FRANKLIN, Ky. — At around noon on Tuesdays, many burgers are flipped at Tim’s Main Street Diner in Franklin. But this time next year, there might be many more patties on the skillet thanks to a multi-million dollar investment from Trader Joe’s.

What You Need To Know

  • Trader Joe’s is opening a distribution, warehousing and cold storage center in Simpson County 

  • The $259 million project will create nearly 900 jobs

  • It’s projected to be the largest economic development project in Simpson County’s history

  • Local businesses are excited about the growth that the facility will provide

“They come this way, so they’re going to get some good breakfast before they go to work,” Tim Atkinson said. 

Atkinson, the owner of the diner, is optimistic that the employees at the future Trader Joe’s facility will enjoy breakfast and lunch at this centrally located restaurant. 

The distribution, warehousing and cold storage center will produce almost 900 full-time jobs. 

“It’s a great opportunity for the city of Franklin,” Mayor Larry Dixon said. 

And the project expects to provide 91 direct-full-time executive positions. 

“We’re proud to have those jobs coming to Simpson County,” Dixon said. 

According to Mayor Dixon, the $259 million investment is the largest investment in Simpson County. 

“It’s for the land. It’s for the machines moving the dirt and it’s for the building of the buildings,” Dixon said. 

Kenton Powell, who works for the city of Franklin, says the location of the warehouse will be helpful for employees and Trader Joe’s. 

“The accessibility of the interstate off of I-65 makes it more of an ideal as far as distribution of product,” Powell said. 

And Atkinson says he will always be at the counter, willing to serve anyone new employees who may be hungry. “I’ve got their back!” he said.

The one-million square foot distribution center will be located in Simpson County’s Stone-Givens Industrial Park. It’s expected to open within the next year.

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