Franklin TN: The Beginning

Franklin, Tennessee is our new HOME, and a place with a deep history. Founded in 1799 by Abram Maury, Jr. and named after Benjamin Franklin, the city sits 20 miles south of Nashville, TN and serves as the county seat of Williamson County. Before the Civil War, Franklin, TN thrived as an agricultural area, growing crops such as hemp and tobacco, and raising purebred livestock [1].

Everything changed with the Civil War. The Battle of Franklin was one of the bloodiest battles of the war, and recovery took more than 120 years. Yet, recover it did. Today, Franklin is “one of the wealthiest cities in one of the wealthiest counties in the United States” [2].

Flying Cow Finds a New Home

Franklin’s  historic downtown is especially popular, and it’s no wonder its charming main street caught Joshua and Britney Arceneaux’s attention in 2023. After trying - and failing - twice to secure a downtown spot, they paused their hunt for Flying Cow’s new location. Then in December 2024, their realtor called with exciting news: the perfect spot had become available! Situated across from the Franklin Theatre, it was the ideal location.

At the time, Joshua was back in Midland, TX helping with Flying Cow’s Black Friday orders so Britney went on her own to check out the space. She could immediately picture it as Flying Cow’s new home. Knowing another offer had already been made, they quickly submitted their own. But soon came the discouragement.

Six more offers were immediately placed after the Arceneauxs’. Then, many, many more offers were put in. On top of that, people around them warned that they’d never get a spot downtown unless they had lived in Franklin for a couple of decades. Things didn’t look good. Months went by with no updates.

Then, in the middle of the night, Britney woke up with a simple idea she felt was straight from God. Make some gift baskets, and give them away.  She wanted the building owners to see exactly who and what Flying Cow was all about - not just products, but to share her family's story and the heart behind the brand, as well as the many artists they support and champion in their shops.

She decided to put together baskets that would showcase everything Flying Cow represented and send them to the building owner, the current renter Mr. Bob, (who ran Avec Moi out of the space for 15 years!), and the realtors helping with the exchange. Her hope was to give them a clear vision of what Flying Cow could bring to Franklin: an amazing skincare product that actually works, and a space to connect and celebrate other makers in the community. She wanted to show them a small business that truly cares about helping people, honoring local artistry, cherishing family, slowing down and creating something beautiful.

With the help of the Midland,TX and Lubbock,TX teams - who overnighted both Flying Cow products and items from other makers found in current shops - Britney assembled baskets that showed Flying Cow was more than just a “natural skincare” store. She also included family history, highlighting both her and Joshua’s deep Tennessee roots. Flying Cow may have started in Texas, but the Arceneauxs were just as deeply tied to Tennessee, with family history going back to the late 1700s through the 1900s within the area! 

When the Call Finally Came…

It was three months before they finally heard back, but when they did, the news was worth the wait: They got the space!

Tears filled Britney’s eyes when she got the news. It felt like a miracle. It was a miracle. 

What followed was a true team effort. After receiving the keys on April 1st, Joshua became the contractor/builder while Britney took on the role of store designer and dreamed of connecting with local makers to be a part of the retail space. 

The Texas store teams jumped in to help however they could. John (COO and Midland,TX Manager) and Cesar (Manager of Fredericksburg,TX) flew to Franklin, TN to help with construction, while the Lubbock team supported with design and marketing and dozens of behind the scenes projects. It was a project that truly came together with everyone’s hands and hearts involved. 

After the long, bumpy road to “YES,” everything else seemed to fall into place more smoothly. When Britney wanted a mural for the new store, she reached out to artist Liza Proch, whom she’d worked with in Fredericksburg, TX many times since they connected in 2020. To Britney’s surprise, Liza had family in Franklin, TN (5 minutes from the store!) and was already planning a visit in a couple weeks. The mural design came together in a whirlwind, finalized as it was being painted. Piece by piece, the Franklin store was coming together beautifully and faster than expected.

Of course, there was one memorable hiccup: Joshua nearly cut off his thumb and had to make an ER trip. Thankfully, he kept all ten fingers and was back to work not long after.

 At least now they can say that both blood and sweat went into building Flying Cow Franklin, TN!

As of this blog, the store is complete and we are ready to get starting filing our shelves with handcrafted tallow just as soon as we can get the final stamp of approval from this beautiful city to open our doors.

As soon as we are given our certificate of occupancy, those doors are flying open! We are READY to meet you Franklin, TN and serve this beautiful town and its people! We hope to be a blessing for many decades to come. 

The Flying Cow family is beyond excited to join such a vibrant, welcoming community. 

Franklin, TN is full of wonderful shops and rich history, and we can’t wait to add our story to it - and to share as much of it as we can with everyone who will listen (or read!). 

Since we have enjoyed being in this city for a couple of years...we thought we would share some of our favorite things about Franklin! Read on...

Founders Guide to Franklin, TN

Museums

Franklin, TN is steeped in history - every brick, building, and stretch of land seems to carry a story from the past. Because of its deep ties to the Civil War, it’s no surprise the city is home to several remarkable museums that bring that history to life. The Lotz House, for instance, offers an immersive glimpse into the past. Once used as a makeshift hospital and scarred by cannon fire, the home still stands as a powerful reminder of the battles fought here. Just down the road, the Carter House tells another side of the story, giving visitors a chance to walk through a property that was at the very heart of the Battle of Franklin. For those who want to dive into local history beyond the Civil War, the Williamson County Archives & Museum in Downtown Franklin,TN offers an intimate look at the lives, stories, and records that shaped this community.

Festivals + Entertainment

Franklin knows how to celebrate, and its calendar is packed with events that bring the whole community together. Each season brings something new to look forward to - spring kicks off with the Main Street Festival, a beloved tradition filled with local vendors, food, and live entertainment. In the fall, families flock to Pumpkin Fest for all things autumn, and the holiday season shines bright with Dickens of a Christmas, when downtown transforms into a charming Victorian village with carolers, horse-drawn carriages, and twinkling lights. Music lovers won’t want to miss the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, which draws big-name performers and a vibrant crowd every year.

And year-round, the historic Franklin Theatre is a favorite gathering spot—whether you’re catching a classic movie, enjoying a local band, or seeing a Broadway-style show in its beautifully restored space. The Turner Theater in The Factory also has some amazing shows!

No matter the time of year, Franklin always has something worth experiencing.

Shopping

Franklin,TN is full of shopping options, whether you’re in the mood to explore charming boutiques downtown or hunt for your favorite name brands at the Cool Springs Galleria. For a mix of shopping and dining with a creative twist, The Factory at Franklin is always worth a stop - it turns browsing into an experience.

Downtown Franklin (where we’ll be!) is the heart of small business shopping, and it’s the perfect spot to support local makers and shop owners. If you’re a book lover, you can’t miss Landmark Booksellers, where you’ll discover everything from new releases to rare vintage treasures. One of Britney’s personal favorites is Imago Dei, the tiniest shop in town, filled with thoughtfully curated finds.

Food Scene

Franklin,TN truly is filled with amazing local restaurants and mouth watering food. The hardest part is choosing where to go first! For a true Tennessee classic, you can’t go wrong with Puckett’s Restaurant or Gray’s on Main, which comes with its own rich history (the building was once a pharmacy). If you’re craving something lighter or a sweet bite, Merridee’s Breadbasket is a local go-to for pastries, pies, and sandwiches.

On the Italian side, Culaccino's is a favorite (trust us: order the meatballs, ravioli, and cherry gelato!), while Perren Bakery has earned a spot on our must-visit list with cinnamon rolls and banana bread that are impossible to resist. And when it’s time for dessert, Whit’s Frozen Custard hits the sweet spot every single time.

Coffee

Franklin knows how to do coffee right - and if you’re a coffee lover like us, you’ll have no shortage of spots to explore. There’s something special about finding a local café that feels like your own little corner, and Franklin, TN has plenty to choose from.

Our new current favorite is Hank’s Coffee Station, not only for the cozy atmosphere but also because it’s one of the few coffee shops open on Sundays - a huge win if you’re craving a latte after church or during a weekend stroll.

We also love Elroy Coffee Co., an Aussie-inspired shop that makes one of the best hot mocha lattes around. Over at Coffee House at Second and Bridge, the iced honey lavender latte is the drink we can’t stop thinking about - smooth, fragrant, and perfect on a warm Tennessee day.

If you’re looking for a café with atmosphere, Onyx & Alabaster Coffee Lounge downtown is a must. The building itself is gorgeous, and it’s only a short walk from where our store will be. Order the salted caramel with black lava salt - it’s dreamy.

With so many coffeehouses scattered throughout Franklin, you could spend a whole weekend just hopping from one to the next (and honestly, we recommend it). Each one has its own unique vibe and flavor, which makes exploring them all part of the fun.

We Love Franklin, TN

It’s a beautiful town filled with kind people, rich stories, and a vibrant energy that’s hard to put into words. We feel so grateful to be welcomed into this community and can’t wait to open our doors here. More than just joining the history, we’re excited to grow alongside it - to meet our neighbors, cheer on other local businesses, and play a small part in what makes Franklin, TN so special.

Honorable Mentions & Hidden Gems

Loved by the locals, here are a few of our friends & family favorites to round out this list! I'm sure we will be adding plenty more as we continue to explore and discover this beautiful city. 

Outdoor Park - Aspen Grove (Submitted by: Cambrie H)

Hidden Gem - Franklin Float Co (Submitted by: Cambrie H)

Underrated Restaurant - Waldo’s Chicken (Submitted by: Cambrie H)

Fav Healthy And Delish Restaurant - Herban Market (Submitted by: Cambrie H & Betsy Rae J)

Hang Out Spot - Stable Reserve (Whiskey Bar) - (Submitted by: Betsy Rae J) 

Antique Store (technically in Nashville) - Gaslamp (Submitted by: Cynthia Arenado)

Local Farm Goodies & Classes - Stoney Creek Farm (Submitted by: Cynthia Arenado)

Fall Festive Fun - Gentry Farm (Submitted by: Cynthia Arenado)

More Yummy Coffee - Highbrow (Submitted by: Gerardo Arenado)

Explore Outdoor Parks - Pinkerton and Harlinsdale (Submitted by: Cynthia Arenado)

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[1] https://www.nashvillesmls.com/blog/franklin-history.html

[2] https://www.franklintn.gov/our-city/history-of-franklin-tn

Header Photo by Brandon Jean on Unsplash

Bookstore Photo by Elijah Crouch on Unsplash

Whit's Custard Photo by Jessica Tan on Unsplash

Historic City Sign & Landscape Photo by Jackson Wilson @jacksonwilsonofficial