- East Nashville Beer Works expanding into Lebanon with a production facility and taproom.
- Lebanon approves $1.5 million incentive to bring East Tennessee staple Aubrey's Restaurant to West Main Street.
- New Exxon with restaurant under construction along State Route 109 near train station.
Recruiting restaurants and retail have been a priority for Lebanon city leaders with several established and unique businesses taking steps to open in the near future.
East Nashville Beer Works, Aubrey's Restaurant, Sam's Club, a food truck court and a combination Exxon/future yet unnamed restaurant near the Martha train station are among those moving forward with recent updates.
Here's the latest on these businesses.
Let us know what you're most excited to see come to town by casting a vote for your favorite up and coming Lebanon restaurant in our poll.
East Nashville Beer Works
The East Nashville Beer Works expansion in Lebanon could open late this summer as work nears completion on a new 16,000-square-foot production facility and taproom on Callis Road.
The original brewery opened in 2016 on Trinity Lane in Nashville, and it will remain open, East Nashville Beer Works founder Anthony Davis said.
The Lebanon brewery near State Route 109, just south of Interstate 40, will include a 30-barrel brew system, brewery and taproom and beer garden.
A full bar will be offered in the taproom with an outdoor bar and an upstairs mezzanine area with a bar that will also be available for rent, Davis said, adding that hopes are to complete construction in August.
Core East Nashville Beer Works beers will be brewed in Lebanon and the brewery plans to own its own canning line. Davis is a former Metro Nashville councilman. Partners John Blackwell and Nelson Remus have roots in Wilson County, Davis said.
The East Nashville food menu, known for made-to-order pizza and more, will be part of the Lebanon location. A fenced in dog area is also planned.
Sam's Club
Sam's Club is looking to build a new store along South Hartmann Drive, just north of Interstate 40, according to city officials.
Infrastructure improvements will be needed to support the Sam's Club, Bell said.
Lebanon’s city council has approved entering an agreement with Endeavor Partners to extend Willard Drive and Hagan Way to support the future Sam's Club and other retail business the city hopes to recruit to that area, which Bell envisions as a "robust retail hub."
The new road is expected to cost about $20 million, according to officials. The city would fund 90% of the project, or about $18 million.
When Aubrey's Restaurant may open after contract approved
The city's industrial board and city council have unanimously approved a $1.5 million incentive to Aubrey's Restaurant as the brand plans to build a 7,636-square-foot restaurant and patio at 1648 W. Main St.
The incentive would be paid in three installments.
The first $500,000 installment is connected to work starting by July 31, according to the contract.
The second $500,000 installment is tied to a completion date of May 1, 2025.
And the final $500,000 installment would be paid for the first anniversary of the brand opening and operating as a fully stocked Aubrey's Restaurant with at least 75 full- and part-time positions.
The $1.5 million must be paid back to the city if the restaurant stops operating within three years of the final payment date, according to the contract.
A site plan has been approved by the city, and a building permit has been submitted, according to Lebanon's planning department.
Trailer Park Food Trucks
The city council recently approved a zoning change tied to a food truck park plan on Callis Road near State Route 109, just south of Interstate 40 in Lebanon.
Trailer Park Food Trucks will have 29 spaces with power hookups available for food trucks to lease annually, said co-owner Heather McDowell. She and her husband Robert McDowell, of Wilson County, and two additional partners make up the ownership group.
There will be an indoor building with a beer bar, a covered area for music and outdoor seating with astroturf for play structures and lawn games, Heather McDowell said. Monthly events are planned for the venue, which sits on about six acres, and it is expected to operate year-round, Heather McDowell said.
“It seems to be a popular concept, and it’s intriguing,” said Ward 4 Councilmember Chris Crowell.
A tentative estimate is to open late 2025 or early 2026.
“The location was selected because it will be easily accessible for Lebanon, Gladeville, Mt. Juliet and other residents collectively in Wilson County,” Heather McDowell said.
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger announced its intention to open a new restaurant on South Hartmann Drive, and has initial site plan approval from the city's planning commission, according to the planning department.
Final approval is still needed.
The brand is well-established on the West Coast and plans to build a new restaurant on vacant property in front of Home Depot.
New restaurant construction can typically take 8-9 months from start to finish, officials said.
An estimated opening wasn’t yet known.
Jonathan's Grille
Jonathan's Grille plans to open a new restaurant in Lebanon as part of a large mixed-use development that's currently under construction.
The restaurant will be located on the northwest corner of Hartmann Drive and Barton Village Boulevard, Suncrest Managing Partner Mike Koch has said.
Building work is expected to start in roughly 45 days with construction estimated for 9-10 months, co-owner Mason Revelette said.
Initial estimates have been to open in early 2025.
Exxon and restaurant coming to Highway 109
An Exxon gas station with additional restaurant space is being built just off State Route 109 near the Martha train Station just north of Highway 70.
A late summer or fall opening is estimated, partner Paul Patel said.
A specific restaurant has not yet been confirmed. The Exxon will be about 5,500 square feet and the restaurant will be about 1,800 square feet, Patel said. The spaces will be housed under one roof.
Patel was also involved in a new Exxon that recently opened in a renovated building off Highway 109 and Hanco*ck Street in Gallatin.
Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or615-726-5939 and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles.
