In this episode, we dive into the story and mission of the Nashville Area Restaurant Alliance (NARA). Built by restaurant people, for restaurant people, NARA is a community-driven initiative designed to unite independent restaurants across Middle Tennessee.

We explore how NARA helps operators secure better deals on goods and services by leveraging group purchasing power, while holding vendors accountable through a code of conduct that emphasizes fairness, value, and long-term relationships. Beyond cost savings, NARA is about collaboration—giving restaurants a platform to connect, share resources, and strengthen the hospitality ecosystem as a whole.

Whether you’re a restaurant owner, vendor partner, or hospitality professional, this conversation unpacks the “why” behind NARA and how the alliance is working to make every guest a repeat guest while supporting the broader Nashville food community.