In a restored historic home just steps from Main Street, a soft hum of conversation drifts across a wooden deck lit by warm lanterns. Smoke curls into cool evening air as glasses clink and strangers become friends. At first glance, The Mission Cigar and Social in downtown Franklin may look like a refined cigar lounge, but to owner William Horton, it is something more. It is a place where community has been revived and connection still matters.
“We really wanted to create a space that feels like you are just hanging out at home with friends, enjoying a good cigar,” Horton said. “The kind of place where the conversation can jump from last night’s game to what’s really going on in life.”
Located inside a converted house, The Mission offers an atmosphere unlike the typical leather-and-dark-wood cigar lounges found in major cities. Each room is different, each gathering space intentional. Color, character, and conversation matter here. Horton said that was the goal from the beginning.
“Our Franklin location being in an old house gave us something different than most cigar lounges,” he said. “We have created a handful of cozy rooms that make the place feel a lot more personal and relaxed. It also let us give each room its own vibe with unique colors, furniture, and atmosphere, all while keeping that classic Franklin charm.”
That charm extends well beyond decor. From the moment guests walk inside, they are greeted by name. Regulars call it their second living room. Travelers find unexpected hospitality. Locals drop by to sit on the back deck and watch football, listen to live music, or take part in long talks about life, work, and purpose.
But what truly sets The Mission apart is not its cigars, atmosphere, or curated bourbons. It is people. The Mission operates under a simple philosophy that drives every decision.
“It is that timeless truth, people love going somewhere they are known,” Horton said. “Our staff does an awesome job making everyone feel like family, whether it is their first visit or they are here every day. Tourist or local, it does not matter; our goal is to make the place feel warm, welcoming, and easy to relax in. Before we opened the first shop in Spring Hill, we decided our primary goal was not to make money, it was about the people and this has paid off.”
That foundation shapes the culture that has quickly made The Mission more than a business. Yes, there are humidors stocked with premium cigars, knowledgeable tobacconists ready to guide new smokers, and private lockers for members. Yes, there are bourbon tastings, brand launches and exclusive events. But beneath the surface, something deeper is happening.
The Mission describes its faith-based roots as subtle but intentional. Horton and his co-owners do not push beliefs on anyone, but they do not hide what drives their values either.
“Culture means a lot to us,” Horton said. “We are all about creating an environment built on respect and good, genuine conversation. However, we believe the best way to show our faith in business is not by just sharing our faith in daily conversations, it is by living it out through how we treat people. Our owners and staff set that tone every day by leading by example.”
That tone has created space for meaningful relationships and deeper conversations. Many guests stop in simply to relax. Others come looking for community. The Mission recognizes both needs.
Isolation has become one of the most significant social issues of this era, especially among men. Horton and his team see it every day. They built The Mission to combat it.
“Seats that face each other in small groups,” Horton said. “Our technology-driven, remote world has left people starving for real connection. Especially men.”
That belief inspired Mission’s men’s groups, which meet weekly in both Spring Hill and Franklin.
In Spring Hill, it is Tavern Talks. In Franklin, it is called The Builder’s Table.
“This is one of the ways we intentionally show that we care about the spiritual well-being of our community,” Horton said. “We get that going to church is important, but we also know it can be tough for some guys. It is simply a place where men can talk openly about the real challenges they face every day and find some solid, biblical wisdom on how to handle and overcome them. Sharing their stories, struggles and successes brings them closer to one another and creates a brotherhood of support that you see in the shop throughout the week.”
Behind every cigar and every conversation, real lives are being changed. Horton does not hesitate when asked whether The Mission has had an impact on the people who gather there.
“There are so many great stories that have come out of this place,” he said. “We have had a couple get married right out on the deck, guys who have found real friendships, and couples who have made us part of their date nights. We have even had tourists fall in love with Franklin and a few have said our staff’s friendliness sealed their decision to move here.”
Then his voice quiets a bit.
“Last year, a beloved customer passed away,” he said. “His widow asked us to hold his only memorial service. All these people growing together has been an awesome thing to be part of.”
The Mission’s story begins nowhere near Franklin or Spring Hill. In fact, it began 20 years ago on a rooftop in Mexico.
“Mission Cigar was born from conversations held on the mission field in Mexico where three of the four founders met,” Horton said. “Sitting on the rooftop of a hotel enjoying premium cigars, a community center called Oasis was imagined and created in 2004 and still serves 250 children in Mexico today.”
Years later, those same men discovered a small cigar lounge for sale in Spring Hill. They bought it. They built a community. They never imagined it would grow the way it has.
Today, two Mission locations thrive in Williamson County, but Horton is in no rush to franchise the idea.
“Our future success really depends on the community and culture we continue to build,” he said. “As long as we keep listening to our customers and serving them well, we believe success will take care of itself.”
From curated cigar and bourbon pairings to local music nights and album debuts, The Mission continues to evolve. Horton said they are just getting started.
“We are still figuring this part out, but it has been a lot of fun along the way,” he said. “What really makes these gatherings special, though, is the mix of our staff’s friendliness and knowledge. They make every event feel fun, relaxed, and memorable.”
In a world of noise, The Mission offers space to slow down. In a culture of isolation, it prioritizes connection. Cigars may be the product, but the soul of the business is unmistakably personal.
At The Mission, smoke may rise, but what lingers long after is something far richer: belonging.
Franklin.MissionCigar.com
“Seats that face each other in small groups,” Horton said. “Our technology driven, remote world has left people starving for real connection. Especially men.”
“As long as we keep listening to our customers and serving them well, we believe success will take care of itself.”