Halfway Market and Diner — Restaurant in Franklin

Just last year it was all-the-way-gone market. Now, Half-Way is almost all-the-way back and it's back in style. And the lunch special still tastes like lunch in your great-grandma's kitchen! It's the same friendly family-style open seating, but more tables, more seats, and that means more smiles while you greet and eat.

It's another Franklin melting pot experience where everyone and anyone drops in. You can have a basket of grabbable bites with crinkle fries or forkable mains and side items that have been stewing all morning just waiting to sit on a foam plate alongside a square of cornbread.

In its heyday, the old fork-in-the-road general storefront almost had enough room to park your truck alongside then squeeze past the counter to find an open seat. The reincarnated model is an upgrade from the homey clutter of Grandpa's corner station to the warmth of great-aunt Martha's parlor after she moved into that meeting house. Y'member that? You can even put your whole-self in and turn it all about!

But, you can still just barely park your truck (some things shouldn't change...like crowd control.)  The new dig even has a  proper kitchen and service counter. And some day...maybe some day...they'll even have pork chop sandwiches on the menu again. Watch that menu...

Halfway Market and Diner offers a true taste of Southern comfort food, and it doesn't disappoint. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like you're stepping into a family gathering. The standout feature is the large communal dinner table, which encourages conversation and gives the place a homely, communal feel—perfect for sharing a meal with family, friends, or even strangers who quickly feel like friends.

The menu is filled with Southern classics like fried chicken, biscuits, and gravy, alongside comfort food staples like mac and cheese and collard greens. Everything tastes homemade and hearty, with portions that guarantee you won't leave hungry. The food feels like it's been passed down through generations, with that rich, flavorful touch that only true Southern cooking can provide.

Whether you're stopping by for a casual lunch or a full dinner spread, Halfway Market and Diner offers a delightful, down-home experience that's hard to find these days. It's not just the food—it's the feeling of belonging and comfort that makes this place special. Highly recommended for anyone craving authentic Southern...

Sitting down at the community table with a plate of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and white gravy, turnip greens, and a coleslaw with tomatoes in it, the 3 patrons I was joining didn't just agree to let me join their table but introduced themselves by name. This is my kind of place! As I waited in line to pay after compiling my meat and 3 plate at the counter, a waitress walked by and told me to sit down and eat, I could pay afterward. Plenty of places say they feel like home but Halfway really does. People in line and eating knew staff members, talked about grandkids, pets, and summer plans. I'll be back and I'm...