What's Up Mt Juliet Weekly Newsletter 6/25

June 25, 2026

Good morning, Mt Juliet!

We've been feeling those summer vibes for weeks now, but it officially arrived a few days ago with the solstice — the longest day of the year and your official excuse to soak up every bit of the season while it's here. Sure, the days will start inching shorter from here, but there's still plenty of summer left to enjoy around Mt Juliet and beyond.

This week's newsletter is packed: an incredible story from a local woman who turned near tragedy into a life-changing ministry, a look ahead to 4th of July events in and around Mt Juliet, and an update on the MJ Fire Department. Plus, plenty of things to do around town, a few business updates, and a brand-new subscriber-only coupon from our friends at Bubbakoo’s. It's going to be a good one — let's dive in! 🌞

Denise & Mike

A Decade of Growth: Mt. Juliet’s Fire Department Levels Up

As Mt. Juliet continues to grow, so does its investment in keeping the community safe—especially when it comes to the Mt. Juliet Fire Department.

Back in 2017, the department operated with just 19 personnel. Today, for FY2026, it’s budgeted for 84 positions. That growth reflects a major expansion in staffing, training, and overall emergency response capabilities.

Over the past decade, the City has steadily strengthened its fire and EMS services by opening new stations, upgrading equipment and apparatus, and expanding in-house training opportunities. Competitive pay has also played an important role in attracting and retaining highly skilled first responders.

That investment is clearly reflected in the budget. Funding for the Fire Department has grown from $2.2 million in FY2017 to more than $15 million in FY2026—a 582% increase and the largest departmental increase in city history over that period.

Those dollars have supported everything from new EMS services and additional stations to modern equipment and enhanced training—ensuring the department is ready for today’s needs while planning for tomorrow’s growth.

Public safety continues to be a top priority in Mt. Juliet, with more than 60% of the City’s General Fund dedicated to Police and Fire services. That funding supports the people, technology, infrastructure, and resources that keep emergency response strong across the city.

The result is a fire department that is better equipped, better staffed, and better prepared—and a community that continues to rank among the safest in Tennessee.

Good news, coffee lovers — Starbucks is officially open at 2059 N. Mt. Juliet Rd.! This brand-new location opened its doors on June 21 and is conveniently located near the train station, making it the perfect stop on your way to work or wherever the day takes you. Whether you need a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat, this new spot has you covered!

🥯 The Wait Is Over: Ugly Bagel Announces Opening Date

After much anticipation, Ugly Bagel, located at 1913 N. Mt Juliet Rd., is officially opening its doors on July 1st—and it’s bringing a fun twist to the classic bagel shop.

This will be their third Middle Tennessee location, serving up fresh handcrafted bagels with creative flavors like strawberry, sundried tomato, and french toast.

It’s not just bagels either—you’ll also find fun coffee options like a peanut butter cup latte, plus energy drinks (one made with Hawaiian shaved ice!) and breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches.

🍦 Shop Springs Creamery Comes to Mt Juliet

Good news for dairy and ice cream lovers — Shop Springs Creamery is holding a soft opening today, Thursday, June 25th, with their products now available right here in town at Circle P Ranch, located next door to Main St. Market at 563 E. Main St.

If you haven't tried it yet, Shop Springs Creamery is a family-owned dairy farm and creamery based in Shop Springs (between Lebanon and Watertown). The milk comes straight from their own herd of Jersey cows raised just a couple of miles from the creamery, and they're known around the area for fresh milk, house-made ice cream, and other farm-to-table dairy goods.

Since it's a soft opening, hours and offerings may be limited at first, so it's worth checking in before making a special trip — but it's exciting to see their products land closer to home.

Bubbakoo's Burritos is giving our readers a special coupon valid through July 15th! You can grab a free drink with any entree purchase—making it the perfect time to go build your own custom burritos, bowls, or tacos exactly how you like them.

Thursday, June 25

Friday, June 26

Saturday, June 27

Sunday, June 28

Monday, June 29

Tuesday, June 30

Wednesday, July 1

Thursday, July 2

Nearby & Noteworthy

Meet the Team

Denise is a SoCal native who has called Middle Tennessee home for 25 years. A self-proclaimed foodie, she’s always on the hunt for the area's latest and greatest restaurants—though during football season, you’ll likely find her locked into a game.

Mike originally hails from New Jersey and has lived in Mt. Juliet for over 30 years. When he isn’t cheering on his favorite college and pro football teams, he loves getting out to catch some live local rock music.

Together, we started What’s Up Mt. Juliet because we believe there is so much to love about this great city. Each week, our goal is to bring you the best of Mt Juliet…and hopefully brighten your day along the way!

Thanks for letting us be a small part of your week!

Publication Disclaimer:

While we work hard to keep all information accurate and up to date, event details can change unexpectedly. We highly recommend double-checking the event links directly before heading out to ensure you have the latest updates. This newsletter contains affiliate links, meaning we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. We deeply appreciate your support, which helps keep our content running.