Pictured are Main Street Murfreesboro Chair Brian Robertson and Executive Director Kathleen Herzog with A. Marshall Family Foods Inc. Proprietor Andy Marshall and Director of Business Development Mark Gothard on the Murfreesboro Square.
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – What started as a little country grocery store in the 1950s has become one of the South’s most popular restaurant brands, known for comfort food done right, live music and the comfortable atmosphere of a community kitchen. But the tradition remains the same – Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant on the Courthouse Square in Murfreesboro will now join landmark locations in the historic downtown districts of Franklin, Nashville, Columbia and Chattanooga, respectively.
“We have been looking seriously at Murfreesboro for several months and had pursued a couple of options, but when we learned of this opportunity last week it just felt right,” said A. Marshall Family Foods Proprietor Andy Marshall, whose family of restaurants also include Puckett’s Boat House in downtown Franklin and Harvest at Homestead in Thompson’s Station, along with Hattie Jane’s Creamery coming this summer in downtown Columbia and Scout’s Pub currently under construction in the Westhaven neighborhood in Williamson County.
“The truth is that Murfreesboro kept popping up on our employees’ wish list of places they thought would be a good fit. When we saw this old building on the Square and the high ceilings and the history, we knew it was the right time and place.”
Kathleen Herzog, executive director of the non-profit downtown revitalization program Main Street: Murfreesboro/Rutherford County, says she couldn’t think of a more perfect fit, particularly in light of major investment and focus on the continued enhancement and promotion of downtown Murfreesboro as a destination.
“We have had Puckett’s on our wish list for years because it represents everything we want to deliver to our locals and visitors: Southern hospitality, family-friendly fun, wonderful food and music… it’s an experience that we can’t wait to be able to offer,” Herzog said. “From a broader view, it’s another great complement that encourages people to come spend a day or an evening with us, shopping and dining and exploring. Big things are happening in downtown Murfreesboro!”
The 7,600 square-foot, mid 20th century building at 114 North Church Street will feature everything Puckett’s fans have come to expect, including a full menu of barbecue smoked slow ‘n’ low over cherry wood, legendary burgers, home-cooked sides and even a few upscale dishes, along with live pickin’ performances just a few feet from your table.
Marshall expects a couple of months of due diligence and planning, and a major investment into a buildout and restoration that will last approximately four to six months. A Grand Opening is temporarily slated for late fall.
To learn more about Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant, visit www.puckettsgrocery.com. For more on A. Marshall Family Foods, Inc., go to www.amarshallfamilyfoods.com.
