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 5.
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).
CompleteTennessee State Rep. Aftyn Behn is introducing the bill to the State Senate.
In ProgressThe TN legislature votes to authorize the Foodies of TN specialty plate.
A Nashville designer creates 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 →
James, the founder of Foodies of TN, had a burger-themed specialty plate when he lived in Texas. Strangers flagged him down in parking lots. People waved at him in traffic. A piece of metal on a bumper, and it made people's days a little better.
When he and his wife moved back to Tennessee, he started thinking about what he wanted to do here. The independently owned restaurants he loves — the ones that hold neighborhoods together — are one rough month away from closing for good. He wanted to do something about that. And he wanted to bring some of that license plate joy to Tennessee roads while he was at it.
That's what Foodies of TN is. The specialty plate has real steps to clear before it's on the road: the legislature has to authorize it, 1,000 people have to reserve one, and a designer has to create the artwork. Rep. Aftyn Behn is sponsoring the bill. Everything else is building.
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's the next major step once the bill clears 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.