Nashville's Independent Restaurants.
Stronger Together.
NARA unites independent restaurants across Nashville through collective purchasing power, vetted vendor partnerships, and a community built on transparency. Because independent restaurants are strongest when they work together.
What NARA Does for Your Restaurant
Collective Purchasing
We negotiate directly with all major broadline distributors, including Sysco, US Foods, Gordon Food Service, and PFG, to secure pricing that independent restaurants could never access alone.
Vetted Vendors
Pre-negotiated pricing on linen, insurance, chemicals, payroll, pest control, and more. Every vendor is vetted. Every partnership must create value for the restaurant first.
Community
A confidential network of independent operators who share knowledge, solve problems together, and support each other. Bi-annual gatherings, peer mentorship, and a culture of "independent together."
Our Members Include
James Beard nominees. Michelin recommendations. NYT Top 50. Nashville's best independent restaurants.
Bad Idea
East Nashville. Sommelier Alex Burch and Chef Colby Rasavong.
Tailor Nashville
South Asian American cuisine. Bon Appetit Hot 10.
Lockeland Table
Community kitchen and bar. East Nashville.
Maiz de la Vida
Fresh heirloom corn Mexican cuisine and agave cocktails.
Rosepepper Cantina
Sonoran style Mexican cuisine. Multiple award winner.
Homegrown Taproom
Donelson neighborhood hub since 2015.
Our Values
Win-Win-Win
Every partnership must create value for restaurants, vendors, and the alliance. We reject arrangements that benefit one party at another's expense.
No Bullshit
Transparency and straightforward communication over spin or hidden agendas. We say what we mean and mean what we say.
Restaurants First
Every decision must demonstrably benefit independent restaurant operators. If it does not serve the restaurants, it does not happen.
Independent Together
Independent establishments are strongest when unified. We build community while respecting individual business confidentiality.
Ready to join Nashville's restaurant community?
NARA membership connects you with vetted vendors, collective pricing, and a network of operators who have your back.
Join NARA