During this past year, we’ve all been a bit more aware of how our shopping affects our community. We’ve seen local restaurants and independently-owned businesses close, and still more struggle to remain afloat.
One of the simplest ways to support local business owners, essential workers, and connect with others in your community is making the switch from large chain grocery stores to independent, locally-owned markets. We all have to eat, and most of us frequent grocery stores, which makes this switch one of the best places to start.
Today, we’re sharing our top local grocery alternatives to big box stores. We hope you’ll stop by at least one of the following excellent grocers or the farmers market in the coming weeks!
Many of these grocery stores and markets offer contactless curbside pickup and/or delivery right to your door, so be sure to check out the included store website links for detailed information on these services.
Coco’s Italian Market
411 51st Ave N
Nashville
(615) 783-0114
Coco’s West Italian Restaurant features a cozy market where one can snag take-and-bake dishes, pre-made baskets, and a selection of Italian staples. If you’re a transplant from an American city with a rich Italian heritage, or a West Italian immigrant looking for a taste of home, you’ll be delighted with the authentic flavors of Coco’s.
Demeter’s Common
116 N College St
Lebanon
(615) 965-2944
Demeter’s Common, named for the Greek goddess of agriculture, has a mission to bring organic groceries and lifestyle products to Lebanon. Here you’ll find the more familiar natural grocery items alongside a co-op style household cleaning supply refill station, on-tap kombucha and water kefir, houseplants, supplements, and local art for sale.
The Green Door Gourmet
7007 River Rd Pike
Nashville
(615) 942-7169
This majestic 350-acre farm has a weekly farmers market and farm box subscription. Your box can be tailored to include fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The farm’s market also features cooperative-sourced honey, jams, baked goods, dairy, grass-fed meats, and more!
Hendersonville Produce
760 E Main St #1
Hendersonville
(615) 826-0033
Located in central Hendersonville, this local market is part farmers market, part local grocer. They offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) box pickups, and a great selection of locally-grown produce, grass-fed meats, natural foods, and artisanal products. While you’re shopping, be sure to check out their coffee and tea bar as well!
InterAsian Market
2160 Nolensville Pike
Nashville
(615) 742-3268
Visit the Website
Since 1994, InterAsian market has brought hard-to-find Southeast Asian groceries to Nashville. This family-owned market is on the petite side, but it features an impressive selection of imported and local packaged foods as well as a beautiful selection of produce. The deli dishes are guaranteed to satisfy your traditional SE Asian meal cravings, so we recommend stopping by when you’re hungry!
Jasper’s
1918 West End Ave
Nashville
(615) 327-4410
Sadly, Nashville had to say goodbye to Saltine Restaurant during the COVID-19 shutdowns. However, this newest incarnation of the team’s creativity features takeout meals, house-made sauces, charcuterie, locally-made chocolates, baked goods made by the pastry staff (by pre-order only), gift baskets, packaged snacks, drinks (including tea and coffee), Nashville-themed merch, and a selection of specialty eats.
Madison Inglewood Market
4702 Gallatin Pike
Nashville
(615) 227-5750
This popular Latin food market features bulk spices, dry goods, a highly skilled butcher staff, and a wide selection of produce. If you’re searching for ingredients for authentic Latin recipes, this is your one-stop-shop.
Mazfresco Market
3953 Nolensville Pike
Nashville
(615) 709-3179
This full-service market features products and produce from Puerto Rico, Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador, Columbia, Argentina, Venezuela, Guatemala, Cuba, and Peru. Stop by for house-made tortillas, fresh bread, and salsas, – or visit the impressive meat counter, seafood department, or shop fresh produce. The delicious aromas that hit shoppers when they arrive are from the fresh hot meals made daily in the kitchen, making this a fantastic stop for meals on the go.
Nashville Farmers Market
900 Rosa L Parks Blvd
Nashville
(615) 880-2001
Our nationally famous farmers market now offers pick-up orders via the WhatsGood Marketplace app so you can easily source local and regional foods any time of the year. The Nashville Farmers Market’s wide selection of market stalls, artisan booths, shops, and restaurants are open 7 days a week.
The Produce Place
4000 Murphy Rd
Nashville
(615) 383-2664
Open since 1988, The Produce Place holds the title of Nashville’s oldest natural foods market. Shop regional and local produce, meat and dairy, cheeses, bread, coffee, kombucha, local honey, sweets, spreads, and many more natural goods either in-store or online with curbside pickup on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The Produce Place still asks customers to wear a mask while inside the store so that everyone is safe and comfortable shopping there during this time of transition back to normalcy.
Tower Market and Deli
1305 Gallatin Ave
Nashville
(615) 650-1005
Tower Market and Deli serves breakfast, lunch, an array of deli sandwiches, burgers, chicken, salads, and more. The cuisine features New York classics with a southwest flair, all made with local and regional organic ingredients.
Additionally, the market features locally-grown organic produce, grass-fed meats and dairy, coffee and teas, and specialty products.
The Turnip Truck
701 Woodland St
Nashville
(615) 650-3600
Open since 2001, The Turnip Truck calls itself East Nashville’s only full-service natural foods grocer. Shop local, ethically-grown produce, meats, bulk selections, wine and beer, natural health and wellness products, house-made baked goods, on-tap kombucha and cold-brew coffee, hot and cold salad bar, and a juice bar that whips up freshly-made 100% organic juices.
Whether you’re new in town, thinking about relocating to Tennessee, or are a long-standing resident branching out to local grocers for the first time, we hope you have found this guide to local independent grocers helpful.
If you’re an independent grocer connoisseur, let us know if your favorite spot is featured here by leaving us a comment below. If you have additional recommendations for Middle Tennessee’s newest residents, we would love to read your suggestions.
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