While it’s not uncommon to see a group of tourists to Nashville pushing a “borrowed” Publix shopping cart filled with White Claw up the hill to their Airbnb, visitors and locals alike need to actually lay in provisions for longer periods.
Fortunately, the city is blessed with a wide variety of grocery shopping options. “New Nashville” is filled with transplants, both international and from across the U.S., and each group brings a specific set of wants and needs when they move here.
Sorry, Californian expats, you won’t find Safeway in Music City. Heck, we just got wine in grocery stores within the past decade. Texans probably miss H-E-B as much as Northeasterners long for Wegmans. What we do have are plenty of smaller independent groceries as well as all the benefits of major chains like Publix and Kroger.
There may be choices to make along the way. Should you shop at the closest Kroger, but still make an extra stop for an eight-piece box of delicious fried chicken at Publix on the way home? Yes, you should.
Arm yourself with this list of some of Nashville’s most valuable markets the next time you go shopping.
#1
The Turnip Truck East Nashville
The Turnip Truck is the dean of Nashville farmer-focused grocery stores, founded in 2001 with three locations around the city. The spacious flagship store in East Nashville features a wide selection of natural, local and organic products, including personal care items and a nice offering of natural wines. Browse at hot and cold food bars and a juicery to save a little time and effort in your meal planning. The Turnip Truck’s owner raises his own grass-fed beef to sell at his stores, and beehives on top of the East Nashville location produce honey for sale and serve as pollinators for the surrounding neighborhood. 701 Woodland St.
#2
Brentwood Kroger
With more than a dozen stores within the city limits, Kroger has been the dominant chain in Nashville since the 1970s. The supermarket giant cemented its position in 2013 when it purchased Harris Teeter, the Charlotte-based grocery chain that teased Nashville with its excellent customer service and selection for a few years before folding in under the Kroger brand name. Kroger does many things the right way, and at larger locations like the 84,000-square-foot store in Brentwood, you’ll encounter well-stocked produce, meat and seafood sections as well as a wide selection of private brands. While the days of Kroger’s “Cost Cutter” brand of beer at $3.00 a six-pack are long past, they do support local brewers with a nice offering of craft beers. 210 Franklin Rd.
#3
Whole Foods Green Hills
The affluent neighborhood of Green Hills was the first part of Nashville to acquire a Whole Foods (as well as Trader Joe’s)—much to the indignation of other parts of town, which simply didn’t have the concentration of per capita income to trigger the chain’s complex and successful location-selection algorithm. When it first opened in 2007, the 48,000-square-foot store represented Whole Foods’ first foray into the Volunteer State. The lucky yoga pants-wearing shoppers of Green Hills now benefit from hot and cold food bars laden with alluring prepared foods, as well as a wide variety of organic products, and butcher and seafood counters that are filled with multifold choices. 4021 Hillsboro Pike
#4
Osborne’s Bi-Rite
Known almost universally as the Belmont Bi-Rite, this delightfully decrepit small family-owned grocery store has held its own against the big boys of the industry for decades. Neighbors nod greetings as they happily step around each other in the narrow aisles. Meat specials often revolve around volume purchases like special “Pick 5 for $25” deals—think pork chops, chicken parts, minute steaks—but they’re a great way to plan for a big cookout.
The real attraction is the deli counter tucked in the back corner of the store that operates more like a traditional Nashville “meat and three” restaurant than a deli. A rotating menu of classic Southern specialties like baked chicken, meatloaf with red sauce, fried catfish, and a host of down-home side dishes are so beloved that frequent customers plan their weekly calendar around stopping in to pick up a styrofoam clamshell filled with Bi-Rite goodness for lunch. 3116 Belmont Blvd.
#5
Publix at Capitol View
Publix has a lot to offer, from the “Pub Subs” that have earned legions of loyal fans to the aforementioned fried chicken. The delectable birds are prepared fresh in-house—brined, double-breaded, and seasoned with just enough salt and pepper. Needless to say, the Florida-based chain was a welcome addition to the market, especially for Nashvillians who had been spoiled by shopping there during vacations on the Florida Gulf Coast over the years. This particular Publix location is notable as the first major grocery store to move into the urban core and take advantage of the residential boom downtown. Although it is a little more cramped inside than most Publix stores, the fact that it has an attached garage with copious free parking makes it rare as hen’s teeth. 1010 Dr Martin L King Jr Blvd.
Nashville has plenty of markets to pick up ingredients for Latin American or Asian cuisine, but no place serves the Eastern European community like Aleksey’s. Its cases are filled with dozens of varieties of exotic imported cheeses, cured meats, specialty seafood products, and fresh-baked German breads. In addition to prepared foods, customers can stock their larders with staples such as spices, condiments, and grains. They also maintain a rental library of Russian books and movies for an evening of international entertainment. 718 Thompson Ln.
#7
Trader Joe’s Belle Meade
While the city’s first TJ’s opened in Green Hills, that parking lot can turn into a demolition derby at any time of day. So, many fans make the extra drive out to Lion’s Head to scout out the deals offered by the Hawaiian shirt-clad staff at the Belle Meade Trader Joe’s. Nashvillians had long heard the legends of Two-Buck Chuck, 19-cent bananas, Unexpected Cheddar, and those dark chocolate peanut butter cups, so the lines on opening day in Green Hills back in 2008 literally stretched all the way back to the interstate where they blocked the off-ramp. Those patient souls who persisted were rewarded with cultishly cheerful customer service, enough interesting frozen specialty food options to warrant buying a chest freezer, and impulse buys at the checkout certain to run the bill up a bit before leaving. 90 White Bridge Rd.
#8
Aldi East Nashville
While East Nashvillians continue waiting for that Trader Joe’s that they clamor for on neighborhood Facebook pages, many of them have turned to TJ’s corporate cousin, Aldi, for food deals. Curious if a resident is an Aldi shopper? Ask if he or she has a quarter, because you always need to have one on-hand in order to unlock a shopping cart at the store. Aldi’s German roots mean shoppers can find great deals on many products sourced from Europe, including cheese, wine, and chocolate. And really, what else do you need? 615 Gallatin Ave.
#9
K&S World Market
With two locations on the south and west sides of downtown, K&S is the go-to market for shoppers seeking a wide range of international food and ingredients. The massive store’s produce section offers more options of greens than any other store in town, answering the question, “Wait, there’s more than one type of cabbage?” The seafood counter displays multiple species of fish that aren’t just the usual farm-raised salmon, and the prices for live crabs and lobster are exceptional. The meat market offers all sorts of different cuts of beef, pork, and poultry, plus offal options. Where else in Nashville could you find all the parts to sew together your own “Frankenchicken?” 4225 Nolensville Pike
#10
Interasian Market & Deli
While it’s not the largest Asian market in town, InterAsian is well-stocked with staples and specialty products including unusual snack items that have to be—and should be—tried to appreciate. Don’t knock prawn crackers until you’ve tried them! Patrons can break free of the same old, same old produce options offered at most supermarkets by experimenting with delicious varieties of fruits and vegetables like red bananas or won bok cabbage. Definitely stop by the small deli at the front of the store—home to one of the most beloved bánh mì in town! The weekends-only special features roast pork belly, pâté, and char siu, with vegetables served on a crunchy, chewy, toasted French baguette. 2160 Nolensville Pike
Thanks to the time-worn trades of preserving and fermenting, along with winter-ready local meats, cheeses and body products, Tennesseans can savor even the chilliest seasons.
As Nashville’s local grocer for two decades and counting, I think of the year not in months, but in seasons. Middle Tennessee boasts an abundance of food producers capable of filling a table with local, nutritious goodness long after farm stands close for winter.
Growing up on my family’s East Tennessee farm, the natural rhythms of sowing and reaping informed our days and dictated what appeared on our dinner plates. Today, science backs that traditional wisdom. Eating real, seasonally available food is simply good for the body, mind and spirit.
Thanks to the time-worn trades of preserving and fermenting, along with winter-ready local meats, cheeses and body products, Tennesseans can savor even the chilliest seasons.
As purveyors of the purest local foods and products available at our three Nashville locations, our team at Turnip Truck has a few recommendations for your winter grocery list:
Try a better butcher. Thanks to local meat vendors such as Southern Natural Farms, you’ll never have to wonder what path your beef has wandered. Locally sourced and naturally raised offerings available this season include beef raised on my Middle Tennessee farm.
Go for Nashville Hot … Cheese? Punch up the charcuterie with a fresh take on Nashville’s fiery-food craze, with “Nashville Hot Chevre” goat cheese from Franklin-based Noble Springs farm. Just over the state line in Trenton, Kentucky, Amish farm Country View Creamery produces one of our staff’s favorite cheese varieties, the delicious (and aptly named) “Southern Charm.”
Stock your pantry. Nashville grocery aisles are lined with plentiful options of Southern-staple pantry items, perfect for when temps tick downward. At Turnip Truck, we love Southern City Flavors, a family business producing biscuit and cornbread mix, pickled vegetables and jarred jams. Their fig and peach jalapeno jams are party must-haves.
Pour a cup of comfort. Bone broth is a year-round favorite of the health-conscious, but it’s never better than on a chilly day. Protein-packed and great for joints and skin, Nashville’s Ancient Nutrition offers homespun bone broth flavors including Chicken Soup and Tomato Soup.
Tap into cool-weather brews. Nashville breweries are known for creative seasonal varieties, and we carry selections from more than a dozen local brands. Check out seasonal craft beers from hometown favorites Southern Grist, Living Waters, Bearded Iris, Black Abbey and Yazoo.
Embrace creature comforts. Local grocery items range beyond the table and to personal and home care. Cozy up with East Nashville-based Forestdale’s cabin candle and pine-scented incense. The beeswax candle’s wooden wick will light up your home with its fireside crackle.
By embracing the bounty of each season, we eat a richer diet and set the stage for better health. Here’s to savoring the cold-weather cornucopia available in Middle Tennessee.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — The Nashville LGBT Chamber has announced their winners from their 9th annual Pride in Business Awards that took place Friday at Nashville’s Music City Center. Awards were presented to LGBT owned and allied businesses, as well as non-profits, corporate partners, and advocates in the area that are committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and society. Over 100 people and organizations were nominated across the seven categories.
“The Pride in Business Awards highlight the great work businesses and professionals are doing to advance equality in the workplace and society in Tennessee,” said Terry Vo, Board President of the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “Each of our finalists and recipients are committed to keeping our state Open and Equal for all. As Nashville and Tennessee continue to grow, inclusion and diversity are good for businesses and our state.”
Brian Rosman, Vice President of the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce added, “An estimated 1.4 million LGBTQ+ owned businesses add nearly 2 trillion dollars and over 33,000 jobs to the United States economy. Businesses with strong diversity and inclusion practices attract better talent and more potential customers. States that embrace these same principles would see a rise in tax revenues, new jobs, and consumer confidence.”
The 2022 Pride in Business Awards winners were:
President’s Award: Mac Huffington
Corporate Partner of the Year: Nashville Predators
LGBT Business of the Year: Turnip Truck
Business Leader of the Year: David Andrews
Allied Business of the Year: Diskin Cider
Non-Profit of the Year: Oasis Center
Business Resource Group of the Year: Amazon
Advocate of the Year: Joseph Clark
To become a member, or learn more about the chamber click here.
The Post states, “The effects of a tumultuous 2020 were still evident in 2021. Now, the region’s business, political and civic leaders are helping bring their organizations into a new era. Those on it embody what it means to be ‘in charge,’ and it will be up to them to make sure the city and state continue their collective forward trajectory.
John Dyke —Owner, The Turnip Truck: Always-pleasant natural foods advocate who in 2020 opened a grocery on Charlotte Avenue in West Nashville to supplement his Gulch and east side stores, the latter of which began operations in early 2001.”
By Julia Masters – Reporter, Nashville Business Journal
The Turnip Truck has been a Nashville favorite since 2001 when John Dyke opened the first store in East Nashville.
Last Wednesday, the grocer — which sources from over 80 local vendors — announced its fourth location in Midtown, set to open in 2023.
Dyke — raised on a farm in Greene County, Tennessee — has expansive growth plans for the next chapter of Turnip Truck that go beyond his new Vanderbilt neighborhood location.
“I have a map and it has about eight different spots … I know where I want to go, I know the areas,” Dyke said in an interview. “A couple of the spots that I am look at right now would be Madison, Franklin, Mt. Juliet and there are about three or four others.”
When planning a new location, Dyke gets demographic reports on areas he is eying. He will then look for opportunity in a specific piece of property.
“Our vision is to be Nashville’s most local, trusted grocer. To me, Nashville is Metropolitan Nashville, I don’t look at the core,” Dyke said. “Our next venture, and we are looking at it in several different angles right now, we need to create a central commissary-type kitchen.”
The commissary would allow Turnip Truck to have consistency in both recipes and food service across its different locations.
If a large enough piece of real estate is found, Dyke would like to create a store, commissary and warehouse at the same location.
“I could have better buying purchases, better patrol over food, better consistency and be able to look at how we provide these services and build a culture where people that want to grow with the Turnip Truck, we can take care of them,” Dyke said.
The new Midtown location, creating around 100 to 125 jobs, will become a much-needed service in the area, both as a place for professionals and students to grab a quick meal and shop. The Turnip Truck’s space between Lyle and 20th avenues has around 80 parking spots for customers.
“That area, there’s really not many grocery stores and the one grocery store on the other side of Vanderbilt is getting ready to shut down,” Dyke said.
Located in 23,500 square feet of Vanderbilt University’s new graduate and professional student housing, the store will have increased food service offerings in addition to traditional Turnip Truck inventory.
There will be an expanded coffee and juice bar, fresh pizzas, acai bowls, fresh sushi and a build-your-own-burger bar.
A large part of the Turnip Truck’s success is its commitment to high quality produce and its business model of being a reflection of customer feedback, Dyke said.
“We have not waivered off why I set off to do what I did 21 years ago, and it’s always been about this passion of produce. It’s been about local produce, but mainly around organic produce,” Dyke said. “I think sometimes we forget what food is about. … We forget as individuals to slow down and enjoy food.”
Dyke referenced the fresh strawberries he just got in, picking one up, feeling its texture, looking at its color, before just biting in.
Beyond produce, Dyke has 60 grass-fed black angus steer raised in a manner that regenerates the soil and has honey-bee hives at the East Nashville store.
Today, most people that frequent Turnip Truck don’t know it by any other name. But when Dyke opened the store, it was called The Good Earth Market.
Later the name was changed after Dyke said the old Southern expression, “I didn’t just fall off the turnip truck.”
“My favorite part is watching people come in and want to change their lifestyle and eat a healthier way, and watch them keep showing up,” he said.
Though Dyke was determined to get away from his farming background, graduating from The University of Tennessee, he eventually came back to the values it instilled in him: hard work and dedication.
