05/15/2026
GATHERING OF FRIENDS’ BENEFIT FOR Halfway Market and Diner TO BE HELD SATURDAY, MAY 23rd at Gentry Farm
Community Invited to Come Together in Support of Beloved Diner and Displaced Staff.
FRANKLIN, Tennessee -- Customers and friends of the team at Half Way Market & Diner have been looking for ways to help, after a kitchen fire on May 13 destroyed the restaurant. Now, a benefit has been scheduled to raise money in support of the displaced staff and recovery effort.
“Half Way has always been a community gathering place, where the staff treats everyone like family,” said Brandy Blanton, a longtime friend of owners Kellye and Paul King. “Now it’s our turn to wrap our arms around them.”
On Saturday, May 23, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Gentry Farm, local musicians including David Leonard, Poor Lisa, and the Austin Brothers Band featuring Sen. Jack Johnson will play a fundraising show. Hattie Jane’s Creamery will be on hand with ice cream, bottled water will be available for purchase, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. No outside coolers, pets, or alcohol will be allowed on-site.
There is no cost to attend, but donations are encouraged. Online contributions can be made through the Circle of Giving and selecting “Half Way Market & Diner”.
“Recovery will be a long road, and we are so humbled by the outpouring of support and requests for ways to help,” Kellye King said. “We can rebuild, but the immediate focus in on making sure our staff who have now lost their place of employment are taken care of as we figure out the next steps.”
For more information or questions, contact Brandy Blanton, [email protected]
https://secure.anedot.com/the-circle-of-giving/donate
