From the Native Americans who planted crops here over a thousand years ago to the pioneering families of the late 18th century, farmers shaped early Tennessee and elevated the state to national prominence.
Nowadays, Tennessee's agricultural economy remains as vital as ever.
"It's our leading industry, followed by tourism," says Pamela Bartholomew, agritourism marketing specialist with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
Symbolized by the plow, sheaf of wheat and cotton stalk on the state seal, Tennessee's agrarian heritage has a watchful guardian in the Century Farm program. Founded in 1975 and run by the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University since 1985, the program honors farms owned by the same family for at least 100 years: Around one-tenth of the roughly 1,400 Century Farms are over 200 years old.
"With over 600 agritourism farms across the state and farmers markets blossoming, our top trend today is restaurants identifying the farms where they source many of their menu items," Bartholomew says.
For meetings, there are few better places to work up an appetite. Home to familiar brands including Little Debbie, Bush Beans and Jack Daniel's, the Tennessee table is a locally sourced feast of comfort food and soul food favorites, from catfish, cornbread and country ham to sweet potato pie and slow-cooked barbecue.
Celebrated at events such as Nashville's annual July 4th Hot Chicken Festival, the National Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburg or the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest during the month-long Memphis in May, food and drink bring folks together in Tennessee, and the following 10 venues, several of them family-run for generations, are hospitable hosts for meetings.
1. HATCHER FAMILY DAIRY, COLLEGE GROVE
www.hatcherfamilydairy.com
In the Hatcher family since 1831, this Nashville-area farm is Middle Tennessee's sole producer and processor of dairy products and a true sustainability success story.
"Raised as custodians of the land, we value heritage above all else," says Lucy Hatcher, a fourth-generation family member and tour director at the dairy. "By embracing the trend of people wanting to meet with farmers, buy local and see how animals are cared for, we are creating economic viability for generations ahead."
Walking tours and upscale dinners at the farm—both by appointment—connect meeting attendees to the land, traditions and Hatchers' loving care of their grass-fed herd, with Nashville eateries Tayst, Puckett's Grocery and The Frothy Monkey Coffeehouse among those using their all-natural products.
2. MARTIN'S BBQ JOINT, NOLENSVILLE
www.martinsbbqjoint.com
"When you bring people to Tennessee, you think barbecue," says owner and veteran pitmaster Patrick Martin, whose "right and proper joint" just south of Nashville opened in 2006 to rave reviews.
Cooked low and slow over seasoned hickory, Martin's signature West Tennessee whole hog commands a menu that includes the Redneck Taco and the Big Momma and Big Daddy Samplers. Proudly supporting local farmers and drawing much of his pork and produce from a 100-mile radius, Martin follows a basic philosophy.
"No microwaves, no freezers," he says. "We serve it fresh until it runs out."
For catered events, Martin's mobile big rig, equipped with six whole hog smokers, "can take down pretty much any party you throw at it."
3. JACK DANIEL'S DISTILLERY, LYNCHBURG
www.jackdaniels.com
Located some 75 miles southeast of Nashville in idyllic Lynchburg, Jack Daniel's Distillery is among Tennessee's star attractions. Jasper Newton "Jack" Daniel's (1846-1911) iconic Old No. 7 whiskey, in production since 1866, has a new companion in 2011—Tennessee Honey, adding honey liqueur to the classic sour-mash recipe for the first new brand in a generation. A similarly sweet experience awaits meeting attendees.
"Our flexible options include daily tours and catered events," says Tammy Haddock, operations manager at the distillery.
Scenically overlooking Jack Daniel's Hollow and Lynchburg, the open-air pavilion on Barbecue Hill accommodates up to 400 guests for seasonal private events. Smaller meetings have on-site options including an outdoor patio. Planners should book well in advance for lunch at the historic Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House and Restaurant.
4. THE ARCADE RESTAURANT, MEMPHIS
www.arcaderestaurant.com
Founded in 1919 by Greek emigre Speros Zepatos, The Arcade, its decor still distinguished by his son Harry's hip 1950s makeover, is the oldest restaurant in Memphis. His grandson, also named Harry, runs the show today with wife Karan.
"Our building features two historic markers, one honoring our National Historic landmark status and the other describing the movies filmed at our intersection, including Great Balls of Fire! and The Firm," Zepatos says.
With highlights of the affordable breakfast and lunch menu including Eggs Redneck—biscuits and sausage smothered in country gravy with eggs and hash browns—and sweet potato pancakes, the Arcade hosts a wide range of groups for private evening gatherings.
"Our emphasis is always on fun," he says.
5. CHARLIE VERGOS' RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT, MEMPHIS
www.hogsfly.com
Also from Greece, the Vergos family first appeared on the Memphis culinary scene in the 1940s when John Vergos served hot dogs and homemade pies from a cart. Starting with ham and cheese and other deli sandwiches, his son Charlie blended Greek-American spices with paprika to create modern dry rub seasoning—and in 1948, a Memphis legend was born. To this day, the restaurant's dry rub charcoal-broiled pork ribs rank among the barbecue world's elite. Hidden in an alleyway, the cavernous, 750-seat basement restaurant, museum-like with its memorabilia, antiques and smoke-blackened pits, is a quintessential Memphis must for groups.
"With our atmosphere, long-time staff and unique location," says Charlie's son John, "this is where you come to get a real feel for the city and its barbecue."
6. FELICIA SUZANNE'S, MEMPHIS
www.feliciasuzanne.com
One forkful of, say, her BBB Southern Cooked Greens (bacon, Budweiser and brown sugar) and the inventive taste adventure is on at Felicia Suzanne Willett's grand downtown restaurant, evocatively staged in the former 1920s Lowenstein's Department Store. Drawing from Southern influences that include her hometown of Jonesboro, Ark., and the eight years she spent working with Emeril Lagasse in New Orleans, Willet, owner and executive chef, spices up tradition with tantalizing entrees like pecan-encrusted redfish and sides such as mac and cheese with jalapeno crust. The lobby and patio are ideal for elegant events, Willett herself leads cooking classes for six to 12 people around the chef's table, and her trend-setting devotion to local producers is evidenced by the long list of farmers on her website.
7. THE BROKEN SPOKE, PICKWICK DAM
www.brokenspokerestaurant.com
Originally Leabig's, a late 1920s eatery serving Tennessee Valley Authority dam workers, The Broken Spoke was so named by its previous owners in the late 1950s. Acquired by present owners Jay and Diana Barker in 2003, this atmospheric shrine in Hardin County (billed as the "Catfish Capital of the World") serves satisfying Southern fare and cold beer with live music and a fun-loving attitude. With slogans like "Best Food by a Dam Site" and "Home of the Big Ass Steak" (the 24-ounce New York strip, and don't ask for it well done), groups are promised a memorable time.
"We have become a destination restaurant, with people driving two hours from Memphis to eat here," Jay Barker says. "Come on down for great ambience and the best food for miles around."
8. HAGY'S CATFISH HOTEL, SHILOH
www.catfishhotel.com
On land fronting the Tennessee River claimed by his father Henry in 1825, John Hagy built a rough supply shack. Commandeered by Union soldiers during the Battle of Shiloh, the shack became known as the "Catfish Hotel" in the 1930s for the catfish and other fare and overnight accommodations it provided for river travelers. Located some 10 miles from Savannah, Tenn., this Hardin County institution, rebuilt in 1975 after a fire, is one of America's oldest family-owned restaurants. The hospitality and the food, including the signature whole fried catfish and hushpuppies, are pure yesteryear Tennessee. The nearby Shiloh National Military Park commemorates the battle from 1862.
9. ROYAL REED'S CATERING SERVICE, JACKSON
731.427.6468
Considered one of West Tennessee's culinary jewels, this highly regarded cafeteria-style outpost on historic Royal Road in East Jackson is a lunch-time must for small meetings seeking authentic soul food.
"From fried pork chops on Monday to barbecue ribs on Friday, we serve a different menu every day," says Minor Reed, whose late father's welcoming hospitality put the restaurant on the map and whose 79-year-old mother Verneil still does most of the cooking.
Fried chicken is served every day, and it's as good as it gets, along with the fried cornbread, mashed potatoes, meatloaf and other staples.
"We seat around 98 people at the restaurant but can cater any size group," Reed says.
10. BROOKS SHAW'S OLD COUNTRY STORE, JACKSON
www.caseyjones.com
Part of the multifaceted, family-owned Casey Jones Village—ranked as one of Tennessee's top 10 travel attractions—the Old Country Store Restaurant serves up a true taste of the South with three daily buffets.
"Our signature dish is cracklin' cornbread mixed with pork fat," says Clarke Shaw, chief executive officer and son of founder Brooks.
Established in 1965, this heritage destination celebrates local son and American icon Casey Jones, who died valiantly saving others in a 1900 train crash. Groups have myriad gathering options, including the Railroad Museum, an outdoor amphitheater and a relocated, 173-year old antebellum mansion saved from last-minute demolition. The ever-entrepreneurial Shaw has also created a West Tennessee culinary tourism map, downloadable from the website and now in its second printing of 10,000 copies.
Regular Meetings Focus South contributor Jeff Heilman proudly claims his own Tennessee roots from his Knoxville-born grandmother.
