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Marshalls, Aldi Grocery, Starbucks, and more coming to Franklin

Franklin’s future Chick-Fil-A is starting to take shape as walls have been erected for the fast food chain. Chick-Fil-A wont be the only thing located in the retail development as both Aspen Dental, Aldi grocery store, and a full Starbucks have all been confirmed for the plaza. 

The town of Franklin received an email from Aspen Dental for their new plans for an office in Franklin last week. In addition to the Aspen Dental development plans, there was also a 2,500 sq ft Starbucks with drive thru and a 20,666 sq ft grocery store. While the grocery store was not named on Aspen Dental’s plans submitted to the town of Franklin, Aldi’s has signed a lease with Hendon-Tiller, the developer building the plaza. The lease is on file at the Macon County Register of Deeds office. The “Coming Soon” sign on the property also names both Aspen Dental and Aldi. 

According to the company’s “About” section online, “Aspen Dental practices are committed to treating patients with the compassion and respect they deserve. The practices believe in providing comprehensive care that addresses both your short- and long-term dental care needs, and promise to provide an honest, judgment-free environment where it all comes down to great care.”

The future Franklin location for Aldi is part of the company expansion efforts that were launched in early 2021. Considered the Grocery Value Leader,” ALDI continues coast-to-coast expansion with new stores, its 26th regional headquarters and distribution center and expanded eCommerce offerings. The retailer announced in February that it will open approximately 100 new locations nationwide in 2021.

ALDI is one of America’s fastest-growing retailers, serving millions of customers across the country each month. With more than 2,000 stores across 37 states, ALDI is on track to become the third-largest grocery retailer by store count by the end of 2022. 

For 10 years running, ALDI has held the esteemed title of Value Leader among U.S. grocery stores according to the latest Market Force Information® U.S. Grocery Competitive Study, and ALDI has been No. 1 for price according to the Dunnhumby Retailer Preference Index Report for four years running. Since 1976, ALDI has offered a unique shopping experience where customers Shop differentli® and never have to compromise on quality, selection or value. In fact, 1 in 3 ALDI-brand products is award-winning.

The development plans will also include a full-service Starbucks that will include a drive-thru option. 

In addition to the development of the plaza near Chick-Fil-A, Marshalls Department Store confirmed last month they too will soon be opening a Franklin location. While the timeline is still unknown, company representatives said additional details will be released soon. Marshalls will be located in the Westgate Shopping Plaza in the former Kmart building. Harbor Freight occupies a portion of the building, leaving space open for Marshalls. 

Marshalls is an American chain of off-price department stores owned by TJX Companies. Marshalls has over 1,000 American stores, including larger stores named Marshalls Mega Store, covering 42 states and Puerto Rico, and 61 stores in Canada. Marshalls is one of the largest U.S. off-price family apparel and home fashion retailer, along with its sister company, TJ Maxx. 

18 Comments

  1. Nina Nina November 16, 2021

    Fabulous progress for our small town. Way to grow, everyone!

  2. Amanda B Amanda B November 26, 2021

    We just purchased a house in Franklin this year and I am excited to see so much growth and activity!

  3. Rose Rose February 6, 2022

    When is Aldis and Marshall opening?

    • Brittney Lofthouse Brittney Lofthouse Post author | February 11, 2022

      Marshalls has since cancelled plans.

      • Vickie Lodge Vickie Lodge March 3, 2022

        What is the problem in this area??? Is it the City of Franklin? Or is it Macon County? Who are the current “founding fathers” who have THAT much power in our small town? Why is it that whoever’s squashes every business that is interested in helping expansion in Franklin? There are soooo very many business opportunities in this town. Building contractors. Doctors. Dentists. Home decor. Clothing for men, women & children. Real restaurants!!! That are actually open for business! Sports stores that is a real sports store, not the one in town that has lost previous contracts with very well known companies. i.e. Nike, UnderArmore, etc. All that the current sports store,’s inventory is old model left over small amount of inventory. I know that the population here has grown by leaps and bounds in the past several years. Probably completely unexpected by these “founding fathers” but my gosh! This what has happened and people need to open their eyes and their minds and realize it’s time to join the rest of our great country. Time to help Franklin, NC and Macon County out in ways that WILL benefit all!

        • Kate Herold Kate Herold November 3, 2022

          I agree! what’s wrong with these people? Are they old timers just trying to preserve the small town vibe? Some of us would love more shopping and selection of businesses.

  4. Connie Connie February 10, 2022

    So exciting! Glad to see Aldi and Marshalls!

    • Brittney Lofthouse Brittney Lofthouse Post author | February 11, 2022

      Marshalls has since cancelled plans.

  5. Lauren Brandao Lauren Brandao February 12, 2022

    Brittney, please speak to whomever is in negotiations with Marshall’s or Tjmaxx
    We need either store here. Walmart should not be our only choice. It’s really sad when you have to drive a distance to buy nice clothing or home decor reasonably priced.
    This town needs to allow competition

  6. Mason Mason February 12, 2022

    New mobile bike shop covers our area now! If you ride bikes this is HUGE!

  7. donna thomas donna thomas March 6, 2022

    When is Aldi opening to the public

    • Tina Tina July 24, 2022

      Did Aldi open yet?

  8. Pat Kudla Pat Kudla April 8, 2022

    We were considering a move to Franklin but reconsidered.
    Despite population growth, New business seems unwelcome in the area and commerce is “stuck in place “.
    Some new retailers and a big box store or two would make real estate a lot more attractive!

  9. Marilyn Waylen Marilyn Waylen July 17, 2022

    We are new to Franklin and love the location. However, it is sad that a Walmart super store is the best one-stop retailer available. The store is poorly lit, over stocked giving it a junky look and in general it gives off an unwelcoming vibe. An alternative is necessary and I’m driving Mike’s and miles to find it.

  10. Pamela Bailey Pamela Bailey October 18, 2022

    I have moved from Charlotte NC. Can’t wait for Aldi’s and Marshall’s. That’s all we needed in charlotte at Cotswold Mall. Maybe Bath and Body would work too!!! 🤣

  11. Phyllis Brink Phyllis Brink January 30, 2023

    I will literally throw up if another fast food chain opens up in Franklin.
    I can tell you what we really need here is ENT surgeons. My husband needs a laryngectomy and the closes hospital to do that surgery is in Atlanta ga.

  12. Phyllis Brink Phyllis Brink January 30, 2023

    I hear that an Amazon distribution center is opening in the industrial park here in Franklin, but when

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