Tennessee to be featured in MICHELIN Guide’s First Regional Edition Showcasing the American South, Debuting in 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – April 2, 2025 – Tennessee marks a global milestone as one of six states selected for inclusion in the upcoming MICHELIN Guide American South, announced today by MICHELIN and Travel South USA. The first-of-its-kind regional guide will spotlight the South’s distinctive flavors and culinary talent. Tennessee joins Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and the pre-existing Atlanta Guide in the expansion.

“Tennessee’s food tells the story of who we are — rooted in rich traditions, creativity and locally grown ingredients that shape menus across the state,” said Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “From barbecue and hot chicken to hands-on chef experiences, fine dining, farm-to-table dinners and fresh takes on Southern staples, our culinary scene offers something visitors won’t find anywhere else. We’re pleased to partner in recognizing the talent behind these experiences that help make Tennessee a premier destination for travelers. This Michelin brand stage is exciting for our cities and our restaurants all across the great state of Tennessee.”

The MICHELIN Guide’s expansion to the American South and Tennessee marks a new era of recognition for the region’s diverse, world-class cuisine. The regional approach will highlight both the celebrated culinary scenes in the South’s major cities and the authentic food culture found in small towns and communities across the region. Travel South USA, participating state tourism offices and destination partners will collaborate on marketing efforts to showcase the region’s diverse cuisine to domestic and international travelers, including food enthusiasts. From fine dining to inventive spins on Southern staples and global flavors, the South’s food scene is as vibrant and varied as the people who create it.

The MICHELIN Guide’s anonymous Inspectors are already exploring Tennessee and the broader region, making dining reservations and scouting for regional culinary gems. The full 2025 restaurant selection will be revealed later this year during the annual MICHELIN Guide Ceremony for the American South.

As Tennessee continues to invest in sustainable tourism growth, this partnership supports the state’s mission to drive economic development, create jobs and celebrate its most vibrant cultural assets—especially those that connect visitors over a shared love of food and storytelling around the table.

Learn more about the MICHELIN Guide by visiting guide.michelin.com. Explore Tennessee’s dining experiences at TNvacation.com and join the conversation on social media with @TNvacation using hashtag #TNSoundsPerfect.

History and methodology: The upcoming restaurant selections will follow MICHELIN’S historical methodology based on five universal criteria, to ensure each destination’s selection equity: 1) quality products; 2) the harmony of flavors; 3) the mastery of cooking techniques; 4) the voice and personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine; 5) consistency between each visit and throughout the menu (each restaurant is inspected several times a year).

The MICHELIN Guide remains a reliable companion for any traveler seeking a great meal. The Guide was first published in France at the turn of the 20th century to encourage tire sales by giving practical advice to French motorists. Michelin’s Inspectors still use the same criteria and manner of selection that were used by Inspectors in the very beginning, now applied in destinations around the world.

Michelin announced its first North American Guide in 2005 for New York. Guides have also been added in Chicago (2011); Washington, D.C. (2017); California (San Francisco in 2007, statewide 2019); Florida (Greater Miami, Orlando and Tampa in 2022, adding Greater Fort Lauderdale, The Palm Beaches and St. Pete-Clearwater in 2025, statewide in 2026); Toronto (2022); Vancouver (2022); Colorado (2023); Atlanta (2023), Mexico (2024), Texas (2024), Quebec (2024) and today, the American South (2025).

About Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for travel inspiration.

About Michelin North America, Inc.   
Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies and healthcare. The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America, Inc. has approximately 23,500 employees and operates 36 production facilities in the United States (michelinman.com) and Canada (michelin.ca).

About Travel South USA
Travel South USA is America’s oldest and largest regional travel promotion organization, formed in 1965 by a resolution presented at the Southern Governor’s Conference. The long-standing regional collaboration of the state tourism offices of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia provides a foundation to positively position tourism as a vital and dynamic element in the region’s economic development. Tourism ranks throughout the region as one of the top industries behind manufacturing and agriculture, and is responsible for $220 billion in spending by visitors, generating 1.56 million direct jobs, and more than $15.5 billion in state and local taxes.

###

Media Contacts:

Amanda Murphy
amanda.murphy@TN.gov

Jill Kilgore
jill.kilgore@TN.gov

Chelsea Trott
chelsea.trott@TN.gov