Sperry's Cool Springs — Restaurant in Franklin

We returned to Sperry's to help celebrate our anniversary. We didn't wait long to be seated but noticed the restaurant was unusually loud, very loud and so much so we had to speak loudly to each other just to converse. Our waitress, Laura arrived promptly, very cordial and friendly and gave a run down of the specials and took our drink order. After placing our order the salad bar was fresh and good and being replenished while we were serving ourselves. Our food arrived timely, steaks were flavorful and done to perfection, no complaints. However the twice baked potatoes was served as a "half" a potatoes and a surprise to only be a half as it isn't notated as such on the menu and was truly overloaded with cheese. We really didn't understand why only half a potatoes, especially being billed at $7 just like any full side dish. Bo a Mgr., visited our table to check on things which was good to see a mgr on the floor. But shortly after his visit we realized why it was so loud - we think they've added more tables leading to a crowded floor, therefore more customers and more "noise." We've never been to Sperry's before when it's been so overload (almost like a roadhouse loudness). Also we noticed several customers dressed very casual - shorts, t-shirts, halter-tops, flip flop as well as baseball caps and even a cowboy hat worn inside and during the meals of those wearing such attire. We certainly don't mind that kind of attire in a different type of dining establishment. However Sperry's obviously wants to be more on the upscale side and should not permit such attire in the restaurant. We also received a complimentary dessert of our choosing which we chose the brownie ala'mode and it was a generous piece, warm, drizzled with chocolate and delicious. All in all, good food however the dining experience was a bit surprising due to definitely an over-crowded seating/floor contributing to loud atmosphere as well as too casual dressed patrons with headwear that should have definitely been removed inside. 7/30: I'm not sure we understand Sperry's reply ".. to contact.." They have the info as well as ours and if they want and care to contact as implied, then do so. Don't expect us to initiate contact for something involving concerns already...

Plant based, but surprised my steak loving husband with his first dinner at Sperry's last night! He saw the menu and was excited. We both fasted all day and couldn't wait to enjoy our dinner.

Unfortunately we found out that the hostess at Sperry’s Cool Springs discriminates against patrons based on race — much like a bouncer at an “elite” nightclub who only lets in guests who “look the part.” What other explanation can there be for why my husband and I waited almost an hour without a reservation, only to watch our table go to another couple who arrived well after us with no reservation? I am African American and my husband is Asian. The couple and the hostess were Caucasian.

As we waited, we even had a conversation about a woman who arrived with no reservation and gave the hostess a hard time, demanding to know exactly how long the wait would be. Apparently, being a Karen at Sperry’s gets you better treatment than being patient and respectful. That woman and her partner sat down to wait after we’d already been waiting 15 minutes — and we were forced to listen to her complain the entire time.

Once all the reservations had cleared, we were among the only guests left waiting — so we naturally assumed we were next. But to our dismay, the hostess came out and seated the other couple instead. The woman even complimented the hostess for how she had “moved mountains” to get them a table.

No — she gave them our table.

My husband went to the hostess to ask why they were seated before us. She claimed their name was "put in before ours" and that we’d get the next available table. My husband was disgusted and told her we were leaving. Why would we spend over $200 at a restaurant that treats customers this way?

To the hostess:

You wasted a valuable hour of our Sunday night. You offered no apology, no accountability, no tact, and no empathy. You lied. You should not be the face of this restaurant. As a hostess, you represent not just Sperry’s Cool Springs but also Sperry’s Belle Meade, Sperry’s Mercantile, and the family who trusted you to embody their character and values at the door. And perhaps you are, which is why this will be public record.

Moving forward, I hope you think twice before you discriminate, dismiss, and disregard...

This was our first time in Sperrys and we went to celebrate my wife's birthday as a family.

Let me start by saying, the food was very good. The ribeye was better than average. The Lobster tail was good. They have a great salad bar and the items were extremely fresh. The calamari was the best I've had in a ling time anywhere. The shoestring fries and the sweet potato fries were great...and the twice baked potato was very good. The only food complaint was the Tuna sashimi which was not only cooled, but way overcooked. So, since they are required to sear it, it tells me it is not sashimi grade in the first place. 🤔

The main issue is that it's very crowded, loud, and the lighting is dim. So, it's hard to have any conversation with your table or the wait staff.

We were seated exactly at the time reserved. But, they took us to the worst table in the place. It was next to the entry to the restroom hall, and sandwiched between a wall and a serving area. So, on top of being loud, we were in a heavy traffic lane. The old drunk people at the next table had no concept of the voice volume.

We asked to be seated elsewhere when we first saw the table and were given on 1 option a dew feet away on the same walkway. Even though I could see other rooms and empty tables, I was told that they were promised to the regulars who require specific tables when dining in. So, if you are a new customer or just regular folks...you take what you get. Just be ware.

I'll probably go back for the calamari, fries, and salad bar alone. But I'll try to request a quiet...