Paisleys Open Second Free Grocery Store in Nashville
The nonprofit grocery outlet, which provides food at no cost, expanded to the TriStar Centennial Medical Center campus.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley opened the second location of The Store on January 14, 2026, to provide free groceries to Nashville residents. The expansion aims to reach more households in need while allowing shoppers to select their own food items.
Why it matters
The initiative seeks to address growing food insecurity while preserving the dignity and independence of recipients through a free, choice-based shopping experience. By expanding services, the nonprofit provides critical support, including cooking classes and budgeting assistance, to the community.
The Paisleys pledged $1 million toward a $5 million fundraising campaign to support the expansion of their nonprofit grocery operations. The effort scales the original model established in partnership with Belmont University.
The players
Brad Paisley
He is a country music artist and songwriter who co-founded The Store to address local food insecurity.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley
She is an actress and author who partnered with her husband to launch the nonprofit grocery initiative.
The details
Eligible shoppers at the new facility, located on the TriStar Centennial Medical Center campus, can select groceries rather than receiving pre-packed supplies. The organization also offers supportive services such as counseling and cooking classes to assist families.
Timeline
The couple announced plans to establish The Store in 2018.
The original Nashville location opened in March 2020.
Plans for the second location were announced on August 28, 2024.
The second location officially opened on January 14, 2026.
Market Landscape
The expansion reflects a growing trend in nonprofit social services to adopt retail-style, dignity-focused models for food distribution. This positions the organization as a significant player in local community support, mirroring the structural approach of the Unity Shoppe.
Residents facing food insecurity gain access to a new location that provides groceries without cost and offers additional social support services. This expansion increases the availability of food assistance for qualifying households in the local area.
The takeaway
The Store demonstrates how celebrity-backed initiatives can scale essential social services by prioritizing the agency and dignity of recipients. Individuals looking to support similar missions can contribute to ongoing fundraising efforts aimed at sustaining these community resources.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to address food insecurity on our Nashville Philanthropy page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
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