NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — After more than a decade, White's Mercantile is moving from its iconic location in the 12South neighborhood.

Hank Williams' granddaughter Holly Williams spotted the old gas station 12 years ago at 2908 12th Avenue South and did not want to see it torn down.

The old gas station turned into White’s Mercantile. It is now not only one of the original shops in 12South, it’s also one of the busiest.

“I was just literally driving down the street one night and passed it and like, ‘gosh, that’d be cool to do a little community store there,'” recalled Williams. “I called a few people they said it’s going to be torn down. So I called Frothy Monkey, I was like, ‘can I speak to the owner? My name is Holly, you don’t know me from Adam, do you know anything about this building?’ And that guy hooked me up with a guy named Benjamin, who own the building, and they were gonna tear it down and do like a really nice apartment shopping complex. And, I begged and pleaded, and begged and pleaded, and he finally said, ‘Yes’. So we opened about two months after my crazy idea came into my head.”

“I think no one ever dreamed, no one that I know would have been like ‘oh yeah, you’re right.’ It’s kind of become the hottest mecca of shopping," said Williams. But that’s exactly what happened.

Williams announced the shop will be moving to the former location of MAFIAoZA’s Pizzeria & Neighborhood Pub at 2400 12th Avenue South.

Williams posted a heartfelt announcement of the move on social media.

12 years ago I drove by an old gas station with loads of charm and potential! After tracking down the owner and begging him for a chance at a lease, a dream became a sudden and unexpected reality. What was originally a desire to fill what I thought was a small void in Nashville, became a tangible reality in a bigger and more meaningful way than I could have ever imagined. White’s Mercantile was born, and you all showed us so much love from day one! It’s because of you that we have grown into four locations in the Nashville area and we are thrilled for what’s to come! As so many of you know, our beloved 12th South location is being re-developed. We are heartbroken to leave this nostalgic spot, BUT I am over the moon to share that we will be moving to the space that was formerly home to Mafiaoza's. We are so excited that we are staying in our 12th South community!!! We are in the process of remodeling the space and cannot wait to share our new home with you soon!! From the bottom of my heart, my incredible team and I cannot thank you enough for all of your continued support. Our White’s Mercantile family has been so grateful to serve you all of these years and will be honored to for many more!! See you all very soon right down the street…

Holly Audrey Williams

White's Mercantile has locations in Green Hills, Belle Meade and Franklin.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/whites-mercantile-moving-to-new-space-in-12south/