Mr. J’s Original is preparing to open a new restaurant at 330 Mayfield Drive, bringing the concept’s signature pastrami sandwiches and burgers to the Cool Springs area.
Owner Jason Flores recently confirmed the project to WhatNow Nashville, describing the upcoming opening as the next step for the business after launching the original Mr. J’s Original in downtown Nashville two years ago.
“We were looking for a second location because our first one is in downtown Nashville,” Flores said.
Known for its pastrami-focused menu, Mr. J’s Original operates as a burger stand and diner with an emphasis on consistency and execution rather than an oversized menu.
“Our specialty is pastrami, and it’s kind of a burger stand slash diner,” Flores said. “We try to keep things simple where there’s not a lot of moving parts, but where we can focus on making sure everything’s consistent and the way people are expecting it to be.”
Flores said the Franklin opportunity came together after he found a second-generation restaurant space where some elements were already in place, helping reduce buildout costs and making the project more feasible.
The owner is currently targeting a July 15 opening date, though the timeline remains subject to final permitting and approvals.
Expanding in today’s restaurant environment is not without risk, Flores acknowledged. Rising costs and increased competition have created challenges across the industry, but he believes operators must continue moving forward when opportunities arise.
“You can’t really sit around and wait,” Flores said.
He added that restaurants today face an increasingly competitive landscape shaped by social media, viral food trends, and a growing number of dining options. In that environment, he believes success depends on delivering a consistent product and creating a positive experience for customers.
Looking ahead, Flores said he hopes to continue expanding the brand and has considered launching additional concepts in the future, including a Mexican restaurant. For now, however, his focus remains on opening the Franklin location and introducing Mr. J’s Original to customers throughout Williamson County.
