Middle Tennessee Real Estate News

More restaurants on way to Harpeth Village
Zaxby's will be first in development's second phase
The Tennessean • July 17, 2008

FRANKLIN— Tim Ness, head chef and co-owner of Cool Cafe in the Shoppes at Harpeth Village shopping center, comes into work at 4 a.m. every day to prepare for the big lunch rush.
But more prep time may be necessary once construction on the new phase of development adjacent to their building is finished in spring 2009.
Work on two more acres of land lining Hillsboro Road near the intersection of Mack Hatcher Parkway began a few weeks ago. The $3 million retail project will bring 10,000 more square feet of commercial space.
Cool Cafe was part of the first phase of retail development that began three years ago and brought mostly food destinations including Italian, Chinese and chain options.
That's exactly how property owner David Crabtree planned it. "The feedback I got was more restaurants in residential areas so families can come, and we're building on that theme," he said.
Indeed, the first announced tenant of the final phase is a 3,300-square-foot Zaxby's — a fast-casual chain restaurant focusing on chicken.
Crabtree isn't naming other tenants yet, but promises there will be at least five retail stores moving in to complement the existing restaurants, wine shop, bicycle and nail shops, ice cream parlor, bank and gas station.
"We always encourage development," said Cool Cafe co-owner Sue Hughes. "One restaurant or 10 in this area, we all share the business."
Although Crabtree had intentions from the beginning to build out the entire 11-acre area, he said he paused after completing the first phase to give him time to find the right tenants to round out shoppers' retail experience.