Tennessee culinary sector prepares for fall season

Tennessee's culinary landscape is seeing activity in both the hospitality supply sector and the tourism industry as the fall season approaches.

Chef's Deal Restaurant Equipment has increased its in-stock availability of reach-in and undercounter refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerated prep tables. CEO Matthew Yaz noted that providing immediate availability helps kitchen operators manage the transition to fall menus, which often require different storage and rotation capacities for new ingredients. This allows businesses to adjust equipment without the long lead times associated with custom orders.

On the tourism front, Tennessee is promoting various seasonal culinary experiences. The recently launched Cork to Fork Culinary Trail links local distilleries with restaurants, complementing the existing Tennessee Whiskey Trail. The state's fall calendar includes several events, such as the Bavarian Fall Festival in Gatlinburg and Cheekwood Harvest Night in Nashville, aimed at attracting visitors through food and beverage festivals.