For Immediate Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 12, 2026: Foodies of TN, Inc., a Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofit that funds grants for independently owned restaurants, today unveiled the official design of its Tennessee specialty license plate. The plate was designed by Tennessee artist Norris Hall of Norris Hall Studio, who donated his time to the project. The State of Tennessee has approved the design.
Hall is the artist behind two of Tennessee's Arts Commission specialty plates, the Cool Cat and the Arts Fish. His Foodies of TN design features a "Tennessee" wordmark over the state silhouette, a big, bold "FOOOD," and an illustration of a hot chicken sandwich and sushi, finished with "Foodies of TN" and a gold "Support Local Restaurants" banner.
"Norris has already put some of the most recognizable plates on Tennessee roads, and we're grateful he gave his time and talent to this one," said James Williamson, founder of Foodies of TN. "His design is exactly what I envisioned for the project, it covers some of the foods that Tennessee loves, and it says exactly what we're about: supporting the local restaurants that hold our neighborhoods together."
Now collecting 1,000 pre-order signatures
With the design approved, Foodies of TN is now collecting the 1,000 pre-order signatures the State of Tennessee requires before a specialty plate goes into production. Tennesseans can reserve a plate online at foodiesoftn.com/license-plate. Pre-orders are handled through Zeffy, a free fundraising platform for nonprofits.
The plate was authorized by HB 1751, which Governor Bill Lee signed into law on April 27, 2026. Net plate revenue will fund grants for independently owned Tennessee restaurants, and Foodies of TN has committed to publishing an annual summary of funds received and grants awarded.
About Norris Hall
Norris Hall is one of the Middle Tennessee area's most commissioned artists and founded Norris Hall Studio in 1987. Known for whimsical, colorful illustration, he has been commissioned by clients including the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and Nashville International Airport, designed the set and costumes for the Nashville Ballet's production of Peter and the Wolf, and has been featured twice on HGTV. He designed the Cool Cat and Arts Fish Tennessee specialty license plates for the Tennessee Arts Commission. Learn more at norrishallstudio.com.
About Foodies of TN
Foodies of TN, Inc. is a Nashville-based 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 41-2695495) that turns Tennessee specialty license plate revenue into grants for independently owned restaurants across the state. Its board is all volunteer. Learn more at foodiesoftn.com.
Media contact
Foodies of TN, Inc.
714A Shelby Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
[email protected]
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