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Producing Smiles on an Industrial Scale

Shop & Dine
Things to Do

Events

Franklin Farmers Market

Apr 19

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

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Trivia Tuesday

Apr 22

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

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Jersey Boys

May 1

7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

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First Friday Franklin Art Crawl

May 2

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

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The Round @ Harbor + Union

May 14

8:30 am - 10:00 am

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Vintage at The Factory

May 17

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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The Factory at Franklin is your destination for top retail brands, local artisanal goods, culinary delights, and live entertainment.

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Our Story

The Factory at Franklin is home to some of middle Tennessee’s most-loved local businesses and performance venues. Once a former stove factory, this historic property is now a top destination for shopping artisan goods, trying culinary delights, and watching great live entertainment. You can even host your next event in one or more of our eight unique venues.

Factory Entrance - Visit Us in Franklin, TN
Franklin TN History - Visit Us at The Factory

Construction Begins

Construction begins on the new Allen Manufacturing Company stove works thanks to the joint effort of Franklin citizens to raise $175,000 in stock purchases to help cover the cost of construction.

O. L. Dortch of Liberty Range Works

O. L. Dortch of Liberty Range Works, another Nashville-based stove manufacturer, purchases the plant and most of the machinery at auction for $60,000 after Allen Manufacturing Company files for bankruptcy. Dortch rebrands as Dortch Stove Works and proceeds to lead the plant and the city through the Great Depression and World War 2, employing over 500 people at peak operation.

Dortch merges with Magic Chef Inc.

Dortch merges with Magic Chef Inc. of St. Louis, an industry leader with experience in advancing appliance technology. Most Dortch employees retain their jobs in the merger.

Franklin Purchases the Factory

After Magic Chef Inc. announces that they may have to close the Franklin plant, Mayor Gray declares that the city will purchase the plant and lease it to Magic Chef Inc. at a favorable rate, keeping the plant and associated jobs in town for a few more years.

Jamison Bedding Company

6 months after Magic Chef closes shop in the Franklin plant, Jamison Bedding Company announces plans to lease the plant from the city – all manufacturing will be handled in Franklin, while sales and warehouses remain in Nashville.

Jamison Moves Divisions

Jamison plans to cease manufacturing in Franklin and move divisions to other plants in the southeast. The company retains the front office and some storage space.

1991 to 1996

The plant remains dormant and begins to decay as the city struggles to find a new tenant or owner for the 350,000-square-foot complex.

Calvin LeHew

Calvin LeHew purchases the plant for $1,000,000.00 with the intent of transforming it into a creative space for the community with shopping, dining, classes, and events. The Factory at Franklin is born.

Dortch Stove Works

Dortch Stove Works is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for significance to industry and commerce in Franklin.

The Magnolia House

The first new businesses at the Factory open – The Magnolia House restaurant and Stogies Cigar Bar & Bistro. Antique shops and other businesses follow.

Brad Kelley

Brad Kelley, a businessman from Kentucky, purchases The Factory from Calvin LeHew.

Holladay Properties purchases the Factory

Holladay Properties purchases the Factory at Franklin for $56 million. It is currently undergoing a series of renovations that will add restaurants, green spaces, and improve event venues!

Book an Event

at The Factory

Planning an event? Come experience the historic charm, creative possibilities and event services The Factory has to offer. Visit us in Franklin, TN. We will help you create an experience unlike any other.

Book an Event

Liberty Hall The Heritage Room The Skylight Turner Theater

FAQ

Yes, parking at The Factory is complimentary for most visitors! However, during special events, parking policies may change. Please note that Saturdays can get busy, so to ease congestion, we partner with the Franklin Transit Authority to offer a convenient shuttle service from Liberty Elementary School for just $1 each way. The shuttle runs every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For added convenience, valet parking is also available for $14 per vehicle. Valet service operates:

  • Thursday & Friday: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Saturday: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.

We are open daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. We are closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. We close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Service animals are permitted inside. To comply with health codes, we kindly ask that non-service animals remain outside. Leashed pets are more than welcome to join you in our beautiful outdoor spaces, especially the charming Watertower Park facing Franklin Road. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming both you and your furry companions to enjoy our outdoor areas!

If you’ve lost something, we’re here to help reunite you with your belongings. Please give us a call at 615-791-1777 to report your missing item. Be sure to provide a detailed description of the item, and we’ll jump right on it, returning your call promptly. We’re dedicated to helping you find what you’ve lost!


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