You ever walk into a place and just know you’re gonna need a nap afterward? That’s the vibe at Bishop’s. It is tucked away in a strip mall off Mallory Lane, right in the thick of that chaotic Cool Springs traffic, but once you step inside, the sound of the interstate basically vanishes. It is replaced by the clinking of heavy trays and the smell of fried chicken that’s been done the right way since 2007.
Honestly, calling it just a restaurant feels a bit small. In a town like Franklin, which is changing faster than most of us can keep up with, Bishop’s Meat and Three is a weirdly comforting constant.
The Bishop Family Legacy
Most people don't realize that the folks behind this counter have cafeteria food in their DNA. Nick Bishop Sr. spent years with Morrison’s Cafeteria—if you’re from the South, you remember the blue trays and the specific way they scooped mashed potatoes. His father, Eugene, was actually the president of Morrison’s back in the day.
They know the "system."
But Bishop’s isn't a corporate chain. It’s a family-run operation that eventually birthed the Nashville Hot Chicken giant, Hattie B’s. Yeah, that Hattie B’s. Nick Bishop Jr. and his dad basically used the success and the recipes here to launch an international chicken empire. But while Hattie B's is about the "buzz," Bishop’s is about the community.
You’ll see guys in dusty work boots sitting next to executives in crisp white shirts. It’s an equalizer.
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What to Order (And What to Skip)
The menu rotates daily, which is the hallmark of any real meat and three. If you go on a Monday, you’re looking at different options than a Thursday. But let’s talk about the heavy hitters.
The Fried Chicken
This is the gold standard. It is juicy. It’s crunchy. It isn't over-complicated with fifteen different spices; it just tastes like what your grandmother would make if she actually liked you.
The Sides (The "Three")
In Tennessee, mac and cheese is a vegetable. Don't argue; it’s just the law. At Bishop’s, the carrot soufflé is the sleeper hit. Most people see "carrot" and keep walking, but this stuff is basically dessert disguised as a side dish. It’s light, fluffy, and sweet.
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- Macaroni & Cheese: Creamy, not dry.
- Turnip Greens: Salty, bitter, and perfect with a splash of pepper vinegar.
- Squash Casserole: It’s a classic for a reason.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the fried okra is usually solid, but you’ve gotta eat it fast before it loses that crunch.
Bishop’s Meat and Three Franklin TN: The Real Experience
Parking is kind of a nightmare. I’m being serious. Because it shares a lot with a bunch of other busy spots—and it's right near a Chick-fil-A—you might have to circle the block twice.
Don't let the line out the door scare you. It moves fast. The staff there has a rhythm that’s borderline military. You grab a tray, you slide it along the metal rails, and you point at what you want.
Why It Beats the Chains
Franklin has no shortage of high-end steakhouses and trendy avocado toast spots. But there’s a soul to a meat and three that you can’t manufacture. It’s the "plate lunch" culture. It dates back to the 1930s in Nashville, originally serving factory workers who needed a massive calorie hit to get through the day.
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Bishop’s keeps that alive. They aren't trying to be "fusion" or "elevated." They’re just trying to make sure your cornbread muffin is warm.
The Dessert Situation
You’re gonna be full. You’re gonna want to leave. Do not leave.
The Chocolate Chess Pie is legendary. It’s dense, rich, and probably contains enough sugar to power a small city for a week. If you’re more of a fruit person, the banana pudding is the real deal—none of that instant mix stuff. It has the Nilla Wafers that have gone just soft enough to be perfect.
- Check the daily menu online. They post it on their site so you don't show up craving meatloaf on a catfish day.
- Go early. 11:30 AM is the sweet spot. By 12:15 PM, the line is out the door.
- Get the sweet tea. It’s Southern sweet tea. It’s basically syrup. You’ll love it.
Is It Worth the Trip?
If you are visiting Franklin and want a "tourist" spot, go to Main Street. But if you want to eat where the locals actually go when they’re hungry, you go to Bishop's. It’s located at 3065 Mallory Lane.
Some people complain about the plastic utensils. Some people think the dining room is too loud. Honestly? Those people are missing the point. You aren't there for the ambiance; you’re there for the pot roast and the lima beans.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the current daily special on the Bishop's Meat and Three website before you head out. If it’s Thursday, prioritize the Turkey and Dressing—it is widely considered one of their best rotating meats. If you’re planning a group lunch, keep in mind that they offer catering pans of that carrot soufflé, which is a guaranteed way to be the hero of any office potluck in Williamson County.