Fork of the South: More Than a General Store in Franklin, TN
Tucked inside The Factory at Franklin, Fork of the South is more than a general store. Founded by Stefanie and Steve Gorman, this locally grown business is a place where Southern hospitality and sweet experiences come together.
How it Started
Before Fork of the South ever sold a scoop of banana pudding ice cream or poured a candy-inspired martini, it began as a dream rooted in place and purpose. The name “Fork of the South” reflects Steve and Stef Gorman’s love of Leiper’s Fork and Stef’s love of the South itself.
“After years in the classroom and a few years of hosting guests through Airbnb, I started dreaming of something more permanent, a place where hospitality, creativity, and community could live side by side,” Stefanie shared. “My husband Steve, a lifelong sales executive, brought the perfect balance of strategy and heart to help turn that dream into something real.”
Together, they envisioned a place where stories could be shared over coffee, gifts could be found with intention, and families could make memories. “It started as a curated general store and has grown into something much more: a Southern-inspired experience that brings people together through food, fun, and fellowship.”
Growing Into The Factory
In 2019, Fork of the South moved into The Factory at Franklin. Back then, the business was set up in the former horse stalls, an early chapter full of ambition. “We started in the horse stalls with a simple dream: to help others grow and tell their stories,” Stefanie said. “From there, we outgrew that space and moved into the old Happy Tales location, which we absolutely loved. But it just wasn’t big enough to hold all of our dreams.”
Today, Fork of the South is located near the Smokestack in Building 8, where there is plenty of room to bring everything they imagined to life. With the larger space came the chance to introduce new experiences, including an ice cream counter, The Southern Tea Room, Sips at the Silo, and more. The location also includes a spacious outdoor patio where guests can sit and enjoy ice cream, drinks, or time with friends in an open-air setting.
“The Factory has such a unique energy,” she said. “It’s creative, communal, and welcoming, kind of like the town of Franklin itself. It’s the kind of place where people gather, wander, and stumble upon something that makes them smile.”
It didn’t take long before Stefanie realized Fork of the South was resonating far beyond Franklin. “One of those pinch-me moments was when people started stopping us out of town to say, ‘We always make a point to visit your store when we come to Franklin,’ or ‘We follow y’all on Instagram and had to come see it in person.’ Knowing that Fork of the South had become a destination, and that people felt connected to it even from afar, was when I knew we were building something meaningful.”
A General Store and Much More
Many first-time visitors are surprised when they walk through the doors. “Most guests walk in expecting a traditional gift shop, and then they see the full experience unfold,” Stefanie said. “From colorful milkshakes and homemade ice cream to nostalgic candies and thoughtful gifts, there’s a real sense of discovery. They often say, ‘I didn’t expect it to be this big, or this fun!’”
That sense of surprise is intentional. Each offering is designed to feel, in Stefanie’s words, “joyful, welcoming, and distinctly Southern, full of heart and charm, with a dash of sparkle.”
Part of that experience is The Sugar Factory. “The Sugar Factory was born from a simple truth: sugar makes people happy, and we love making people happy,” she explained. “It gave us a space to bring together all the sweet things I love creating, from scratch-baked cookies and treats made from my personal recipes to bold, colorful slushies and old-school shaved ice that remind people of childhood summers.”
The Sugar Factory is also home to cocktails and mocktails that channel nostalgia with a grown-up twist. “From berry citrus mocktails to sweet tea sangrias and sparkling sippers, everything is made with intention and a little Southern sparkle.”
The Milkshake Bar and Ice Cream Counter
Few things capture the spirit of Fork of the South better than the Milkshake Bar. Locals frequently stop in for handcrafted ice cream, especially the signature Banana Pudding flavor. “Our Banana Pudding ice cream is the clear favorite,” Stefanie said. “It’s creamy, nostalgic, and packed with real bananas and Nilla wafers.” Other hits include Cookie Monster, Biscoff, and rotating seasonal flavors.
Stefanie shared, “The Milkshake Bar and ice cream counter are definitely guest favorites, people love that we make everything in-house and with intention. Our local friends come back two to three times a week for a sweet treat, whether it’s their favorite flavor or something new from our seasonal rotation. It’s become part of their weekly rhythm, and we love being that little moment of joy in their day.”
Recently, they introduced Carousel Crunch ice cream in honor of the new Carousel of Dreams just across the courtyard. “It’s whimsical, fun, and a perfect nod to the magic happening just outside our doors.”
The Southern Tea Room
If the Milkshake Bar is about energy and color, the Southern Tea Room offers a different pace. Guests step into an intimate space filled with a sense of calm. Designed for high tea parties, special occasions, or simple moments of connection, the Tea Room embodies what Stefanie calls “an experience filled with intention, grace, and a whole lot of love.”
“For me, it’s about sharing my passion for cooking and creating to help bring people together,” she said. “From the mismatched teacups to the flowers on the table, we want every guest to feel welcomed, appreciated, and cared for.”
Many of the sweets served in the Southern Tea Room, such as mini pastries and dessert bars, are baked fresh daily in The Sugar Factory kitchen. “There’s a beautiful rhythm between the two spaces,” she said. “The Sugar Factory lets us share those same treats with guests who might not have time for tea but still want something special to take with them or enjoy while wandering The Factory.”
The Tea Room also hosts private gatherings for up to 28 people, providing a backdrop for birthdays, baby showers, and small business luncheons.
Sips at the Silo and the Candy Martini Bar
Another guest favorite is Sips at the Silo, Fork of the South’s take on a modern soda fountain. “We serve up dirty sodas, lemonade and sparkling refreshers, shaved ice, and more. It’s colorful, family-friendly, and filled with flavors that surprise and delight, no matter your age,” Stefanie said.
For guests seeking something stronger, the Candy Martini Bar offers a playful twist on classic cocktails. “The Candy Martini Bar is all about candy-inspired cocktails,” she explained. “My personal favorite is the Gimme Some Sugar Bear, a refreshing blend of berry vodka and citrus. It’s fun, flavorful, and designed to make you smile from the first sip.”
Beyond the Treats: Events and Community
While Fork of the South is known for sweet creations, it’s also a place where community events bring people together. From casual gatherings to special celebrations, the shop has become a hub for connection and shared experiences. “We host Mahjong Mondays and are currently working on adding live music a few nights a week to the lineup,” Stefanie said. “We love curating events that bring people together and help create lasting memories.”
A Nod to The Cottages
In addition to Fork of the South in Franklin, the Gormans also welcome guests to The Cottages in Leiper’s Fork, a pair of one-bedroom, one-bath cottages designed as a private escape.
“Guests can enjoy the beautifully landscaped courtyard and fire pit, and take in the surrounding nature and quiet. It’s the perfect spot to relax, recharge, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life,” said Stefanie.
Each space has been thoughtfully decorated with pieces collected from unique places, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels special and personal. The cottages offer full kitchens, comfortable living areas, and outdoor spaces perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. Located about eight miles from downtown Franklin and less than three miles from Fox & Locke and the heart of Leiper’s Fork Village, they provide a peaceful getaway that’s still close to shops, dining, and local attractions.
Embraced by Franklin
The support from the Franklin community has shaped Fork of the South into what it is today. “The outpouring of support from this community has been nothing short of amazing,” Stefanie shared. “Franklin has wrapped its arms around us in the most generous, uplifting way.”
The shop has also been the first job for many local teens. “We love mentoring them, watching them grow, and helping them flourish,” Stefanie said.
When asked what keeps her excited to come to work every day, Stefanie didn’t hesitate. “The overwhelming love and support we receive from our customers, our team, and this community is what fuels me,” she said. “Watching people find joy in what we’ve created, seeing our staff grow into confident leaders, and being part of something that brings people together, it’s humbling, beautiful, and something I’ll never take for granted.”
Visit Fork of the South
Fork of the South has grown into a welcoming space where guests can explore thoughtful gifts, enjoy freshly made treats, and share time with family and friends. Whether you’re stopping in for ice cream, relaxing over tea, or browsing the shelves, you’ll find a place built on hospitality, creativity, and a genuine love for the community. Here’s what you need to know before you go:
Location: Fork of the South is located inside The Factory at Franklin, near the Smokestack in Building 8.
Address: 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
Hours: Monday through Thursday – 9:30 am to 7 pm, Friday – 9:30 am to 8 pm, Sunday – 9:30 am to 6 pm
Offerings:
- Handcrafted ice cream and milkshakes
- The Southern Tea Room (reservations recommended for special events)
- Sips at the Silo dirty sodas and refreshers
- The Candy Martini Bar
- Gifts, home goods, and products from more than 85 makers and artisans
- A spacious outdoor patio for relaxing
Events: Look for Mahjong Mondays, seasonal gatherings, and live music nights. Private events and celebrations can be booked in The Southern Tea Room.
More Information: Visit Fork of the South or follow along on Instagram and Facebook.
