Looking Ahead in 2026: A Lifestyle & Real Estate Insight Series
When buyers consider a move to Brentwood or Franklin, they’re not just asking about homes, they’re asking about lifestyle.
Where will we eat on a Friday night?
What areas feel vibrant but still livable?
Is this a community that’s growing intentionally?
Williamson County continues to stand out across Middle Tennessee for exactly that reason. Growth here isn’t accidental, it’s carefully curated. As we look ahead to 2026, several highly anticipated restaurant, retail, and mixed-use openings are shaping the future of everyday life in Franklin, Brentwood, Cool Springs, and beyond.
Below is a look at what’s coming to Williamson County in 2026, and why it matters to buyers, homeowners, and anyone watching the market closely.
New Restaurants Opening in Williamson County in 2026
In-N-Out Burger — Franklin (Berry Farms)
One of the most talked-about restaurant announcements in the region, In-N-Out Burger is officially expanding to Tennessee, with Franklin selected as a key location. This marks the brand’s first expansion east of Texas and coincides with its new eastern territory office headquarters in Williamson County.
Beyond the buzz, this opening signals national confidence in Franklin’s long-term growth, traffic patterns, and lifestyle appeal, which are all factors buyers pay attention to when choosing where to live.
Char Restaurant — Canteen on Carothers (Franklin)
Opening as part of the Canteen on Carothers development, Char Restaurant brings a modern Southern steakhouse experience to Franklin. Known for USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, and live jazz brunch, this concept adds a refined dining option to one of the area’s fastest-growing corridors.
Truce Restaurant — Franklin
Truce is a new fine-food-fast concept expected to open in Franklin, focused on organic, chef-crafted meals in a thoughtfully designed setting. Concepts like this reflect a growing demand for quality dining that fits seamlessly into busy, health-conscious lifestyles — something many relocating buyers actively seek.
Pelato — Franklin
Pelato, a highly anticipated Italian dining concept, is coming to Franklin in 2026. Known for handmade pastas, refined Italian flavors, and a warm, upscale atmosphere, Pelato adds to Franklin’s growing reputation as a destination for elevated yet approachable dining.
Its arrival reflects continued demand for chef-driven restaurants that prioritize quality, experience, and neighborhood appeal — a major factor for buyers evaluating long-term livability.
Coffee Culture in Williamson County: What’s New & What Matters in 2026
Coffee shops often say more about a community than people realize. For buyers relocating from larger cities, strong coffee culture is a key lifestyle indicator.
Silver Fox Coffee Lounge — Brentwood (CityPark)
Silver Fox Coffee Lounge is opening its first Williamson County location at CityPark in Brentwood. Known for high-quality espresso, house-made pastries, and chef-driven food offerings, this café is designed as a true gathering place, ideal for remote work, casual meetings, or relaxed weekend mornings.
Its arrival further enhances CityPark’s appeal as a walkable, lifestyle-focused destination in Brentwood.
New Experiences & Entertainment Coming to Williamson County in 2026
As buyers place more emphasis on how they spend their time, experiential amenities are becoming just as important as restaurants and retail. In 2026, Williamson County is welcoming new entertainment and social concepts that add energy, connection, and fun to everyday life.
The Raven — Brentwood
The Raven is a new experiential venue opening in Brentwood, designed to blend atmosphere, entertainment, and social gathering into one destination. While details continue to unfold, early buzz points to a thoughtfully designed space that brings something entirely new to the Brentwood area — expanding options beyond traditional dining and shopping.
Openings like this signal a shift toward intentional placemaking, where residents can enjoy elevated experiences close to home without heading downtown.
Crush Yard — Brentwood
Crush Yard, a social pickleball and entertainment concept, is set to open in Williamson County in 2026. Combining indoor and outdoor courts with food, drinks, and community-driven programming, Crush Yard reflects the growing demand for active, social experiences that appeal to a wide range of ages.
Concepts like this are especially attractive to relocating buyers looking for:
- Built-in community
- Health-conscious recreation
- Casual, repeatable social experiences
McEwen Northside & Cool Springs: A Key Lifestyle District in 2026
The Cool Springs area, particularly McEwen Northside, remains one of Williamson County’s most dynamic mixed-use districts. Its blend of office space, residential living, dining, and retail continues to attract professionals, families, and relocating buyers.
Paris Baguette — McEwen Northside (Franklin)
Internationally loved for its artisan pastries, breads, and café fare, Paris Baguette is confirmed to open at McEwen Northside. This European-style bakery café adds an all-day option for coffee meetings, casual lunches, and everyday convenience within a walkable setting.
Hawkers Asian Street Food — McEwen Northside (Franklin)
Known for bold flavors inspired by Asian street markets, Hawkers is bringing its high-energy, shareable dining experience to the area, a natural fit for McEwen Northside’s social, modern atmosphere.
Why These Openings Matter to Buyers & Homeowners
Today’s buyers aren’t just purchasing a home, they’re choosing a lifestyle. Restaurants, cafés, retail, and walkable destinations all play a role in long-term desirability and property value.
What we’re seeing heading into 2026 reflects:
- Intentional, lifestyle-driven growth
- Strong interest from both national brands and local favorites
- Communities designed for connection, convenience, and longevity
It’s one of the many reasons Franklin and Brentwood continue to rank among the most desirable places to live in Middle Tennessee.
Stay tuned for next week’s blog in our Looking Ahead in 2026 series: a closer look at new neighborhoods coming to Williamson County and what buyers should know before making a move.