Welcome to The Cookery
Good Food. Doing Good.
Breakfast, lunch, coffee, and catering â Every meal makes a difference.
Eat at the Cookery
Breakfast, lunch, and coffee.
MonâFri 7â2, Sun 11â2
Order Online
Pickup with Toast or delivery via DoorDash, Grubhub, or Uber Eats.
Cater an Event
Delicious food for offices, parties,
and celebrations.
Celebration of Life for Bruce Bolen
Saturday, May 2, 2026. at 2pm CST
The Cookery Venue Down Under
1827 12th Avenue South, Nashville.
There will be an Open Mic, so come prepared
to share a favorite story.
From 4.22.26
We are devastated to announce today the passing of our dear friend Bruce Bolen. đïž
Shortly after a liver and pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Bruce passed peacefully in his sleep. Blessedly, many friends and family members were able to visit and make his impact on their lives known to him while in hospice care. One nurse reported that they had never seen a guest visited by so many. Such is the immense community that will miss Bruce.
His absence will be heavy in the hearts of all who knew him, but most of all the village here at The Cookery. As a longtime friend of owners Brett and Merari Swayn, Bruce has been a central part of this ministry and restaurant since 2013. He had since been a strong presence for the men in our Discipleship House, the Front of House staff, café regulars, and local students wanting to get involved in the ministry.
Without Bruce, it will be a little less loud, a little less musical, a little less funny. We will all certainly miss being greeted by a bellowing âHey you!â and his grinning face.
Rest in peace now, Bruce.
What is the cookery?
The Cookery is a cozy Nashville cafĂ© serving breakfast, lunch, and espresso drinksâfrom flaky meat pies to Aussie-inspired favorites. We’re open MondayâFriday 7amâ2pm and Sundays 11amâ2pm.
Beyond being a restaurant, The Cookery is part of Lambscroft Ministries (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), offering culinary training and job readiness to formerly homeless or incarcerated men, empowering them for long-term employment in the food industry.
You can support the mission by dining with us, ordering catering, volunteering, or donating.
FRESH INGREDIENTS
SERVING TOGETHER
GROWING IN FATIH
More ways to get involved
Attend an Event
Join us Fridays at 6:30 pm for worship, music, and inspiring speakers. Everyone is welcome, with a focus on the spiritual needs of the men in our program.
ServSafe Training
Earn your ServSafe certification in a supportive, hands-on setting at The Cookery. We offer in-person and remote options to help you succeed.
The Cookery Podcast
Listen to stories and conversations from our community and guests. Learn how The Cookery is transforming lives in Nashville.
Donate
Your gift provides culinary training and life-changing opportunities to men rebuilding their lives. Every donation supports our programs and mission.
Merchandise
Shop apparel and gifts that show your support for our cause. Every purchase funds training and programs that change lives.
Listen to our story
Our local Partnerships
Made with heart.
Served with purpose.
At The Cookery, every plate we serve is part of a bigger purposeâtransforming lives through culinary training, mentorship, and community. We provide formerly homeless or incarcerated men with hands-on training in the culinary arts, equipping them with skills that prepare them for lasting employment in Nashvilleâs food industry. From knife skills to food safety certification, our students gain both the technical knowledge and the confidence to step into a new chapter of life.
But the training goes beyond the kitchen. Through discipleship, life skills coaching, and the support of our safe Discipleship Houses, students find stability, renewed purpose, and spiritual growth. Our goal is not only to teach a trade, but to restore hope, rebuild identity, and empower each man to re-enter his community with dignity and purpose.
