Nashville’s local grocer marks their 25th anniversary with a free, family-friendly event
John Dyke’s Turnip Truck is turning 25, and he’s throwing a party. The founder and CEO of Nashville’s only locally owned full-service natural grocer is inviting the community to the free Turnip Truck Block Party on Saturday, May 9, 11am-4pm at the closed parking lot of the East Nashville store, located at 701 Woodland St.
“For 25 years, Turnip Truck has connected Nashville to the most nutritious local, organic and wholesome foods available,” Dyke said. “We’re celebrating our birthday with a block party featuring all the things that make Turnip Truck a Nashville original.”
Guests will enjoy product samples from local vendors, a special block party menu of food and beverages, live music performances and steep discounts on premium products. Interactive kids’ activities will be presented in partnership with Bach to Rock, Fairytales Bookstore and Turnip Green Creative Reuse.
Turnip Truck founder John Dyke grew up on his family’s East Tennessee farm, where they raised their own food. After moving to Nashville to start his career, Dyke missed the nutritious, farm-fresh food of his childhood. Determined to bring quality groceries to his 5 Points neighborhood, he launched the first Turnip Truck in East Nashville in 2001.
“We focused on building strong relationships with farmers, many of whom still sell products in our stores today,” Dyke said.
Turnip Truck quickly became a cornerstone of the 5 Points community, feeding its customers and even hosting the city’s first neighborhood farmer’s market in the parking lot. Today, Turnip Truck operates four locations in Nashville, including East Nashville, Midtown, The Gulch, and Charlotte Avenue.
Turnip Truck is also committed to giving back to the community it serves. To celebrate 25 years, Turnip Truck has kicked off a rounding up partnership to benefit The Store. Customers at all locations have the opportunity to donate at the register to help purchase natural foods to stock The Store, which provides free groceries in a market setting to locals facing food insecurity.
“Since 2001, Turnip Truck has been connecting local farms with Nashville’s tables,” Dyke said. “Four stores and 25 years later, we feel like we’re just getting started.”
Stay tuned on event details and updates at theturniptruck.com/25years. Special thanks to Dade Paper, Four Seasons, KeHe, Nestle, Regions Bank, Ajax Turner, Bearded Iris, Hissho Sushi, Thistle Farms and UNFI for supporting the block party.
ABOUT TURNIP TRUCK
Founded in 2001 by John Dyke, Turnip Truck is Nashville’s only locally owned full-service natural foods grocer. Specializing in local, natural and organic foods and products, Turnip Truck has four Nashville locations. To learn more, visit theturniptruck.com.