FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Char Restaurant, known for its modern Southern cuisine with distinct spirit and charm, will soon welcome guests to its newest location at 787 Crescent Centre Drive in Franklin. Situated within Canteen on Carothers in the Cool Springs corridor, Char brings its signature blend of premium steaks, fresh seafood, Southern favorites and classic cocktails to Williamson County, offering a new destination for business lunches, date nights, after-work drinks, weekend brunches and special occasions.
“We wanted Char to feel like a natural gathering place for the Cool Springs community, with the same attention to detail that defines our restaurants,” said Doug Hogrefe, partner at 4Top Hospitality. “From the warm, inviting design and lively piano bar to a menu that blends Southern favorites with classic steakhouse offerings, every element comes together to create an inviting atmosphere and memorable dining experience. We’re proud to bring Char to Franklin and look forward to seeing how the community makes it their own.”
Spanning approximately 6,500 square feet, Char offers a thoughtfully designed setting that pairs classic Southern character with contemporary details, accommodating up to 215 guests across its dining room, bar, private dining rooms and patio. Eighteen-foot ceilings and expansive glass windows fill the space with natural light, while a warm oak bar, brass lighting and smoked-glass chandeliers bring texture and character to the space. Classic booths, banquettes and wood finishes create an inviting atmosphere for lingering meals and lively conversations.
The experience extends beyond the dining room to the outdoor patio at Canteen on Carothers, where guests can dine among green spaces and flowing water features. For private gatherings, the restaurant offers dedicated dining rooms with space for business meetings, celebrations and special events.
The menu showcases Char’s approach to modern Southern cuisine, featuring USDA Prime and Choice cuts of meat, fresh seafood and homestyle sides made for sharing, alongside weekday meat-and-three specials and a New Orleans-style jazz brunch on Sundays. Guests can also enjoy classic cocktails, a curated selection of bourbon and a diverse wine list to round out the menu. At the heart of the experience is Char’s signature piano bar, where the nightly live piano program led by Lori Mechem brings an added sense of occasion to the restaurant’s atmosphere.
Char will be open Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant will welcome guests for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and private events. For more information, menus and reservations, visit franklin.charrestaurant.com.
Founded in Jackson, Mississippi, in 2001, Char continues to grow across the Southeast, with locations in Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama. The Franklin opening marks another step towards the restaurant’s presence in Middle Tennessee, with a forthcoming Murfreesboro location set to become Char’s sixth restaurant and the first in Rutherford County.
ABOUT CHAR
Char Restaurant is a contemporary steakhouse offering modern Southern cuisine with distinct spirit and charm. The warm and stylish dining room is complemented by a lively piano bar featuring nightly entertainment and a jazz trio during Sunday brunch. Menu highlights include USDA Prime and Choice cuts of meat, fresh seafood, homestyle sides to share, Blue Plate lunch specials and a selection of classic cocktails, wine and bourbon. Founded in Jackson, Mississippi in 2001, Char has expanded throughout the Southeast with locations in Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama, and is part of Nashville-based 4Top Hospitality Group, which owns and operates a collection of restaurants including Amerigo, Char, etch, etc., Saltine and Jasper’s. More information is available at 4tophospitality.com.
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