Nashville Restaurant Radio

• Leesa Leclaire – Leading Nashville’s Hospitality Community

  We’re thrilled to welcome Leesa Leclaire, President & CEO of the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association (GNHA), to the podcast today!In this episode, Leesa breaks down the important work the GNHA is doing to support and advocate for local restaurants and hospitality businesses. We dive into the current state of the industry in Nashville, the challenges operators are facing, and the exciting ways GNHA is stepping up to make a difference.From workforce development to legislative advocacy, Leesa is leading impactful initiatives that are shaping the future of hospitality in our city — and we were honored to have her join us in studio for this conversation.If you care about the restaurant and hospitality community in Nashville, you don’t want to miss this one.🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.📲 Follow us on Instagram @nashville_restaurant_radio for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

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• Team Hidi 2025

  This special episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio was recorded live at Team Hidi 2025, Giving Kitchen’s annual fundraiser hosted at iconic Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. The energy was electric, the cause was powerful, and the stories were unforgettable.We set up our mobile studio and spent the evening speaking with passionate supporters of Giving Kitchen, an organization dedicated to providing emergency assistance to food service workers. Our mission? To learn what drives these individuals to support the cause — and what Giving Kitchen means to them personally.In this episode, you’ll hear from:Megan McCarthy – Chef & Culinary ConnectorJim and Kelly Chasteen – Founders of ASW DistilleryJulie Wade – Head of Marketing at Taziki’s Mediterranean CaféEmma Backham – Event Manager for Tito’s Vodka (GA)Anita Hsu – Owner of Lazy BettyPhil Handley – Owner of Dash HospitalityWendy Gajadharsingh – Food influencer known as @thebubblytalkCourtney May – Senior Marketing Manager at Empire Distributors AtlantaAnd a heartwarming conversation with three generations of one family who volunteered together at the eventThis episode is a celebration of generosity, community, and the restaurant industry’s enduring spirit. Tune in and be inspired by the people who show up, give back, and lift others in times of need.

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• Jason Crews- Owner- C&B Linen

  In this episode, we hit the road to Waynesboro, Tennessee, to sit down with Jason Crews, owner of C&B Linen. Get ready—this company is shaking up the linen rental industry in a big way.C&B Linen is all about transparency and simplicity. No contracts. No sneaky “creative” fees. Just top-tier quality and unmatched service. Sounds too good to be true? We thought so too—until we heard how they’re making it happen.Jason shares the story behind the business, what sets C&B apart from the rest, and why so many restaurants are making the switch to this more honest, customer-first model.Trust us—you’re going to want to take notes and get in touch with them.🎧 Tune in now, and don’t forget to subscribe wherever you're listening!📲 Follow us on Instagram for more: @nashville_restaurant_radio

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• Olivia Britton- Publisher- NFocus Magazine

  Today’s guest is the amazing Olivia Britton – Publisher of NFocus Magazine and Executive Director of the Music City Food and Wine Festival!We dive deep into all the details of this year’s event – from how it’s coming together behind the scenes to what attendees can expect during one of Nashville’s most anticipated weekends. Olivia walks us through the full experience, including the highly-anticipated Iron Fork, which is happening right in the middle of the Grand Tasting!We break down the list of contestants, chat about who we think has the edge this year and why, and share some of our favorite Iron Fork memories from years past. Plus, we catch up on where life has taken us and what’s next on the horizon.This episode is packed with energy, stories, and a look behind the curtain of an event that celebrates the very best of Nashville’s food scene.🎟️ Grab your tickets now at musiccityfoodandwinefest.com – this is one event you don’t want to miss.Cheers!

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• Live from TN Flavors at the Randy Rayburn School for Culinary Arts

  We’ve got something truly special for you today! This episode was recorded live from the TN Flavors event at Nashville State Community College, home of the incredible Randy Rayburn School for Culinary Arts. It was an amazing night filled with food, community, and conversation—and we had so much fun capturing it all!We spoke with a fantastic mix of chefs, entrepreneurs, city leaders, and hospitality pros—each with their own unique story and perspective. It’s a celebration of everything that makes Nashville’s food and hospitality scene so vibrant.👥 Here’s who you’ll hear from, in order of appearance:Lous the Sous & Chef Christopher from Café MargotTravis McVey, Founder of Heroes VodkaCarmelo & Corrado Savarino, Owners of Savarino’s CucinaTom Druffel, Director of Hospitality at Nashville State & Metro Council Member, District 23John Drake, Chief of Police, Metropolitan NashvilleLeesa LeClaire, President of the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association (GNHA)Craig Clift, Partner at Elliston Place Soda Shop & Midtown CaféAlyssa Gangeri, Partner at Buttermilk RanchJoy Styles, Metro Council Member, District 32Every conversation brought something fresh—from passion for local ingredients and entrepreneurship to the power of culinary education and community connection.🎧 Whether you’re in the industry or just love good food and good people, this episode is for you. Tune in, enjoy, and let us know what you think!🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow food lovers!

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