Williamson Health

A bill that gives Williamson Health Board of Trustees more flexibility in a potential sale of the publicly owned hospital was sent to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk this week to be signed into law. 

Senate Bill 2194, sponsored by two Franklin Republicans: Sen. Jack Johnson and Rep. Jake McCalmon, allows for an exemption for hospitals worth more than $500 million to put some of its profits from a sale toward non-health-related initiatives. Under current state law, the proceeds from the sale of a government-owned public benefit hospital are required to go in a trust where the funds are earmarked for public health initiatives. 

Williamson Health announced during a July Williamson County Commission meeting that it was considering a sale, citing staffing shortages, an increase in operating costs and inadequate reimbursements from insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid, among other concerns.

This week, Williamson Health also announced that it installed a new laboratory track system which uses automated tracks to efficiently collect, sort and process lab samples. 

 “In the lab, we often say that every tube of blood is a person waiting for answers,” said Patti Walton, laboratory director at Williamson Health.“The new system isn’t just running tests; it’s providing standardization, reliability and optimization of workflows. It allows us to be the silent, reliable backbone of every diagnosis made in this building.”

Ugly Bagel to open in Franklin 

Ugly Bagel is set to open its second Middle Tennessee location in Franklin this week. 

The Nashville-based bagel company is set to be located at 2000 Meridian Blvd, Suite 100, part of the Meridian Cool Springs development, which also includes Little Hats and Handel’s Ice Cream. The store is hosting a ribbon cutting on April 10 at 11 a.m. according to Williamson, Inc. 

Known for its hand-rolled bagels and “rip and dip” style served with tubs of cream cheese or butter, Ugly Bagel opened its first brick-and-mortar location in The Arcade in Downtown Nashville in late 2024. 

Serrato’s Steakhouse owner plans new concept

Roots Prime Italian Chophouse is planned for 440 Cool Springs Blvd, Nashville Business Journal reported. The opening is set for late May or early June in the space formerly occupied by Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom.  

The owner is Jose Serrato, known for Serrato’s Steakhouse, which has two locations in Williamson County. The cuisine will blend the family’s Italian, Mexican and American roots, the Business Journal reported.  

In addition, Serrato is planning a third Serrato’s Steakhouse location at the former Bar Louie space in the One Bellevue complex.