Levain Bakery has chosen Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood for its first Tennessee location, according to a company announcement. The New York City-founded bakery will open at 2901 12th Avenue South, taking over the former Burger Up space. An opening timeline has not yet been announced.
Founded in 1995 by Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald, Levain Bakery said it spent more than four years searching for the right location before selecting the longtime neighborhood gathering spot. The company said the walkable community, creative atmosphere and history of the property made it the ideal fit for its Music City debut.
“We’ve wanted to bring Levain to Nashville for years, but for us the right location matters just as much as the bakery itself,” founders Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald said in the announcement. “The moment we walked into the space, we knew it was the one.”
The founders said they hope to continue the property’s legacy as a neighborhood gathering place where friends, families and local residents can connect over coffee and baked goods.
Burger Up owner Jim Lewis also welcomed the transition.
“Change is never easy, but I’m incredibly proud of what Burger Up has meant to this neighborhood and excited to see the space begin its next chapter,” Lewis said. “I chose Levain because I believe they’ll be thoughtful partners, wonderful neighbors and a great addition to the community we all love.”
The Nashville bakery will serve Levain’s signature oversized cookies, including Chocolate Chip Walnut, Oatmeal Raisin and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip, along with coffee and tea, pastries, artisanal breads, loaf cakes, sandwiches served on freshly baked baguettes and seasonal menu offerings.
The company also said it plans to hire locally, establish community partnerships and donate proceeds from its opening day to a Nashville nonprofit.
Founded on New York City’s Upper West Side, Levain Bakery has grown from a neighborhood bread shop into a brand with 19 locations nationwide.
