Brewing Community
For many in Franklin, the day doesn’t truly begin until the first cup of coffee is in hand. At BIGGBY Coffee, located off Interstate 65, that daily ritual is about more than caffeine.
BIGGBY prides itself on creating a space for community, conversation and connection. Owned by Shiv Patel and managed by Sapna Patel, this neighborhood coffee shop has quickly become a welcoming gathering place for residents looking for both great drinks and genuine hospitality.
BIGGBY Coffee was founded in 1995 with a simple but powerful vision: to create a friendly, neighborhood-focused coffee shop where everyone feels at home. That same vision guided the opening of the Franklin location in 2024.
“BIGGBY Coffee was founded with the idea of creating a welcoming, neighborhood coffee shop where people feel at home,” Sapna explains. “The Franklin location was opened with that same friendly, community-focused experience in mind, and we are proud to be growing alongside the Franklin community.”
From the moment customers walk through the doors, that sense of warmth is clear. Bright smiles from baristas, familiar greetings and an upbeat atmosphere make it easy to see why many customers stop by not just for coffee, but for the experience itself. A regular from the neighborhood, Jackson Triwedi, explains, “I like Biggby because it feels more homey than your run-of-the-mill coffee shop. More attention to detail on your drink.” For Sapna, serving customers is the most rewarding part of the job. “Many people start their day with caffeine, and for most, that means coffee,” she says. “I love knowing that I get to help kick-start their day and be a positive part of their daily routine.”
No two days behind the counter are the same, and that’s exactly what makes the work meaningful.
“Every day I experience different emotions and interactions with different customers,” Sapna shares. “It makes me happy knowing I can help make someone’s day a little brighter through friendly service and a great cup of coffee.”
Franklin’s close-knit feel plays a big role in shaping the atmosphere at BIGGBY Coffee. Regulars stop in often enough that friendly faces quickly become familiar ones, and small conversations turn into lasting connections.
“The best part is the Franklin community itself,” Sapna says. “I get to see familiar faces, build relationships and feel more connected to the people around me. Even small conversations help bring us together and create a true sense of community.”
Of course, the coffee itself is a big part of what keeps customers coming back. The Franklin BIGGBY menu features a wide range of options, with flavored lattes, iced coffee and signature drinks topping the favorites list. Customer go-tos like the Butter Bear and Teddy Bear are especially popular, while seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice, peppermint and red velvet offer something new throughout the year. Along with its coffee, BIGGBY offers smoothies, teas, energy drinks and convenient on-the-go breakfast choices.
Staff favorites often lean toward creativity.
“Those usually include custom creations, cold brews with flavor boosts and our seasonal specials,” she adds. “I often recommend customers try those as well.”
Customization is where BIGGBY Coffee truly shines. Unlike many coffee shops, BIGGBY encourages customers to make their drinks exactly how they like them.
“What really stands out to me is the level of customization,” Sapna explains. “Customers can adjust sweetness, choose their milk options or add flavors of their choice to their drinks. Whether someone wants a simple black coffee or a fully customized signature drink, we are always happy to make it exactly the way they want.”
Beyond the menu, the BIGGBY experience is rooted in people first. Friendly baristas and a welcoming environment are intentional choices, not happy accidents.
“One thing that truly sets BIGGBY Coffee apart is our focus on people,” Sapna says. “We continuously make an effort to ensure every customer feels special and valued.”
That commitment extends beyond the walls of the shop. Franklin’s BIGGBY Coffee actively supports the community through partnerships with local schools, organizations, churches and community events.
“Supporting the local community is very important to us,” Sapna shares. “We enjoy partnering through fundraisers, sponsorships and hands-on involvement whenever possible.”
Looking ahead, the future feels bright. “We are excited to continue building strong relationships with the community and to keep growing alongside Franklin,” Sapna says. “As more people discover BIGGBY Coffee, we look forward to being a long-term part of their lives.”
For first-time visitors, the message is simple and welcoming.
“BIGGBY Coffee is a friendly, judgment-free zone,” Sapna explains. “If you’re not sure what you want, our baristas are more than happy to help you find something you’ll love. I’d say — give us a shot, and we’ll pull the best shot for you!”
To follow along with BIGGBY’s baristas and flavors, find them on Facebook or TikTok at BIGGBY Coffee – Franklin.
“We are grateful for the continued support of the Franklin community,” Sapna adds. “We invite everyone to stop by, say hello and enjoy a great cup of coffee. We hope BIGGBY Coffee becomes your next favorite spot.”
