You’re driving through Cool Springs, probably fighting that weirdly aggressive traffic near the Galleria, and you're hungry. Not "granola bar in the car" hungry, but "I need a sandwich that requires two hands and a nap afterward" hungry. This brings us to Little Hats Cool Springs. It’s the second act of a Nashville favorite, and honestly, it’s doing something most suburban satellite locations fail at: keeping the soul of the original while actually being accessible.
Usually, when a popular Germantown spot decides to head south to Williamson County, things get a bit... sanitized. The grit disappears. The flavor gets dialed back to appeal to a broader demographic. But Little Hats Italian Market didn't do that. They brought the Boar’s Head meats, the Pecorino Romano, and that specific, crusty bread that makes an Italian sub worth the calories. It’s tucked into the McEwen Northside development, which is basically the new "it" spot for people who want high-end food without having to find a parking spot in downtown Nashville.
The Reality of Little Hats Cool Springs
People talk about the "vibe" a lot. Here, it’s half-market, half-sandwich shop. You’ll see shelves stocked with imported pastas, DOP olive oils, and those specific Italian sodas that come in tiny glass bottles. It feels like a neighborhood spot, even though the neighborhood is a master-planned mixed-use development.
The menu is a love letter to the Northeast. If you grew up in Jersey or Philly, this is your home base in Tennessee. We're talking about the Godfather, which is the heavy hitter. It’s packed with ham, hot capicola, salami, pepperoni, and provolone. They do the "shredduce" (shredded lettuce) thing, which is non-negotiable for a real sub. It catches the oil and vinegar. It provides the crunch.
Then there’s the Little Hat. It’s simpler. Mortadella, stracciatella, and pistachios. It’s creamy, salty, and a little sophisticated. Most people overlook it because they want the meat mountain of the Godfather, but the Little Hat is arguably the better-balanced sandwich. It doesn't scream at you; it just works.
📖 Related: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Menu: Why You’re Probably Ordering Wrong
Why the Bread Matters More Than the Meat
Ask any sandwich snob. They’ll tell you the meat is secondary. If the bread is bad, the sandwich is a failure. Little Hats uses bread that has that specific tension—you have to pull a little when you bite, but it doesn't scrape the roof of your mouth raw. It’s sturdy enough to hold up to the "hot" version of their sandwiches, too.
If you get the Meatball Parm, you’ll see what I mean. A lot of places serve a soggy mess. Here, the bread acts like a vessel that stays crisp on the outside while soaking up just enough marinara to soften the crumb. They don't over-sauce. That’s a rookie mistake they avoid.
More Than Just Cold Cuts
While everyone focuses on the lunch rush, the Little Hats Cool Springs breakfast game is a sleeper hit. In a land dominated by Chick-fil-A biscuits and Starbucks egg bites, a real New York-style bacon, egg, and cheese on a hard roll is a religious experience.
They use high-quality eggs. The bacon is crispy. The cheese is melted into the crevices of the roll. It’s simple. It’s fast. It’s the kind of thing you eat standing up in your kitchen, but they’ve made a space where you can actually sit down and enjoy it with a decent espresso.
👉 See also: 100 Biggest Cities in the US: Why the Map You Know is Wrong
- The Breakfast Special: Usually involves their house-made sausage or high-end pancetta.
- The Coffee: It’s Italian-style. Darker, richer, none of that floral "third-wave" acidity that tastes like lemon juice.
- The Pastries: Cannolis filled to order. This is crucial. If a cannoli sits in a fridge already filled, the shell gets soggy. Little Hats fills them when you ask, so the shell stays shattered-glass crisp.
The Suburban Pivot: McEwen Northside
The location matters. If you’ve spent any time in Franklin lately, you know McEwen Northside is becoming a massive hub. Being located here means Little Hats is surrounded by places like Jeni’s Ice Cream and North Italia. It’s a competitive ecosystem.
What’s interesting is how they handle the crowd. On a Tuesday at 11:45 AM, it’s a madhouse. Office workers from the nearby towers descend. But the line moves. They’ve refined the "grab and go" aspect while still maintaining a counter-service feel that doesn't feel like a fast-food assembly line.
You can also shop. This is the "Market" part of the name. If you need 00 flour for your pizza dough at home or a specific jar of Calabrian chilis, they have it. It’s a bit of a "tax" on convenience—you’ll pay more than you would at a massive grocery store—but the quality is curated. You aren't sorting through duds.
The Great "Hot vs. Cold" Debate
At Little Hats Cool Springs, you’ll see people split down the middle. Some swear by the cold Italian subs because the vinegar/oil/oregano combo hits differently when the meat is chilled. Others won't touch a sandwich unless it’s been through the oven.
✨ Don't miss: Cooper City FL Zip Codes: What Moving Here Is Actually Like
The Chicken Parm is a heavyweight contender for the hot side. The breading stays attached to the chicken—a minor miracle in the sandwich world—and the cheese is browned, not just melted. If you're going hot, get the Beef Dip. It’s messy. It’s salty. The jus is rich. Just don't wear a white shirt.
Practical Insights for Your Visit
Don't just show up and expect a quiet table at noon. It’s loud. It’s busy. It’s exactly what a market should be.
- Parking: Use the garage. Don't fight for the three spots right in front. You’ll lose. The garage at McEwen Northside is free and usually has space on the upper levels.
- Ordering: If you're in a rush, order online. Their system is actually pretty decent, and you can just walk in, grab your bag from the shelf, and leave.
- The Sides: Get the pasta salad. It sounds boring, but they do it with a heavy hand on the herbs and vinegar. It’s a palate cleanser between bites of heavy salami.
- The Hidden Gem: The Caprese. People think it’s the "boring" vegetarian option. It’s not. The balsamic glaze is thick, and the tomatoes are actually ripe, which is a rarity in commercial food service.
Addressing the "Cool Springs" Factor
Some people complain that the prices are high. It’s true; you’re going to spend $15 to $20 on a sandwich, a side, and a drink. But you have to look at what you’re getting. This isn't processed "meat-product." It’s actual deli meat sliced thin, stacked high, and served on artisan bread. In the current economy, specifically in the Franklin/Cool Springs bubble, this is actually fair market value for the quality.
If you want a $5 sub, there’s a Subway down the street. If you want a sandwich that makes you feel like you’re sitting on a plastic chair in a Bronx deli, you go to Little Hats.
Final Take on Little Hats Cool Springs
It’s a rare win for a "second location." Often, the magic gets lost in translation when a brand scales. Here, the quality control seems tight. The staff knows the menu. The bread is consistent. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick breakfast sandwich before a meeting or grabbing a Godfather for a picnic at Harlinsdale Farm, it delivers.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the hours: They close earlier than typical dinner spots, usually around 7:00 or 8:00 PM. Don't show up at 8:30 PM expecting a feast.
- Try the "Special" first: They often have a rotating seasonal sandwich that isn't on the permanent board. It's usually where the kitchen gets to show off.
- Bring home the goods: Grab a tub of their fresh mozzarella or a bag of the dried pasta on your way out. It saves you a trip to a second store for dinner supplies.
- Watch the spice level: The "Hot" giardiniera isn't a joke. It has a lingering burn. If you’re sensitive to heat, stick with the sweet peppers.