Brad And Kimberly Williams-Paisley Break Ground On New Nonprofit The Store

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Pictured (L-R): Gina Hancock, Megan Zarling, Dr. Bob Fisher, Brad Paisley Kimberly Williams-Paisley, David Minnigan Photo by: Sam Simpkins

Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley broke ground yesterday morning (April 3) on their new project, The Store, a nonprofit, free, referral-based grocery store they are co-founding. Also on hand for the ceremony were Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher, The Store Board of Trustees Chair Megan Zarling and The Store Trustee member and architect David Minnigan.

In addition to outlining the vision for The Store, the event featured a few surprises, including a commissioned artist’s print depicting Brad, Kimberly and Dr. Fisher in front of a rendering of The Store, and Brad personally jumping onto the backhoe on site to officially break ground on The Store’s location.

The Paisleys have partnered with Brad’s alma mater, Belmont University, on the location of The Store at 2005 12th Ave. South, next to the University’s Ministry Center. Belmont has begun offering Legal Aid Clinics at the center and plans to also offer healthcare services. Both groups will work closely together to serve the broader community in a range of ways. The location is convenient to bus routes and in the heart of Nashville’s ever-growing 12 South district.

Brad Paisley helps break ground on The Store on 12th Ave. S. in Nashville. Photo: Sam Simpkins

“I’m so excited to be here and see this dream come to fruition. In Nashville there are 1 in 7 people and 1 in 5 children that have food insecurity. That means they don’t know where they are going to get their next meal. The Store will be another resource to help families and individuals going through a hard time but working toward self-sufficiency,” says Kimberly Williams-Paisley.

“Our goal is to give dignity to parents,” added Brad. “They can go to The Store and shop in a completely normal way, from choosing the food to checking out, but with no money exchanging hands. The kids can even ride a mechanical pony out in front of The Store – no charge. Kids do not need the stress of wondering how their parents are going to feed them. In Nashville we have the power of the benevolence of the residents to support The Store.”

“Belmont’s mission is to challenge students with an education that empowers them to use their talents and skills to engage and transform the world,” said Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher. “As an alum, Brad Paisley has certainly achieved that mission and more throughout his career, and today’s groundbreaking for The Store marks another milestone in the work he and Kimberly are doing to impact lives for the better. I am especially grateful that Belmont University has been invited to partner with them in this effort, and our current students and faculty are already laying the groundwork to serve Store patrons through legal aid and health care clinics. This is just the beginning—we anticipate The Store being a significant part of the Belmont community for years to come.”

The building has been designed by Nashville-based architectural firm ESa (Earl Swensson Associates) which donated their services. Construction will be done by J&S Construction Company, Inc. The construction is projected to be completed by the end of 2019.

Rendering of The Store.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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