Here are the steps from idea to Tennessee roads and where things stand right now.
Designed by Nashville-area artist Norris Hall and approved by the State of Tennessee.
Ten steps from idea to Tennessee roads. The plate design is approved, and we're now on step 9: collecting the 1,000 pre-order signatures the State requires before production.
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.
CompleteHB 1751 was signed into law by Governor Bill Lee on April 27, 2026, officially authorizing the Foodies of TN specialty license plate.
CompleteThe Tennessee Department of Revenue issued the plate design specifications and pre-order process guidelines.
CompleteNashville-area artist Norris Hall, creator of Tennessee's Cool Cat and Arts Fish specialty plates, donated his time to design the official Foodies of TN plate, and the State of Tennessee approved the design.
CompleteWe are now collecting the 1,000 pre-order signatures the State of Tennessee requires before the plate goes into production. You can reserve yours on this page.
In ProgressPlates 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.
Preview only, shown on the official plate design by Norris Hall. Exact lettering and spacing on your plate are set by the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
Tennessee requires 1,000 pre-orders before the plate goes into production. Reserve yours below.
If the form doesn't load, you can 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.
A new Tennessee specialty plate needs a law authorizing it, an approved design, and 1,000 pre-orders. Rep. Aftyn Behn sponsored the House bill, which Governor Bill Lee signed into law on April 27, 2026. Nashville-area artist Norris Hall designed the official plate, and the State of Tennessee has approved it. The next milestone is 1,000 pre-order signatures. Follow HB 1751 directly or see the full bill status page.
The FAQ covers common questions about the plate, pre-orders, and where the money goes.
Pre-order through Zeffy above. The plate design is already approved, so once we hit 1,000 reservations 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.
Nashville-area artist Norris Hall, creator of Tennessee's Cool Cat and Arts Fish specialty plates, donated his time to design the official Foodies of TN plate. The State of Tennessee has approved the design. Read the announcement.
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.
