Life & Work with Jack Abrams of Franklin, TN

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jack Abrams

Hi Jack, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! Here is a little bit about us, how we got started, and what keeps us going!

In Westhaven, certain traditions never fade; they just evolve. Paddle Dog is one of those. The story began a decade ago when two entrepreneurial families—the Abrams and the Mattoxes—unwittingly laid the foundation for what has now become a community staple. Jack Abrams, back then just 14, was a newcomer from Chicago who missed the taste of a real-deal Chicago hot dog. With a knack for business and a passion for good food, Jack launched TigerMeat, a small hot dog venture that quickly made a name for itself.

On the weekends, the Abrams family’s hot dog carts became a fixture outside the Mattox family’s Paddle Dog Adventures Boathouse. Together, they brought food, fun, and a sense of togetherness to the growing Westhaven neighborhood. But as the years passed and life’s demands shifted, both businesses paused.

Over the past few years, the Abrams family has been working on bringing this special spot back to life. With Jack and his siblings leading the charge, they’ve combined the best of both worlds: delicious gourmet burgers and hot dogs, local craft beers, and paddleboard rentals—all wrapped up in a laid-back, vacation-like vibe. Tucked away in Franklin, TN, Paddle Dog is a hidden gem where you can feel miles away from the hustle while hanging out by the water with friends. It’s the kind of place where the welcoming atmosphere keeps people coming back, whether they’re there for a paddle, a bite to eat, or just to relax with live music on weekends and Thursday night trivia.

A big part of what makes Paddle Dog special is that we’re dog-friendly. We know how much people love being able to bring their furry friends along for an outing, so we’ve made sure that dogs are a big focus of our business. Whether you’re grabbing a bite or heading out on the water, we’ve created a space where you and your pup can enjoy a fun activity together.

Operating during the busy summer season is no small feat, and we couldn’t do it without our amazing team. We’re proud to have a crew of over 25 high school and college students who keep things running smoothly, from managing rentals to serving up delicious food with a smile. Their energy and dedication are a big part of what makes Paddle Dog the lively spot it is today.

While we honor the history of both TigerMeat and Paddle Dog Adventures, the focus is on where we’re headed. Paddle Dog today is about creating a space where everyone can gather, whether they’re out for a paddle on the lake or enjoying a cold beer and live music—with their dogs by their side. It’s a nod to the past with fresh energy and a vision for the future—right here in your backyard.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road or easy, but that’s all part of the journey. Like any business, we’ve had our share of challenges. Navigating the business side has been a learning process, especially when it comes to balancing all the moving parts—managing finances, coordinating schedules, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that we can’t do it alone. We’re fortunate to have an incredible team of over 25 high school and college students who bring energy, dedication, and hard work every day. They’re the backbone of what we do, and our success truly depends on them.

Another challenge is maintaining our high standard of service while scaling up. We’ve always prioritized creating a welcoming, friendly atmosphere, and it’s important that this shines through in every interaction, whether it’s serving a customer or guiding someone on the water. The details matter to us—whether it’s a perfectly cooked hot dog or a smooth paddleboard rental experience. It’s a lot to manage, but we’re passionate about what we do, and we’re constantly working to improve.

At the end of the day, the struggles have made us better. They’ve pushed us to refine our processes, learn from our mistakes, and grow as a business. We wouldn’t trade the journey for anything, and we’re excited to continue building on what we’ve learned.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a University of Tennessee Knoxville graduate, and loved my time there. That’s where I studied business and marketing, and still to this day use some of those skills and internship experiences and implement them into the business.

What I’m most proud of is our commitment to creating a space where people can connect and feel a sense of community. Our dog-friendly environment, live music, and engaging trivia nights are all part of our effort to foster a welcoming, fun atmosphere. Our dedicated team of over 25 high school and college students plays a crucial role in maintaining our high standards and vibrant energy.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We’re always open to exploring new partnerships and collaborations with local businesses, community organizations, and event planners. Whether it’s co-hosting events, cross-promotions, or unique community initiatives, we love working with others to enhance the experience we offer!

Supporting Paddle Dog by visiting us, enjoying our food and activities, and participating in our events is a fantastic way to show your support. Engaging with us on social media @PaddleDogTN, spreading the word, and sharing your experiences also helps us grow and reach more people.

If you’re involved in local events or causes, we’d love to discuss opportunities to support or participate in them. Whether it’s through sponsorships, volunteering, or other forms of community engagement, we’re committed to being an active and supportive member of the community!

Pricing:

• We are affordable! We want families to be able to come by all the time without the cost limiting them
• 25/hour for paddle board rentals!
• $8 Boat House Burger! We don’t really need to focus on pricing though 🙂

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paddledogtn.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paddledogtn
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaddleDogTN