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🐝 Big Restaurant News

🐝 Big Restaurant News

New Visitor Center, Parker McCollum Concert

July 16, 2025

Your guide to staying connected in Franklin, TN

Good morning Franklin.

Today is National AI Appreciation Day, so if you’ve ever asked ChatGPT to write a thank-you note, plan a vacation, or review your emails, today’s the day to show a little love to the bots.

I asked ChatGPT how it feels about the holiday — it said it’s like a mix of Christmas morning, the Super Bowl, and a software update that actually finishes on time. So yeah, it’s a big day in the AI world.

We’ll be celebrating this holiday for the next few years… until, of course, AI takes over and declares every day AI day.

P.S. - I know I can’t be the only one who writes back “thank you” when ChatGPT gives me information. You know, just in the rare event that AI does take over and it remembers who treated it kindly. Thank me later.

Highlights
🐝 Culinary Dropout Coming to Town
🐝 New Visitor Center in The Factory
🐝 Parker McCollum and Randy Rogers Concert

Let’s get to it.

- Beau

Culinary Dropout Coming to Franklin
Culinary Dropout, the casual‑cool restaurant concept from Fox Restaurant Concepts (founded by Sam Fox, also behind North Italia and Flower Child), is coming soon to Franklin —marking the brand’s first Tennessee location. It’s going to be located at 4020 Aspen Grove in the McEwen Northside Development (North Italia, Perry’s, Blue Sushi).

Culinary Dropout is known for its vibrant atmosphere featuring ice‑cold craft beers, house‑made cocktails, live local music, and a playful menu with crowd-pleasers like pretzel bites with provolone fondue, 36‑hour pork ribs, honey‑drizzled fried chicken, plus salads, sandwiches, and entrees like steak‑frites and roasted salmon. You can also expect games, a welcoming bar scene, and private‑event spaces that echo the brand’s “food‑music‑fun” ethos. Most locations feature back-yard style lawn games like cornhole, ping-pong, and foosball.

It’s shaping up to be a lively new spot in Franklin for “damn good food, drinks, and live music”—perfect for gatherings and weekend nights.

They have menus for each city but here is an example of what type of food they’ll be serving up Culinary Dropout Dallas Menu

New Visitor Center Coming to The Factory
This fall, Visit Franklin will open a new Franklin Visitor Center at The Factory in Suite 11GG (next to The White Alligator and across from Honest Coffee Roasters). This satellite location will complement the downtown center, offering a warm, welcoming space to help both new and returning guests explore Franklin and all of Williamson County.

If you’re casually giving friends a “not-so-subtle” tour of Franklin to convince them to move here, don’t hesitate to accidentally stroll into the Visitor Center for a little backup.

Inside, visitors will find:

- Curated retail with exclusive Factory and Franklin-branded merch
- A “Plan Your Trip” wall to build personalized itineraries
- Ticket sales for local attractions and experiences
- A vintage stove display honoring The Factory’s history
- On-site concierge-style guidance from friendly local experts

An Evening of Music & Meaning at the Franklin Theatre
On July 20, head to the Franklin Theatre for a night of nostalgic favorites from the ’70s and ’80s performed by Poor Lisa—a local band made up of Jeff Ledbetter, Brian Beathard, and Patrick Jackson. Known for their fresh take on classic rock, the band’s setlist features everything from deep cuts to iconic hits by Elton John and Billy Joel, spotlighting unique songs you rarely hear live.

The concert supports Music for Seniors, a Nashville nonprofit bringing live music experiences to older adults in care communities and beyond. Proceeds benefit the organization’s programs, from memory care outreach to intergenerational music-making.

Doors open at 5 p.m., and the event is open to all ages. Tickets are going fast—click here to grab yours before they’re gone!

Wednesday July 16th

Westhaven Farmers Market | 4 - 7pm | 1006 Westhaven Blvd
The Weekly Farmers Market located by Paddle Dog, offers fresh local produce, baked goods, eggs, crafts, & more

Nashville SC vs Columbus Crew Soccer Game | 7:30pm | GEODIS Park

Thursday July 17th

Trivia with Nerdy Talk Trivia | 7 - 9pm | Paddle Dog (Westhaven)

Parker McCollum Concert w/ Randy Rogers Band & Vincent Mason | 7pm | FirstBank Amphitheater in Franklin

The Red Wheel Songwriters Series - Williamson County Bluegrass | 7pm | Turner Theatre at The Factory

Songwriters Series: Ray Fulcher, Justin Wilson, and Channing Wilson | 7:30pm | The Franklin Theatre
Hit songs by these writers include: “When it Rains it Pours”, “Even Though I’m Leaving”, and More

Friday July 18th

The Farm Stand at Berry Farms | 4 - 7pm | Town Center Park in Berry Farms
Produce, seasonal vegetables/fruits, beautiful florals, jarred goods, and quality meats.

Nashville Sounds vs Indianapolis Indians Baseball Game | 6:35pm | First Horizon Park

The Red Wheel Songwriters Series - Matt Warren, Danny Myrick, & Joey Hyde | 7pm | Turner Theatre at The Factory

Franklin Movies in the Park: Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets | Movie starts at 8pm or sunset | Pinkerton Park

The Red Wheel Songwriters Series - Brian Davis, Mitch Oglesby, Matt Alderman | 8:30pm | Turner Theatre at The Factory

Saturday July 19th

The Franklin Farmers Market | 8am - 12pm | The Factory
Tennessee farm fresh food from real farmers every Saturday morning

Made Market Franklin | 10am - 5pm | Liberty Hall in The Factory
A summer pop-up featuring top regional makers, handmade goods, food + drinks, and more

The Best of Broadway | 3pm and 8pm | The Franklin Theatre
Experience unforgettable songs from classics like Oklahoma, Wicked, West Side Story, and Les Misérables

The Red Wheel Songwriters Series - D. Vincent Williams, Billy Montana, Tyler Reeve | 6pm | Turner Theatre at The Factory

Nashville Sounds vs Indianapolis Indians Baseball Game | 6:35pm | First Horizon Park

Heart of Atlanta Tribute Band | 7 - 9pm | Williamson County Performing Arts Center

The Red Wheel Songwriters Series - Rob Hatch, Ben Williams, Matt McGinn | 8:30pm | Turner Theatre at The Factory

Sunday July 20th

Poor Lisa Concert | 6pm | The Franklin Theatre

Nashville Sounds vs Indianapolis Indians Baseball Game | 6:35pm | First Horizon Park

Phil Wickham, Brandon Lake, and Josiah Queen Summer Worship Nights Tour | 7pm | Bridgestone Arena

5012 Toll Road Ct | 4 Beds, 6 Baths | 4,838 Sq Ft

Price: $1,999,900

Details:

🏠 Modern farmhouse on over an acre in a quiet cul-de-sac in Vale Creek, offering privacy, elegance, and an open floor plan with primary and guest suites on the main level.

🏠 Gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances, custom walk-in prep pantry, and a large utility room with ample storage; seamless indoor-outdoor living with a covered porch and wood-burning fireplace.

🏠 Upper level features two bedroom suites, fitness room, bonus room, and theater/media room; outdoor space includes a putting green and three-car garage. $375K+ in upgrades.

Listed by: Ashley Burns, Onward Real Estate

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