Brad and Kimberly Williams-Paisley Announce Second The Store Location

Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley announced Wednesday the forthcoming opening a new outpost of their food pantry The Store at the TriStar Centennial Medical Center’s campus in Midtown. 

The Store’s first location was established on Belmont University’s campus in 2020 and now serves more than 1,000 people a year. Inspired by the Santa Barbara, Calif., nonprofit Unity Shoppe, The Store operates as a no-cost, choice-based food pantry that emulates a grocery store shopping experience and emphasizes dignity for those who use it. In addition to providing fresh food and household items, The Store also provides nutrition and cooking classes. With the help of Belmont University and the Family Wellbeing Program, The Store also offers financial planning, case management, counseling and more.

“It's always been our dream to expand The Store,” said Williams-Paisley at the event. “And our goal with The Store, really, is so people can shop with dignity, and we can help them get back on their feet so they don't need us. This isn't meant to be a long-term solution; this is meant to be an investment in the community.” 

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Sharing the stage with the Paisleys Wednesday was TriStar Centennial president and CEO Tom Ozburn, who said the idea for The Store was born from the realization that some hospital employees were using their own money to help patients get food and clothing. Ozburn approached the board with a desire to do something about that, and board member Perri duGard Owens — who also spoke at the event — told him about The Store, which led to the partnership. 

TriStar Centennial chaplain Allen Tanner and The Store CEO Collen Mayer also spoke at the event. Mayer said the new location will start functioning next summer, and it will also provide emergency clothing alongside food services. To help with the cost of opening The Store’s new location and supporting its initial operations, Williams-Paisley announced the start of a $5 million campaign — to which she and Brad will contribute the first $1 million. Alongside needed donations, Paisley also encouraged people to volunteer at The Store.  

“It feels like absolute synergy — so meant to be,” said Paisley. “And we're very excited to continue doing what we're doing, not only in the Belmont location but in this location. And the sky’s the limit, I really believe that. And thank you for all of the support that you've given us over the years."