Here's the full journey from idea to Tennessee roads, and where things stand right now.
Nine steps from idea to Tennessee roads. We're currently on step 6.
James loved the reaction his burger-themed plate got in Texas. After moving back to Tennessee, he decided to bring that same idea here and use it to fund grants for independent local restaurants.
CompleteFoodies of TN, Inc was incorporated as a Tennessee nonprofit.
CompleteApplication submitted to the IRS for federal tax-exempt status.
CompleteIRS approved Foodies of TN as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3).
CompleteSB 1477 was introduced in the Tennessee Senate, with Foodies of TN included in the specialty plate legislation.
CompleteThe Senate bill passed March 9, 2026, and HB 1751 passed the Tennessee House on April 6, 2026. The bill is now awaiting the Governor's signature to become law.
In ProgressWith the bill through the legislature, the next step is creating the official plate artwork.
Once we hit 1,000 sign-ups, the plate goes into production.
Plates roll off the line and hit Tennessee roads.
Tennessee plates are up to 7 characters. Type yours below to see a rough idea of what it could look like.
Concept preview only. Font, layout, and artwork will be different on the final plate.
We need 1,000 sign-ups before the plate goes into production. Every reservation helps get us there.
Having trouble with the form above? Open it directly on Zeffy →
Foodies of TN is a Nashville-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit using specialty plate revenue to fund grants for independently owned Tennessee restaurants. Read the full story behind it.
Getting a specialty plate onto Tennessee roads takes real steps: legislative authorization, 1,000 pre-orders, and a final plate design. Rep. Aftyn Behn sponsored the House bill, and the legislation has now passed both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly. The next public milestone is the official plate design. Follow HB 1751 directly or see the full bill status page.
Questions about the plate, pre-orders, or where the money goes? The FAQ has direct answers to all of it.
Pre-order through Zeffy above. Once we hit 1,000 reservations and the plate is approved, the Tennessee Department of Revenue handles production. You'll pick it up through your county clerk just like any other plate, but with an annual renewal fee that supports the grant fund.
Yes. Foodies of TN, Inc is a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 41-2695495). Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
We keep working toward it. There's no hard cutoff date. We'll be open about where the count stands as we go.
Nobody's been selected yet. That is the next major step now that the bill has passed the legislature. We're looking for a Nashville graphic designer to create the official artwork. Apply here if that sounds like you.
Zeffy is a free fundraising platform for nonprofits. They charge the charity zero fees, so 100% of your payment goes to the cause. Zeffy covers their costs through optional donor tips.
