Chef Demo Stage
presented by

Beyond the Buzz: Relationship Coffee with 8th & Roast
10:00 AM ON THE MAIN STAGE
With a commitment to direct farm relationships, community is the crux of 8th & Roast's coffee culture. Join an in-depth conversation about the local coffee roaster's worldwide presence, sample 8th & Roast's original relationship coffee, and learn a few tips on how to brew and taste the best possible cup of coffee. The 8th & Roast culinary team will join the conversation to showcase their commitment to perfect coffee pairings through the company's culinary offerings.

Brunch Cocktails for a Crowd with Ivey Childers of Southbound Tequila
10:45 AM ON THE MAIN STAGE
Looking to level up your hosting game this summer? Join Ivey Childers, founder of Southbound Tequila, for a lively and hands-on demo where she’ll show you how to craft the perfect batched cocktail—ideal for brunches, backyard hangs, and all your warm-weather gatherings.
Ivey will share her favorite tips for balancing flavor, presentation, and ease when serving a crowd, so you can spend less time behind the bar and more time enjoying the party. Whether you're a seasoned entertainer or just love a good drink, you’ll walk away with fresh inspiration and a signature recipe to impress your guests all season long.

How To Grill: Japanese Yakitori Style with Jess Benefield of Two Ten Jack
11:15 AM ON THE MAIN STAGE
Join celebrated chef and restaurateur Jess Benefield, the powerhouse behind Nashville’s beloved Two Ten Jack, for a live cooking demonstration that brings the heat—literally. Jess will showcase the art of traditional Japanese yakitori grilling, sharing techniques, flavor secrets, and the cultural roots of this centuries-old style of cooking. Using an authentic yakitori grill, she’ll demonstrate how to perfectly skewer and grill meats, vegetables, and more over binchotan charcoal for maximum flavor and char.

Tortilla Time with Julio Hernandez of Maiz de la Vida
12:30PM ON THE MAIN STAGE
The tortilla master himself will be showcasing some tricks and tips on how to make his famous tortillas definitely aren’t your typical store-bought tortillas. They’re made using a traditional process called nixtamalization, wherein dried corn is soaked in a mixture of water and calcium hydroxide, set to rest and then processed through a mill to make masa, or dough. The masa is then shaped and pressed into tortillas and cooked. Learn from the master himself on the main stage!

Local Chefs Panel Discussion
1:00PM ON THE MAIN STAGE
Some restaurants serve more than just great food—they serve history, heritage, and heart. Join a panel of Nashville’s beloved multi-generational restaurant families for a meaningful conversation about what it means to carry on a family legacy in the ever-evolving food industry.
Moderated by some of Nashville’s most respected food writers and storytellers, this panel will explore the joys and challenges of working alongside parents, preserving traditions while embracing change, and navigating the modern restaurant world with deep roots and family pride.
NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN PARTY: Fryin' Fresh + Dippin' Hot! With Brian Morris of Hattie B's Hot Chicken
2:00PM ON THE MAIN STAGE
Hattie B's Hot Chicken Executive Chef Brian Morris will bring the Hot Chicken Party to the culinary demo stage at Music City Food & Wine. Morris will share tips and techniques while inviting audience members on stage to join the fun. The recipe lineup: the food science of making the perfect fried pickle; a quick lesson on grilling and frying chicken while making a roulade with signature Hattie B's ingredients; and the magic of a classic Nashville Hot Chicken dip!
Nashville native Brian Morris grew up enjoying hot chicken with family and friends, but had no plans to one day serve Music City’s signature dish.
His culinary career led him to New York City, where he cooked at the iconic Le Cirque restaurant. Brian, classically-trained, was also a private chef for several years. When he returned to his hometown, he joined the team at Hattie B’s Hot Chicken in 2015—with two restaurants at the time. Today, Brian leads culinary operations for the fast casual eatery's 13 locations across five states.