Real Good Gathering

October 1, 2026

6:00pm-9:00pm

Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum

This year's Gathering featured a fabulous dinner, curated by some of Knoxville's most beloved chefs, kitchen members, and Food Business Incubator Program participants. Thank you to everyone who gathered with us for delicious food, inspiring stories, and exciting updates about our next chapter.

We loved celebrating our mission with you, creating pathways for food entrepreneurs to build the businesses that power and connect our communities.

Don’t miss out on the fun! Sign up to be notified about our next Real Good Gathering.

Meet Our Host

Jonathan “Courageous” Clark

CEO and Founder, ART.Official Intelligence

Featured Chefs

Brandon Cruze of

Flock Beer & Wine

John Bryant of

Bistro by the Tracks

Tarik Becha of

Tarik's North African

Thitinart Boriboon of

AppeThai

Tiffany Hicks of

Amalfi Ristorante Italiano

Trevor Stockton of

RT Lodge

Passed Appetizers & Desserts

Delightful Diversions

Gracecakes

Magpies

Mary Sue’s

Mother’s Daughter Bread

olive my heart

Silver Queen Kitchen

Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors

PLATINUM PLATE PRESENTING SPONSOR

SAVOR THE FLAVORS TABLE SPONSORS

Harry L Boston

SIGNATURE DISH STATION SPONSORS

Allison Page & Connor Coffey

PIECE OF CAKE COMMUNITY SPONSORS

Advanced Appraisal TN

Betsy Foster

Consoli Family Fund

Eden & Chris Bishop

Edward Jones - Erin Hall

Home Federal Bank

Knox County Community Gardens and Growers' Alliance

Regions Bank

UT Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

REAL GOOD KITCHEN FOUNDATION FRIENDS

Charlie Debevoise & Celia Winchester

David Butler & Ted Smith

Jay & Susan Bush

Julieanne & Mike Foy

Landing Health & Performance

Margie & John Gill

Stephenson Consulting LLC

Susan Sgarlat and Charles Fels

IN-KIND SPONSORS

Previous Event Photos