As part of Small Business Week, we invited local owners to share their favorite spots everyone should know about. Thanks to their recommendations, we’re sharing this community-powered list of restaurants, shops, and services straight from the folks who know the small business scene best.

Feast on local faves

“Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar for supporting other businesses and using its space for markets.” — Tapered Threads

“The City Juicery, a go-to spot for fresh, cold-pressed juices made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Their commitment to health and wellness shines through in every bottle.” — Te’Miyah Gray, Cosmic Cleaning

“Mijo Gordito, a local family feeding the neighborhood.” — Melanie Joye LMT

“The Loveless Cafe. It’s the best (country) comfort food imaginable. Incredibly iconic, authentic, and pure southern charm to the core.” — Jenny Stewart, TSC Marketing

“BaQ Bone BBQ. They are one of the few BBQ joints that offers delicious Texas-style BBQ and have been “Nashville Hidden Gems” approved.” — Leah Langley-McClean, Ellenelle Bridal

“One small business in Nashville that everyone should know about is The Kupcake Barr. As a Black-owned bakery, it stands out not only for its delicious baked goods, but also for its community and empowerment.” — Jennifer Collins, Empowered Orthodontics

“Cocorico Bakery & Cafe (best croissants hands down in Nashville), The Kitchen (the staff is so helpful and knowledgeable, you leave with exactly what you need and the quality is superb), and Sage Refill Market (making a real difference environmentally and has great products and service).” — Jackie Laurian Long, TheraPaint Studio

Visit Killjoy to find the ingredients for the Summer Sparkler, the first drink in our Drink Up Month mocktail series. | Photo by NASHtoday

Try a little retail therapy

“Killjoy, N.B. Goods, Lolu, Kinda Collected, and Subliminal Coffee are all brands we’ve collaborated with. They are all invested in their communities, helping to create change.” — The Exchange Running Collective

“Gift Horse for superbly-curated goods for special occasions (even if the occasion is just Monday), Dreamland Records, and Secret Bodega.” — Jenny Reader, Mourning Brew

“The Getalong — it’s a wonderful shop supporting women-owned businesses and providing a community space for folks to gather and participate in all sorts of classes and events.” — Emma Bradford, Little Art House

“Bits & Pieces Antique Boutique. They’re in Germantown, and it’s half boutique and half antiques with ~25+ vendors. So it’s a TON of micro businesses within another small business!” — Kara Tyler, Juniper & Co. Coffee & Tea

“Hot Pink and Happy Place Market & Mercantile. Both shops are locally owned and carry a variety of gift items and fun things related to Nashville.” — Thom Vyneman, Preservan Nashville

Trusted services

“Too many to count! But one that everyone should know about is The Porch Company. The owner, Iris, is an amazing human being and a Nashville native with an incredible story.” — Connor Pera, The Print Authority

“Like Floradayleaf, Tea Rose Nashville creates a premium experience for their tea parties like no other.” — DwyanYoung-Smith, Floradayleaf

“Inspired Concepts and Events, LLC brings creative, flexible, and engaging solutions for live events.” — Curated Automation

“Holiday Salon and Bathhouse. Located in the Highland Yards building, it’s a must visit if looking for a place to relax. They also have the most friendly and personable staff in town.” — Efren Ormaza, Smilodon Dental