If you’ve tuned into the local dining scene, you’ve likely noticed that Tennesseans' appetite for old-world European cuisine has only increased over the years. Luckily, Perenn is here to provide. The inviting bakery, rotisserie and grocery concept, located in Franklin, opened its doors in May and offers a rich café menu that features Perenn’s specialty — naturally-leavened breads and pastries. 

Before founding Perenn, husband-and-wife duo Tyler and Aubrey O’Laskey first met while attending the Culinary Institute of America and later became private chefs in the Lake Tahoe area. When branching into the catering industry, the duo distinguished their business through their artisan breadmaking. During peak wedding season, Tyler came up with a proposition — the duo should open a bakery. 

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Their first storefront, located in Reno, Nevada, occupied merely 800 square feet, but left a massive impact. “We were only open four days a week, and it completely blew up,” says Aubrey. The local community latched onto the concept, with many revelers quickly becoming frequent visitors. “It was such a nice opportunity to not have to drive around to visit your customer,” says Aubrey. “Customers can actually come to see you, and you start to develop relationships with your regulars.”

After opening several locations in Nevada, Aubrey and Tyler settled on Tennessee as their new home. “We flew out, and we looked at Franklin and were like ‘This is out of a Hallmark movie,’” says Aubrey. “People are genuinely so nice here, and they acknowledge your presence. And I think sometimes in the West Coast and other parts of the country, it’s forgotten a little bit.” 

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Perenn’s Franklin location is settled in the historic Boat House, which boasts homey charm and impeccable views of the Harpeth River. “We loved the idea of finding a beautiful, old building to introduce ourselves in,” says Aubrey. The Franklin location is sustainable and approachable, accenting the city’s old-timey glamour and premier dining scene. 

Perenn will expand once again into Nashville’s historic Oak Barrel Building in early August. Initially set to be a warehouse for bread production, the location will instead showcase Perenn’s entire process to the public. 

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This new location will primarily serve pastries, bread and select grocery products. Plush leather couches will dot the space, encouraging guests to sit and stay a while. Excitingly, these guests will also get to witness Tyler and Aubrey’s process up close. “When you walk into your left,” Aubrey says, “you’ll see into the lamination room, where all the pastries are being laminated and rolled. And then you’ll see the mill.” 

For further immersion, the couple will offer breadmaking classes. Creating memorable experiences is a large part of Tyler and Aubrey’s business model. “My favorite part is walking through the dining room and watching people experience something in a space that we’ve created,” says Aubrey. “It’s the most satisfying, most pleasurable thing.”

To learn more, visit www.perennbakery.com, and check out @perennbakery.