Herban Market

Pretty good. Frequently out of items; the food quality - e.g. greens in salad - could be slightly better.

Absolute gem of a spot, so glad it exists! We’ve loved everything we’ve tried — salmon and chicken tacos, kombucha, coffee, breakfast burrito. Their selection of oils and vinegars is also impressive and worth trying!

I’m not sure I’ve ever written a public review. But today, I feel compelled. It’s time.

I’ve been coming to Herban Market for many years (way before the remodel) but I don’t think I can keep doing it. As much as I enjoy the food, they consistently have significant operational challenges that make it less than enjoyable. While it used to be a bright light escape in sea of suburban chain restaurants, it now just makes me anxious. I don’t know why I keep enduring it. I guess I love the idea of a local family-owned unique concept making it for the long haul. I hope they can.

They are very often out of key ingredients to make signature menu items. Want gluten free bread? Sorry, it’s probably gone out. Oat milk? Not today. Maybe next time. Chai? Nope. Delicious broccoli crust for pizza? Try back Thursday.

And, sadly, they don’t publicly post when those items are gone. So, you wait in line for extended periods of time only to learn that the thing you drove there to buy is not available. It’s a bummer. I really feel for the poor employees at the register. They are often made to be the messenger with bad news.

The team has real problems making drinks in a timely manner. If you order food, you will often get that food far sooner than your coffee. The problem with that is you have to wait near the counter to hear your name. No overhead microphone/speaker. Can’t hear it outside. So, multiple times I’ve been by myself standing at the counter waiting on a drink only to have someone shove a plate of food into my hand that is already awkwardly holding a number. I stand there holding a plate as there are no tables nearby. By the time the coffee is done, the food is often cold. It's not a great experience.

Another thing that gets me is they have a clear traffic problem coming in and out of the door. No direction on where to line up, you just kinda have to know. I watch person after person walk in and act confused, mainly because the lines are often long. I try to help because it can be worth the wait at times.

Still, I try. I want to love this place. They have a good variety of healthier options, a rarity in Brentwood/Franklin. The coffee is good. The grocery items are unique. I love many of the breakfast options, assuming they ever have the stuff I want in stock. But every time I go, I end up leaving and kicking myself for giving it another try.

Suggestions for the owners:

Please fix the coffee situation. It's fixable. It shouldn't take 30+ mins. If it's that busy, hire more staff for the coffee bar. Two is not enough. Add an extra machine. Add an overheard speaker to call out orders outside. Or have someone run drinks. It really does look like business is good enough to make some operational changes for the better.

Figure out the entrance/exit. Push the crowd out the other door. It's too tight and chaotic during busy times. Stressful. There are multiple registers. How about multiple lines with clear markings on where they start and where to leave? Otherwise, it’s choas. A place like Herban should feel relaxing.

Also, I do get the supply chain shortages. Everyone understands that. But if something is not available, please post it on a visible sign as people are walking in the door. It's such a bummer to want something you can finally eat only to learn it’s not available after a long wait in line.

Suggestions for customers:

Go during the week. I still think you should try it, but do yourself a favor and wait til Tuesday. Weekends are miserable during peak times.
Prepare for 2-3 food options. They’re going to be out of something you want, I promise.

I want to love it. But I can’t. Please help.

When we were there it was very busy. They pack a lot of people inside to stand in line to order food while others constantly excuse themselves through the line to shop for items on the shelves. We had to bus our own table to have a place to sit. The food was good and there are a lot of unique items to purchase but for a relaxing lunch I'll probably be going elsewhere

I'm giving 4 stars because I really appreciate Herban Market's commitment to serving fresh, organic food. We need more real food in our lives!

I have a sensitivity to sunflower oil, and requested my burger be cooked with olive oil instead. I didn't specify it as an "allergy," so other items of my meal still contained sunflower oil. If you have specific needs, make sure you communicate those at the register. Otherwise, it tasted delicious and one day I may be brave enough to go back and try the pizza.

Amazing menu, delicious food, and extremely healthy. Can’t wait to go back.

One of my favorite places. Love the food BUT the wait! Over an hour on a beautiful Sunday morning for brunch and the layout of the store no conducive for the crowd

I am hooked! Have eaten there several days in a row just because I couldn’t decide which awesome thing I should order! I love that they bake their own breads, everything is healthy & fresh, AND they have complimentary sparkling (and flat) water on tap!

The vibe and decor are spot on, it’s no wonder this place is so popular!

This place is Amazing! The food is one of a kind.( Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ) Best salads & Pizza ever! Everything they make is so good. Fresh, Organic, Local Farm and produce. A cute little store too! From organic groceries, to all natural health products. They also offer many varieties of Oils & vinegars. Staff is always helpful and kind! Great atmosphere & my most favorite place to eat & shop in Franklin!! Wish there were more places like Herban Market, truly the best!

Great coffee! Even better food! Definitely worth a visit!