Meet the Maker Monday: Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Co. — Nashville’s Sweet Southern Original
Here at Fork of the South, we’re all about celebrating Southern makers who pour heart, heritage, and craftsmanship into everything they do. And few do it quite like Olive & Sinclair, Nashville’s first and finest bean-to-bar chocolate company.
Founded in 2007, Olive & Sinclair has become a true Tennessee treasure — handcrafting what they proudly call Southern Artisan Chocolate™. Every bar is slow-roasted and stone-ground in small batches, creating chocolate that’s rich, flavorful, and deeply nostalgic. Their secret? Simple ingredients, time-honored techniques, and a little Southern soul.
The Story Behind the Chocolate
It all started when founder Scott Witherow, a former chef and educator, decided to bring his culinary passion and his Southern roots together in one perfect creation — handcrafted chocolate. By combining old-fashioned processes with modern creativity, Olive & Sinclair turned chocolate-making into an art form.
They source high-quality cacao beans from around the world, then slow-roast them in Nashville before stone-grinding for up to 72 hours. The result is chocolate that’s not only smooth and full-bodied but also carries that signature depth that comes only from care and patience.
And just like any good Southern recipe, the sweetness comes from pure cane brown sugar, which gives their chocolate a warm, caramel-like note that sets it apart.
A Little Salty, A Lot of Sweet — Sea Salt Chocolate
One of our all-time favorites (and a Fork of the South bestseller!) is Olive & Sinclair’s Sea Salt Chocolate Bar.
This 75% dark chocolate is speckled with delicate flakes of sea salt, striking the perfect balance between bold and smooth. The salt enhances the natural richness of the chocolate while adding a little crunch that keeps you reaching for another bite.
It’s indulgent yet refined — the kind of chocolate that feels right at home whether you’re gifting a friend or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee on the porch.
Wake Up Your Taste Buds — Coffee Crunch Chocolate
Next up, a bar that’s just as bold as your morning brew — the Coffee Crunch Chocolate Bar.
This 67% mocha-like dark chocolate is infused with freshly roasted coffee beans from Nashville’s own Bongo Java, another local favorite. Each bite blends notes of red fruit, cocoa, and roasted nuttiness — with just enough crunch to wake up your taste buds.
If you love the smell of coffee shops, cozy mornings, and a good chocolate pick-me-up, this one’s for you.
Why We Love Olive & Sinclair
At Fork of the South, we believe every maker has a story worth sharing — and Olive & Sinclair’s story is one of passion, purpose, and pride.
Their chocolates aren’t just treats; they’re a taste of Southern craftsmanship at its best. Every bar supports local partnerships, sustainability, and the artistry of doing things the right way — slow, simple, and from scratch.
So whether you’re a longtime chocolate lover or just discovering the joy of Southern-made sweets, Olive & Sinclair is one of those brands that reminds you why handmade still matters.
Find It at Fork of the South
You can find both the Sea Salt Chocolate Bar and the Coffee Crunch Chocolate Bar — along with other Olive & Sinclair favorites — right here at Fork of the South in Building 8 at The Factory Franklin.
Stop by to grab a bar (or two!) and taste what happens when passion meets pure Southern craftsmanship.
Because as we like to say around here — real ingredients, real flavors, made fresh, and made with love.
Spooktacular Sips Have Arrived at
Fork of the South
Fall is in full swing here in Franklin, Tennessee — and we’re pouring up something a little spooky, a little sweet, and a whole lot of fun. Introducing our Spooktacular Dr. Pepper — a Halloween-inspired dirty soda that’s as hauntingly delicious as it is Instagram-worthy.
Whether you’re a local soda lover or just passing through The Factory, this ghostly concoction is here for a limited time only… and trust us, you don’t want to miss it. 👻
What’s in the Spooktacular Dr. Pepper?
Let’s break it down layer by layer:
Marshmallow ghost hand-crafted inside the cup with marshmallow fluff
Classic Dr. Pepper base
S’mores syrup blended in for rich, toasty flavor
A swirl of Chobani Sweet Cream
Topped with whipped cream and a spooky Halloween Peep
Every sip is creamy, fizzy, and full of fall flavor — perfect for kids, grown-ups, and everyone in between.
A Fork Favorite for the Halloween Season
At Sips at the Silo inside Fork of the South, we love a good seasonal twist — and this spooky special is no exception. The marshmallow ghost makes this drink one-of-a-kind, and the combo of chocolate, cream, and Dr. Pepper is pure candy-coated joy in a cup.
This limited-time drink is only available through Halloween, so grab one before it vanishes!
Come Sip With Us
You can find the Spooktacular Dr. Pepper and other fall flavors at our soda bar in Building 8 of The Factory at Franklin.
Slow Down & Sip:
The Southern Tea Room Experience in Franklin, TN
In a world that moves a little too fast, there’s something sacred about sitting down with a pot of tea, a plate of pastries, and the people you love most. That’s exactly what we set out to create at The Southern Tea Room — nestled inside Fork of the South at The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee.
Whether you’re hosting a birthday brunch, treating your mom to high tea, or just looking for a little Southern calm between the chaos, our tea room invites you to slow down, sip deeply, and celebrate the moment you’re in.
A Southern Spin on Afternoon Tea
Inspired by English tea traditions but rooted in Southern charm, The Southern Tea Room is where vintage teacups, floral table settings, and tiered treats come together in the coziest, most welcoming way.
Every tea experience includes:
A fresh seasonal soup served in a teacup
A signature side salad
A beautifully curated three-tiered tray featuring:
🥐 Two handmade pastries
🥪 Three savory bites or mini sandwiches
🍰 Three housemade desserts
Add a pot of tea from our carefully curated collection — or upgrade to a tipsy teapot, Bellini, or mocktail — and you’ve got yourself a tea party worth writing home about.
Tea for Every Occasion
Tea isn't just for grandmothers (though we love ours dearly).
At The Southern Tea Room, it's for birthdays, bridal showers, baby sprinkles, friend groups, book clubs, girls’ weekends, mother-daughter days, and everything in between.
Looking to host a private event? We offer:
Private Tea Parties for up to 28 guests
Select seating times at 11:00, 1:00, or 3:00
Optional add-ons like additional hour blocks
Our team handles every detail so you can just show up and enjoy the magic. It's what Southern hospitality is all about. From the moment you step inside The Southern Tea Room, you’ll notice the little things: the clink of mismatched teacups, the fresh florals, and the sound of laughter around every table.
This isn’t just a meal. It’s a moment.
And those moments are what we live for.
🍑 End of Summer Sweetness
Southern Peach Cobbler & Memories Made
There’s something about the end of summer that feels bittersweet. The evenings stretch a little shorter, cicadas sing a little louder, and the first hints of fall sneak into the breeze. But in the South, there’s one thing that always marks this season: fresh, juicy peaches. And around here, that means one thing—Southern Peach Cobbler.
Memories Baked In
When I think of a nostalgic Southern recipe, peach cobbler comes to mind right away. My Mamaw never measured with cups or spoons—just a little of this, a pinch of that—and somehow, it always came out perfect. The smell of bubbling peaches, cinnamon, and butter filled the house, and we’d gather around her chipped enamel table, waiting for that first warm bite topped with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream.
It wasn’t just dessert—it was a memory, baked right into a dish. That’s the thing about Southern food traditions: they aren’t just recipes. They’re stories, passed down from one generation to the next. And every time I make cobbler, I feel like I’m back in that small, cozy kitchen with Mamaw, laughing and sneaking a peach slice before it went into the oven.
A Few Fun Facts About Peaches
• 🍑 Georgia may be called the Peach State, but South Carolina actually grows more peaches each year! Tennessee orchards also bring us some of the sweetest peaches you’ll ever taste.
• 🍑 Peaches are part of the rose family—no wonder they’re so sweet.
• 🍑 One medium peach only has about 60 calories but is packed with vitamin C and fiber, making it as nourishing as it is delicious.
• 🍑 Peaches were first cultivated in China over 4,000 years ago, and today they’re a Southern summer staple.
Why Peach Cobbler is the Perfect End-of-Summer Dessert
If you’re looking for the ultimate end of summer dessert, you can’t go wrong with peach cobbler. Sun-ripened fruit tastes like sunshine, baked under a golden oat topping that hints at fall. It’s sweet, warm, and comforting… just like a Southern goodbye to summer.
Whether you’re hosting friends on the porch or enjoying a quiet evening with family, this easy peach cobbler with oats is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a dish that feels both timeless and seasonal, carrying all the charm of a Southern peach cobbler recipe while adding that hearty oat crunch.
Make Your Own Peach Cobbler with Oats
If you want to bring that end-of-summer flavor to your own table, try our Southern Peach Cobbler with Oat Topping (recipe linked here). It’s the perfect dessert for family gatherings, Sunday suppers, or just a quiet night under the string lights with a fork and a big scoop of ice cream.
⸻
✨ Final Thought
As the seasons turn, let’s not rush past the sweetness of summer’s end. Gather your people, scoop up some cobbler, and savor these last warm nights. Because at Fork of the South in Franklin, TN, we believe food isn’t just about flavor—it’s about fellowship, stories, and creating core memories around the table.
Sip there it is!
The Dirty Soda Trend: We’ve Been Getting Dirrrty Since 2022
If you’ve scrolled through TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve seen the latest drink obsession bubbling up everywhere: Dirty Sodas. These fizzy, creamy, flavor-packed drinks are having a major moment — but at Fork of the South, we’re proud to say we’ve been getting dirrrty since 2022.
Back in our previous location (yep — we’ve moved three times and grown with each one!), we started crafting custom soda creations as a fun twist on Southern refreshment. What began as a playful side item quickly became one of our most iconic offerings — and helped launch our dirty soda bar long before the trend hit Franklin.
🥛 What’s a Dirty Soda, Anyway?
A dirty soda is a fizzy fountain drink taken to the next level with the addition of flavor shots, sweet cream, and whipped topping — often layered with syrups, fruit, or candy. It’s sweet, creamy, and completely customizable — like dessert in a cup.
Originating in Utah, dirty sodas gained traction for their over-the-top combinations and playful approach. But here in Franklin, Tennessee, we’ve been putting our own spin on the trend for years, adding Southern flair and housemade creativity you won’t find anywhere else.
🐄 The OG Favorite: Till the Cows Come Home
The first dirty soda that put us on the map? Till the Cows Come Home — and it’s still a crowd favorite to this day.
Made with Dr. Pepper, vanilla, coconut syrup, and a splash of sweet cream, it’s rich, nostalgic, and smooth as Tennessee molasses.
🦆 Introducing: Duckin’ Awesome Sodas
Of course, we couldn’t stop at just one signature. That’s why we launched our most playful line yet: Duckin’ Awesome Sodas — dirty sodas with a Jeep-worthy twist and a whole lot of Southern sass.
Inspired by Stef’s love of Jeep culture and the joy of “ducking” fellow Jeep owners, these drinks are fizzy, fun, and unapologetically Fork of the South. Each one is carefully crafted with bold flavors and playful names — and topped with our signature trio:
✨ Sweet cream
✨ Whipped cream
✨ A rubber ducky on top 🐥
🐤 The Duckin’ Lineup:
Duck Yeah!
Dr. Pepper + Coconut
Mother Ducker
Coke + Vanilla
Duckin’ Delicious
Sprite + Strawberry
Duck This Way
Orange Fanta + Sweet Cream
What the Duck?!
Root Beer + Butterscotch
Whether you’re 8 or 88, these drinks are a guaranteed conversation starter — and just one more way we bring joy, creativity, and a little Southern flair to everything we do.
🎉 NEW: Join the Sips Soda Club!
We’re making it even easier (and sweeter!) to enjoy your favorite drinks with the launch of our brand new:
🥤 Sips Soda Club
Get 10 dirty sodas for just $30 — that’s only $3 per drink!
Each punch card:
Is valid for any regular dirty soda
Must be redeemed in-store
Expires 30 days after the date of issue
Comes with a whole lot of flavor and a little bit of bragging rights
Grab a card at the register or soda bar and start sipping your way to soda greatness. It also makes the perfect gift for your fizz-loving friends!
🫧 Why We’ve Always Done It Differently
Long before dirty sodas were trending, we were mixing each one by hand — no shortcuts, no pre-made mixes. At Fork of the South, we:
Use real syrups, fresh cream, and quality ingredients
Craft every drink to order
Offer build-your-own combos and fan favorites
Rotate in seasonal flavors to keep things fresh and fun
We’re proud to say we were early to the dirty soda game, and still leading it right here in Franklin, TN.
📍 Come Get Dirty With Us
Visit us at Fork of the South in Building 8 at The Factory in Franklin, and treat yourself to a classic like Till the Cows Come Home, one of our Duckin’ Awesome Sodas, or grab a punch card and join the Sips Soda Club!
Whether you're new to the trend or just ready for a drink that makes you smile, we've got something fizzy, fabulous, and made fresh just for you.
Because at Fork of the South, we don’t just follow the trend — we stir it, shake it, and top it with whipped cream and a duck.
What's Included?
Every private event features our signature high tea menu, thoughtfully prepared in-house using real, fresh ingredients. Your guests will enjoy:
A comforting soup and fresh garden salad
A pastry tier with 3 handmade pastries
A savory tier with 4 petite sandwiches or bites
A sweet tier with 3 of our signature desserts
Want to make it even more memorable? Add a splash of fun with mimosas, Bellinis, mocktails, prosecco, or our famous tipsy tea pots.
Ready to Book Your Tea Party in Franklin?
Our calendar fills quickly, especially during peak seasons. Whether you’re planning months in advance or need a last-minute celebration, we’ll help you create an experience your guests will never forget.
👉 Visit forkofthesouth.com/southern-tea to submit an inquiry and reserve your date.
Because at The Southern Tea Room, every sip, every bite, and every moment is steeped in something special.
Sweet Moments on the Patio: Why Fork of the South Is Your Go-To Family Spot This Summer
When you step onto the Fork of the South patio, you're not just grabbing a treat — you're making memories.
Nestled just outside our charming doors at The Factory in Franklin, our family-friendly patio is the perfect place to slow down and savor life’s sweetest things. Whether you’re treating your little ones to an after-school milkshake, sipping a Southern tea with your mama, or laughing with friends after a spin on the Carousel of Dreams, we’ve made it a space where everyone feels welcome — and where something magical always seems to happen.
🍦 A Scoop of Joy for Every Age
At Fork of the South, our ice cream isn’t just cold and creamy — it’s handcrafted in-house with real ingredients and love in every scoop. From our bestselling Banana Pudding to rotating flavors like Bourbon Vanilla or Oatmeal Cream Pie, there’s a flavor to match every craving and every season.
Or maybe today calls for one of our signature milkshakes — blended thick, topped high, and made to bring a smile.
🎠 Just Steps from the Carousel of Dreams
The joy doesn’t end at our door. The Carousel of Dreams is just a few skips away from our patio and makes for the perfect post-treat adventure. Whether your kids are riding for the first time or you’re hopping on with your partner for a nostalgic moment, the carousel adds a touch of whimsy to your visit.
Make it a tradition: Treat, ride, repeat.
🌞 Patio Perfection
Our patio was built for long chats, cool drinks, and plenty of giggles. With shaded tables, cheerful decor, and the sound of laughter in the air, it's one of the best places in Franklin to relax and reconnect. Grab a Dirty Soda, a Candy Martini (mocktail or cocktail), or one of our seasonal refreshers — made with real fruit, fun flavor combinations, and Southern charm.
Guests can’t get enough of drinks like our Mango Dragon Fruit Refresher or summertime favorites like the Blackberry Rose Lemonade.
👨👩👧👦 Made for Families, Crafted with Love
As a small business rooted in Southern hospitality, we believe in creating spaces that feel like home. Our team is here to welcome you with a smile, serve you something delicious, and help you slow down for just a little bit longer.
So next time you're craving something sweet or just want to enjoy a peaceful moment outdoors — come sit a spell on our patio. We'll save you a seat.
Come visit us in Building 8 at The Factory at Franklin — just look for the good vibes and better milkshakes.
Follow us on Instagram @forkofthesouth and tag us in your family photos using #ForkOfTheSouthMoments — we love seeing your sweet memories.
Fork of the South: Much More Than a General Store in Franklin, TN
It was an honor to be featured on Franklinis.com
How it Started
Before Fork of the South ever sold a scoop of banana pudding ice cream or poured a candy-inspired martini, it began as a dream rooted in place and purpose. The name “Fork of the South” reflects Steve and Stef Gorman’s love of Leiper’s Fork and Stef’s love of the South itself.
“After years in the classroom and a few years of hosting guests through Airbnb, I started dreaming of something more permanent, a place where hospitality, creativity, and community could live side by side,” Stefanie shared. “My husband Steve, a lifelong sales executive, brought the perfect balance of strategy and heart to help turn that dream into something real.”
Together, they envisioned a place where stories could be shared over coffee, gifts could be found with intention, and families could make memories. “It started as a curated general store and has grown into something much more: a Southern-inspired experience that brings people together through food, fun, and fellowship.”
Today, Fork of the South is located near the Smokestack in Building 8, where there is plenty of room to bring everything they imagined to life. With the larger space came the chance to introduce new experiences, including an ice cream counter, The Southern Tea Room, Sips at the Silo, and more. The location also includes a spacious outdoor patio where guests can sit and enjoy ice cream, drinks, or time with friends in an open-air setting.
It didn’t take long before Stefanie realized Fork of the South was resonating far beyond Franklin. “One of those pinch-me moments was when people started stopping us out of town to say, ‘We always make a point to visit your store when we come to Franklin,’ or ‘We follow y’all on Instagram and had to come see it in person.’ Knowing that Fork of the South had become a destination, and that people felt connected to it even from afar, was when I knew we were building something meaningful.”
Plan the Perfect Private Tea Party at The Southern Tea Room in Franklin, TN
Looking for the perfect place to host a celebration that’s equal parts elegant and Southern sweet? Whether you’re toasting a bride-to-be, gathering your girls for a birthday bash, or hosting a team brunch with flair, The Southern Tea Room inside Fork of the South is Franklin’s go-to destination for unforgettable private events.
Nestled inside The Factory at Franklin, our tea room offers a cozy, vintage-inspired escape filled with tiered treats, warm teacups, and sweet memories waiting to be made.
A Private Party, Steeped in Charm
Our private tea party experience is ideal for showers, birthdays, baby sprinkles, retirement celebrations, or even just a “just because” gathering. With seating for up to 28 guests, you’ll enjoy a full 75-minute private experience in our beautifully decorated room—complete with the kind of Southern hospitality you’ll only find in Franklin.
Flat Rate: $1,400 (plus tax and gratuity)
Available Times: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, or 3:00 PM