theater, the spacious Liberty Hall, and the more intimate Heritage Room are all available for private events, offering a blend of historic charm and modern amenities to make your special occasion truly memorable.
Historic Insights: Tour the Factory
The Factory at Franklin offers historic tours that explore the building’s rich history as a former manufacturing plant turned cultural hub. Guests can learn about the Factory’s past, its transformation, and its current role as a vibrant community space. The tours are a great way to dive into Franklin’s industrial history while experiencing the charm of this revitalized landmark.
Celebrate the Local Harvest: The Factory Farmers Market
Join the weekly Factory Farmers Market, a showcase of Middle Tennessee’s best farmers, producers, artists, bakers, and crafters. Held every Wednesday and Sunday, this market brings together the community to celebrate local goods and fresh produce. It’s the perfect spot to support regional artisans and stock up on high-quality, farm-fresh items.
Saturdays at The Factory: The Franklin Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to Noon, the rear parking lot at The Factory is the place to be. That’s where the Franklin Farmers Market sets up, offering fresh, seasonal produce, handcrafted baked goods, savory meats, and unique artisanal creations. It’s a great way to support local family farms, immerse yourself in Tennessee’s agricultural heritage, and connect with the Franklin community. In early 2025, The Franklin Farmers Market will be moving to a new location at the intersection of Mack Hatcher Parkway and Franklin Road on the campus of Franklin First United Methodist Church.
Coming Soon: The Factory at Franklin Continues to Grow
But wait, there’s more! Exciting additions are coming to The Factory at Franklin in the coming months. Two Hands, a charming cafe embracing the warmth of Australian cafe culture, will also soon call The Factory home. In 2024, look for Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria, a hip-hop-inspired artisan pizza shop. Nic and Maude will bring their custom, handcrafted hats to The Factory at Franklin and The Little Cottage, a beloved Franklin staple for over 20 years, will soon offer elegant children’s selections such as portrait dresses, matching outfits, and perfect baby gifts.
The Factory at Franklin: A Timeless Gem Awaits Your Exploration
Don’t just read about the wonders of The Factory at Franklin – come and experience them for yourself! Immerse yourself in all the history, culture, and modern flair this extraordinary place offers. Whether you’re indulging in culinary delights, shopping for unique treasures, or soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, The Factory at Franklin promises an unforgettable adventure.
Where: 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
When: The Factory at Franklin is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
