Williamson Square — Local services in Franklin

My son’s response when we left was “that was awesome!” I’m thankful for that, but my take was the opposite. Overall, there was a lack of information and a lot of assumptions. Multiple times I heard other customers say, “I’m totally confused.” One huge positive: I love the scenario/mission-based concept as well as the layout. It has the potential to be amazing. But pulling this off requires clear instructions. FYI: We were just there for fun…not a realistic military scenario. Here’s a rundown of my frustrations: I had to go there or call to get pricing information. There was no price information on the website. We used a Groupon…definitely the way to go. After paying, the initial instructions on equipment/setting were rushed and unclear. There was no explanation about what to do or where to go as a walk-in (vs. a group). The instructor seemed irritated when I asked where to wait for each mission. There was no process/procedure. I asked when/where we would get gear and the answer was, “after you swipe in.” I found out later what that meant. No one explained that you would be in a time-sensitive situation in a cramped room with no explanation about which kinds of weapons are located where; not to mention that the scenario might dictate which vest color you need to pick. The time sensitive element is part of the mission-based theme and is actually really cool. Instructors are yelling and demanding that you move quickly. Again, very cool if you know what you’re doing, but the first time you see the equipment is in this rushed situation. The first mission is really about understanding the equipment and the setting. You come out of the first mission with more questions than answers. No one was rude, but they seemed a little frustrated by my questions. The scenarios are very cool, but no time is allowed for even a 60-second team conversation, and by the way, unless you're there with a group, your team consists of people you’ve never met before. Success in some scenarios requires leadership and coordination. In some scenarios, a glow stick represents the team color. This is great, but in others, when the vest color is the only differentiating factor for teams, it’s complicated because the room is dark. The weapon status display is great but in the dark you can’t see it without pressing a button. In the mission scenario, you’ll get hit if you take that much time to check remaining lives or ammunition. The realistic feel of the weapons is a huge positive although it's difficult to know when you get a hit. Please consider adding a 1-2 minute “equipment check for understanding” before the rushing begins. I hope this doesn't sound too harsh. My goal is that it improves and is successful. We'll...

Edit to Owner: Don't try to shift blame. You just lost one of the two stars you had. Yes, of course I'm sure it was your location. Do I write like some illiterate imbecile who doesn't know where he is? It's the old Kroger location and you're literally one of two laser tag places in Franklin. Also, as of 10 days now, the money I was told would be credited to my account has not been. I'll be reporting to you to triple B.

A low rent, defective rip off.

I grew up in the area going to laser quest in Nashville and expected something similar. Took my nephew there as a quick time killer on his birthday. Was told they only sold bundles of 3 games, but that we could both use one bundle. Ok. Was then sold 2 bundles. Whatever, figured I'd give them to him and my brother could take him another time.

Were given a quick info rundown, which considering the game after, was woefully inadequate.

Got into the game and I never could figure out if our gear was defective, but I think it was because I was trying to shoot a guys sensor at point blank range while nothing happened. Couldn't be sure if it wouldn't let me shoot because I was getting hit or because it needed a reload(which you have to do, but you don't have any way of knowing how many shots you have and how many you've fired) or because, like I think, it was defective gear.

Anyway, I ran out of lives in the first 45 seconds of a 15 minute game and the girl refreeing the game was so surprised that I was out so quick that she put me right back in, but it did nothing to fix my gear. My nephew was out right after me and she was trying to put him back when we just decided to leave.

The course itself was low rent with some lightweight waist high cubes and garden water tanks as "obstacles" in 8 bunches in a single level, small rectangular room.

All in all, pretty disappointing. I guess it's potentially possible that we didn't know and weren't using the equipment properly, but I'm skeptical of that because we failed to get a single tag on anyone and how quickly we got killed. However, even if we weren't using it correctly, it's still an overly complicated, not fun system. After all, who wants to drop $55 for 2 people to play a game each and be out in a minute either bc you can't figure out the gear or it doesn't work. I give them 2 stars bc they put the money back on my card but we'll see if it...

There's a lot I like here! While it's not as much a one stop shopping center as Alexander Plaza since there's no grocery store anymore, it does have some of my favorite businesses.

The Chop House is my favorite family dining restaurant. It's delicious and reasonably priced. Their pastas and steaks are so good!

Ice Point Poke is our go-to poke choice. There are maybe a couple fewer premium protein choices for their bowls but the prices are much better. The food is very fresh, portions are generous, you can choose a chef creation off the menu or create your own bowl. They also have good sushi (including sushi bowls), awesome bubble tea, and delicious smoothies (again, also smoothie bowls)!

Vapor Cafe is one of Franklin's first and still my favorite vape shops. Dollar Tree is fun to browse through. Garcia's has good Mexican food (Americanized but tasty).

Act Too theater school was one of the best things to ever happen to my child when he was in middle school. He was supported and given a chance to shine. The shows they put on are professional quality. There is not the nepotism you find in a lot of theater groups. If you enroll your child, they'll be actually TAUGHT things about dance, singing, music, lighting and sound (if they're interested in production), costuming and props, theater history. The owners and staff are loving and nurturing while being professional at...