LEIPER'S FORK


PUCKETT’S GROCERY & RESTAURANT
Where the main ingredients are Real Food, Real People and Real Atmosphere

Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant, with locations in Franklin and Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee, is more than just a place to enjoy a good meal – both are popular destinations for locals and tourists alike. With mismatched tables and chairs and an eclectic clientele of farmers, songwriters, and country music stars, it’s a restaurant serving up a dining experience unlike any other.

Founded by the Puckett family in the 1950s, Puckett’s served as a country store to several communities in Williamson County. From fresh groceries and a good southern meal, to a tank of gas and a place to catch up with friends, Puckett’s became a staple in the Leiper’s Fork community.

In 1998, the Leiper’s Fork Puckett’s Grocery was purchased by Andy Marshall, a veteran of the supermarket industry who decided to sell his other stores and serve one small town with just one store. “Leiper’s Fork actually found me. I was blessed to be able to start a new business in a town I have fallen in love with what happened to be right down the road from where I was raised and graduated from high school in Franklin, Tennessee,” said Marshall.

When Marshall first bought Puckett’s, it took some time to figure just what he had. “It was the coolest little country market I’d ever seen. We were serving everyone from songwriters to business moguls to country folk. People would come from all around-even hop off a plane from L.A. to get a Puckett’s Burger,” continues Marshall. “Before long, I realized what I had here was a restaurant pretending to be a grocery store. More and more customers were wanting the home-cooked meals and cherry wood smoked meats-all within the atmosphere that you can only get at a place like Puckett’s.”

In 2002, Puckett’s branched out to start a formal dinner and music program. With all of the talented writers in and around town, the Friday night writers’ show quickly grew with folks coming from all over to hear some of the industry’s finest in a cool and eclectic environment.

The food also started to develop a reputation of its own. Marshall started to add his flair of expertise with upscale and down-home Southern cuisine. “I learned how to make ribs when I was growing up in Memphis. We use our own special rub. Cooking teams have even won competitions with our ribs,” he says.

FRANKLIN

Before too long, another opportunity presented itself to expand Puckett’s to Marshall’s hometown and beloved community of Historic Downtown Franklin. With bustling, historic, small-town charm, Marshall tailored the new space to be more of a restaurant and live music venue. “Each location attracts customers for different reasons,” says Marshall. People visit Leiper’s Fork for a nice day trip excursion or as visitors to the area. Customers in Franklin will be here on visit as well as local residents and business people looking for Puckett’s style food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

In 2007, Puckett's Grocery, along with Keith Mohr, president of IndieHeaven.com, partnered to create a unique local music contest called Rising Star, a seven week contest featuring up to 20 local singer/songwriters. The winning participant receives $500.00 in cash as well as an exclusive concert performance.

Puckett's owner, Andy Marshall states, "There is so much talent in this area. We at Puckett’s are proud to showcase some of Nashville’s best undiscovered songwriters who could soon become a rising star.”

Several years and many accolades later, people just can’t seem to get enough of Puckett’s. From the food and music, to the relaxed atmosphere, Puckett’s is sure to keep people coming back. And with plans underway for a downtown Nashville location, even more people will get the opportunity to experience a piece of small town charm in the big city.

Puckett’s Grocery in downtown Franklin is open 7 days a week offering a traditional mix of American foods of the area.

NASHVILLE

In 2010, Puckett’s owner Andy Marshall took a risk and decided to expand the Puckett’s brand to downtown Nashville even though many other local eateries were closing their doors due to the struggling economy. Significantly larger than the Franklin restaurant, Puckett’s Downtown Nashville has a bigger stage, seating for 150, and a stock of supplies and groceries for downtown dwellers.  

In just over a year, the Nashville restaurant has made quite a name for itself. In 2011 alone, Puckett’s won numerous awards and accolades including multiple Sizzle Awards by Southern Exposure Magazine and was voted Best BBQ in Nashville at the People's Choice Annual BBQ competition. The Nashville Downtown Partnership also awarded the restaurant for Outstanding Business Development, which was awarded by Governor Bill Haslam.

Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are available, including the popular weekend breakfast buffet. There's also a full bar and wine list — good news if you're checking out the musical attractions. Music is featured Monday through Saturday, including free valet on the weekends.