Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter for The Store

I try pretty hard not to work on Saturday mornings.

That time is usually mine with the kids. Breakfast out, playground adventures, and the chance to be fully present as dad.

This past Saturday, I broke that rule.

A group of busy executives from The Store's board (Amy Millslagle, Tedrick Johnson, Wesley Belden, Debbie Wilkins, Amy Maden - facilitated by Karey Johnson) along with our co-founder Kimberly Williams-Paisley carved out a few intentional hours to think about the future. Not because anything is broken, but because food insecurity does not pause just because you reach a milestone.

After opening our second location at Centennial, it would be understandable to slow down and focus inward for a season. But the need has not slowed. And neither can we.I do not have to share any secrets or grand unveilings here, because the path forward is fairly clear. Our long-term direction remains steady and demanding in the best way. Serving more families experiencing food insecurity with dignity, real choice, and a sense of community.

And what it will take to get there is no surprise either.

More volunteers.

More partnerships with nonprofits doing courageous work on the front lines.

More resources to keep fresh, healthy food on our shelves for our customers.

We also spent time sitting with bigger questions. The kind that do not come with quick or easy answers.

Where are the gaps across Middle Tennessee where access to food is still too fragile?

How might The Store reach beyond Nashville, even beyond Tennessee, so others can learn from this model?

Is there a way to share what we have learned from building two Stores so others do not have to start from scratch?

And are there approaches beyond brick-and-mortar that could reach communities with fewer resources?

We looked honestly at ourselves as an organization. Where we are strong. Where we still have growing to do. And how we continue to scale responsibly after growing more than four times over the last two years.

One thing came through clearly. The future of our impact depends on partnership. Collective effort. A deeper network of collaboration.

Today, we work alongside more than 50 nonprofit partners, and that community is one of our greatest strengths. It allows us to respond to immediate needs while also addressing root causes. Together, not in isolation.

I left that Saturday morning energized and deeply grateful. Grateful for board members willing to give up family time for thoughtful stewardship. Grateful for a team and community that believes this work matters. And hopeful about what is possible when collaboration leads the way.

And a fair heads-up. I may be reaching out soon.

For help. For partnership. For shared commitment.

Because building a more food-secure future, for Nashville and beyond, has always been a collective effort. And the next chapter will be no different.