02/28/2026
✨UPDATE ON KING’S✨
Over the past couple of weeks, so many of you have reached out offering legal help, marketing support, guidance on paperwork, encouragement, and genuine care. I want you to know how much that has meant to me. I realize this wasn’t just about a shop being closed. Many of you were worried about me. Thank you.
So here’s where things stand.
After reconnecting with my contact at Ags & Markets, I was able to confirm that we had the proper permits all along. It was heartening to know that we were not operating outside of our permissions. We have clear confirmation that we could reopen and continue serving food.
That said, I meant what I wrote in my last post. The experience sparked a real reevaluation of the overall calculus behind keeping the shop open. Even with the green light to resume, I’ve decided not to reopen KING’S to the public for the foreseeable future.
We will, however, continue to host pop-ups and special events. Dates are already reserved for March, April, and June (still working through May). Those gatherings are energizing, and I’m excited to keep them going.
Right now, my primary focus is growing the seed cracker business and getting into more retail locations. Secondarily, I’m building a local discovery app designed to help both tourists and locals better connect with what’s happening here. Xander (North Roots Kitchen ) will be helping me with both while we work to bring his authentic Lebanese food back to the area.
It just doesn’t make sense to keep KING’S open while working on these other projects that we are both so very passionate about.
Many of you have asked how you can help. Truly — thank you. Here’s what comes to mind at the moment.
• Introductions to food retailers or buyers would be invaluable.
• Ideas or strategic insight on scaling the seed cracker business are welcome.
• And if you see the seed crackers out in the wild, grab a bag! If you’re local to Franklin, Good Taste Epicurean Market carries them (and they pair beautifully with the cheeses and jams Mark keeps in stock).
Although I’ll miss welcoming you all into the shop, this shift isn’t a setback. I’m more focused and genuinely excited about what’s ahead.
