Williamson County business news: Tourism recovery, broadband and a new-look coffee shop
It's been a long summer of record-breaking heat in Williamson County. Now that fall is finally here, what's new in the county's business world?
Coffee and Coconuts becomes Honest Coffee Roasters
Berry Farms coffee shop Coffee and Coconuts started serving morning brews in 2017, but an Instagram post in late August announced that changes were coming to the neighborhood coffee shop. No need to pour one out for the loss of a neighborhood favorite, though — the shop was acquired by Franklin's Honest Coffee Roasters and will continue to serve the community as Honest Coffee Roasters — Berry Farms.4000 Hughes Crossing #120, Franklin, TN 37064 honest.coffee
Countywide visitor spending tops $1 billion in 2021
Middle Tennessee is a prime destination for visitors, but the lucrative tourism industry faced financial setbacks during the coronavirus pandemic. Recent data from the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics, however, points to strong recovery in Williamson County. Visitors generated $1.04 billion in direct economic impact in 2021, the agency reported, marking a 34% increase from 2020 and a return to 2018's pre-pandemic figure. The report estimated 1.3 million visited the county in 2021, a 40.5% increase from 2020. Direct economic impact refers to the direct impact tourists have on an area's spending, job creation and tax revenue.
More new renderings at The Factory
The Factory retail complex is getting a facelift, and new renderings from owner and manager Holladay Properties showcase what the new space will look like. The Factory's distinct water tower will become the focal point of a park-like area, and a new courtyard will provide outdoor gathering space on the Franklin Road side of the property. A previously-announced Grand Hall renovation is set to open in early 2023.
For subscribers: Williamson County, the suburban ‘new frontier’ for American evangelical Christianity
Broadband improvements coming to Williamson County
Williamson County is home to high-tech corporate headquarters and shiny new subdivisions, but some residents struggle to access reliable internet services. The disparity became especially apparent during the coronavirus pandemic, when residents switched to home offices and remote work. A federal report discovered about one in six Tennessee residents are underserved for broadband. Thanks to $14 million in grant funding, announced Sept. 12, improved broadband is coming to Williamson County. Franklin-based United Communications received $53.4 million in grants to bolster service in the county, as well as Bedford, Giles, Lincoln, Moore, Marshall, Franklin and Maury counties. It’s part of a statewide push to provide more reliable and affordable internet access to residents — especially in rural areas.
Williamson County: a new hub for evangelical business
Williamson County has become a hub of evangelical businesses, with companies such as Ramsey Solutions, Educational Media Foundation and Lifeway setting up shop in the rapidly-growing corporate office parks. The Tennessean recently penned an article explaining the influx of Christian-affiliated businesses, and what it means for Williamson County, a community increasingly defined by a network of evangelical Christians who hold political and cultural power.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Williamson County business news: Tourism, broadband and coffee
