BY ANNA ROBERTSON HAM

Start your day at Franklin Café… This is exactly what Jason Collins says about the new eatery that has opened up in historic, downtown Franklin. Jason is the owner of Franklin Juice Bar, which has been serving the community for five years, and the owner of the newly opened Franklin Café. He opened the Café to give more to his customers and community, providing a menu for those coming in looking for healthy, locally sourced meal options. “We decided to add a separate offering and dedicate a small, local menu to Franklin and the people of Franklin. John and Vui Hunt, founders of Juice Bar, are supportive of the entrepreneurial spirit and have been so gracious,” Jason says. “The love of high quality food is always welcome. Also, if all goes as planned, we will turn more guests onto the Franklin Juice Bar menu.”

The Franklin Café is not taking the place of Franklin Juice Bar but is an addition to the already established restaurant. The new cafe has changed its look on the inside, welcoming customers with a more open space as well a community table that encourages patrons to sit together, meet neighbors or have meetings. The one-of-a-kind table, known as the Harpeth River Table, was created by Jay from Edison McCarthy and is the heart of the dining area. The restaurant also showcases pictures of historical, must-see locations throughout the area, showing appreciation of the community’s roots and preservation, and captured by local photographer Debbie Smartt.

They will still have the Franklin Juice Bar menu of juices, smoothies, salads, spring rolls and more. And now, they’ll offer the full Franklin Café menu of gourmet coffee and espresso, lattes, cappuccinos along with a small range of breakfast, lunch and dinner options of sandwiches, soups, sides, daily specials and more. The majority of which, include locally sourced elements from the Farmers Market. I had the opportunity to sample several of the menu items before the Café officially opened, and it was a delightful experience!

One of the highlights of the tasting was Franklin Café’s spin on hot chicken: The “Mother Mary” sandwich, featuring gourmet jalapeño pimento and cheese on top of thin sliced chicken breast, that is flash fried in avocado oil, with lettuce, tomato and a sesame roll. It was inspired by Mary Pearce, a long-time Franklin resident, preservationist and philanthropist, who has dedicated her life and career to historic downtown Franklin. Mary told Jason that he needed to have something that was a true southern staple, like pimento cheese or hot chicken... So, Jason combined them both into a tasty sandwich.

Another highlight was the “Fountain” Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with free range chicken breast, broccoli, spinach, ranch dressing, bacon, garlic, mozzarella, cheddar cheese and spinach. This comfort food baked dish is keto-friendly, low carb and nut free. It was hearty, delicious and healthy!

A favorite during the tasting, that I must mention, is a very unique and fun offering on the menu: The “Chip” is a homemade pretzel bread with spinach, avocado and Parmesan cheese. YUM! I loved the spicy kick it had and it is definitely one I will order again and again.

As Jason says, the Franklin Café is “a must before you visit all that Franklin has to offer,” and I couldn’t agree more. Literally next door to Franklin's "Ground Zero of Preservation," Franklin Café has a very thoughtful curated menu of items named after key figures, history and places of Franklin. You must go try it out and, not only enjoy the great food and friendly staff, but also to be inspired about what to see next in our historic community.

MENU:

Main Street - Corn Omelet – Named after our beloved Main Street - Two eggs, seasoned street corn, broccoli, queso blanco, spinach, topped with heirloom tomatoes and avocado.
Side – Seasonal fresh fruit

Farmers Market Omelet – Locally sourced, made to order, two eggs, kale, spinach, quinoa, smokehouse cheddar, mushroom and tomato

The Factory - Breakfast Burrito – Street corn, scrambled egg, heirloom tomato, spinach, cheese, queso blanco, wrapped in romaine lettuce or tortilla wrap.

{ Sandwiches } *All Sandwiches come with salad, seasonal fruit or chips.
Mother Mary – A true southern favorite. Gourmet jalapeño pimento and cheese on top of flash fried chicken breast, lettuce, tomato and sesame roll.

The Mayor - Uncontested – Two great Mayors, one great sandwich – Roast beef, heirloom and seasonal garden tomato, cream cheese “Savory Spice” horseradish dill spread, shredded lettuce and sunflower sprouts.

Carrie "W.O.T.S." – Huge heart, huge flavor - Avocado egg salad, with thick cut bacon, sesame torta, lettuce, hardboiled egg, avocado, tomato, cayenne, pink salt.

Matilda – "A whole Lotz of creativity in Franklin then and now" - Toasted, black forest ham, queso blanco, avocado jalapeño spread, diced tomato and shredded lettuce.

Chip – The center of our square, facing towards the south, rich in history and rich in flavor… Homemade pretzel bread with spinach, avocado and parmesan cheese (daily limited availability).

Fountain - Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole – Free range chicken breast, broccoli, spinach, ranch dressing, bacon, garlic, mozzarella, cheddar cheese and spinach. Keto, Low Carb, Nut Free. { 469 Calories, Fat 31g, Protein 38g, Total Carbs 7g, Net Carbs 5g, Fiber 2g, Sugar 1g. }

Volunteers – These dishes are inspired by and dedicated to the many wonderful volunteers that do so much for our wonderful city. Thank you!

*Cabbage, cashew, honey sesame, salad, white and red cabbage and carrot.
*Tuna Noodle Salad – served cold on bed of romaine with seasonal fruit.
*Daily and Seasonal specials, soups, salads and desserts.
*Most ingredients are from local farms.

Franklin Café
232 5th Avenue North
Franklin, TN 37064
615.656.1144
franklintncafe@gmail.com
facebook.com/franklintncafe