Raise The Roof

Sometimes, customers show up unannounced at The Pavilion in downtown Franklin and say, “We have 20 people today.” And on most days, it’s not a problem. “What we finally decided is that we can seat 175 people properly,” says Fred Paris, one of the owners of the 4,000-square-foot dining space with a 30-foot retractable glass roof spanning a central courtyard. The setup is as charming as a Disney back lot, with its umbrella tables, stage for live music, and vine-covered, outdoors-in brick walls. But the two tenants, Shale Creek Brewing and Triple Play Barbecue, do not get by on cuteness alone. Shale Creek brews 10 craft beers in-house, including the favorite Don’t Rye for Me amber ale. Pitmaster Jimmy Tindell mans the smoker at Triple Play, delivering award-winning brisket and succulent sliced burnt ends on a bun with pickled onions, and crispy, tender jumbo wings with just the right amount of stickiness. Those who live within The Pavilion’s delivery zone can have their Dirty Bird turkey sandwiches and Triple Play Cheeseburgers (topped with pulled pork and that award-winning brisket) by way of an old-timey beach coaster bicycle outfitted with wire baskets. “I normally do those myself,” says Paris—who, oh by the way, once served as the mayor of Franklin. 176 W. Jefferson St., Franklin, 317-668-0800