Mt. Juliet brunch staple The Paper Mill is packing up its grit bowls and chicken and waffles for a second act in downtown Gallatin, taking over the longtime Swaney Swift’s space on the square at 118 N. Water Avenue. Owner Justin Ragan is targeting an early-summer opening, with plans for a roughly 90-seat dining room and a milkshake bar that will be unique to the Gallatin location. Renovations are already underway.
As reported by What Now Nashville, Ragan framed the move as “about people, about community,” calling it a chance to plug into Gallatin’s downtown scene. That outlet notes the historic space is getting a rebuilt kitchen along with design touches intended to “pay homage to the city,” including local memorabilia, while crews push to wrap up the fit-out in time for an early-summer debut.
What to Expect
The Paper Mill launched in Mt. Juliet with a comfort-heavy breakfast and brunch lineup, according to the restaurant’s website, and the Gallatin outpost will lean on the same greatest hits. Diners can expect grit bowls, the Hot Piggy Benedict, loaded potato hash, breakfast tacos, and chicken and waffles to make the move north, with the new milkshake bar and a few community-focused menu tweaks setting the Gallatin spot apart. For the full Mt. Juliet menu and current hours, check the Paper Mill’s site.
Downtown Context
The corner address at 118 N. Water Ave has long been tied to Swaney Swift’s, which evolved from a soda fountain into a burger joint that locals brought back in recent years, according to local coverage. Sumner County Source documented the restaurant’s 2024 reopening after a remodel, and the Paper Mill says its décor will nod to that history. The move adds to a broader wave of regional brunch concepts drifting into Sumner County’s downtown districts as the area’s population and appetite for dining options keep climbing.
The Paper Mill’s original Mt. Juliet restaurant will stay put at 4066 N. Mt. Juliet Rd., according to the restaurant’s website. The Ragans plan to staff the Gallatin opening with a mix of experienced cooks and local hires, and they are directing fans to watch the restaurant’s online channels for final details on reservations, hours, and the official opening date once renovations wrap.
