FOURTH ANNUAL
WELCOME TO THE FOURTH ANNUAL
A night to sip, savor, and support Special Olympics Tennessee with the finest chefs in the area.
A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO On behalf of everyone at Special Olympics Tennessee, thank you for being part of the 4TH Annual Wine & Dine presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners. Your support shows the strength and compassion of our community, and this event would not be possible without the generosity of our chefs, partners, and supporters. Because of you, our athletes have access to new equipment, uniforms, travel, and meals—and the chance to compete at every level, from local competitions to the global stage. This June, 108 members of Team Tennessee proudly represented our state at the 2026 USA Games in Minnesota, and your support helps make dreams of the 2030 USA Games a reality. Every time our athletes step onto the field, court, or track, they prove what’s possible when given a chance. Your commitment fuels their courage, determination, and joy. Together, we are building a more inclusive community where everyone belongs. Thank you for believing in our athletes and helping us change lives through the power of sport.
Adam Germek
President & CEO, Special Olympics Tennessee
ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS TENNESSEE
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide yearround sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). Special Olympics Tennessee offers competition in 17 sports where over 21,000 athletes compete year-round. Over the last five decades, Special Olympics Tennessee has been advocating a powerful message: individuals with intellectual disabilities not only can but will thrive when provided with opportunities. FOLLOW & TAG US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! @specialolympicstn Special Olympics Tennessee
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
PRESENTING SPONSOR OF 2026 WINE & DINE
THE BOSSE FAMILY
CHEF TOMMY HARTZOG Black Rabbit Tommy is a Tennessee native, moving to Mt. Juliet from Memphis at age four, he has spent the rest of his life in Middle Tennessee. Practically living in the kitchen at Hard Rock Cafe on Broadway in Nashville while completing degrees in Geology at MTSU and Vanderbilt, Tommy returned to the kitchen with Chef Trey Cioccia at The Farm House in 2017 after a 6 year stint in the mining industry. Now he is the Managing Partner at Black Rabbit (Trey Cioccia) where, along with his beautiful and patient wife, Melissa, they share all of the managerial duties. Tommy enjoys Southern food with a twist and is a big fan of offering dishes that highlight fresh local produce and Black Rabbit’s wood-fire kitchen. Best Happy Hour - Nashville Scene 2022 Best Slider - Nashville Scene 2024
CHEF ALYSSA GANGERI The Butter Milk Ranch Alyssa Gangeri, a Cape Cod native, graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and worked at prestigious establishments, like Ritz Carlton South Beach, and with notable chefs like Norman Van Aken and Gray Kunz. Diagnosed with celiac disease in 2017, she adapted her baking methods to continue her career. Gangeri joined UrbanGrub in 2018, moved to Nashville, and became a partner in The Butter Milk Ranch. She also authored the children's book series Mimi's Adventures in Baking and has contributed to community initiatives like Vanderbilt Medical Center Children’s Hospital. Top 100 Brunch Restaurants in America - Yelp Top 100 Restaurants in America - Yelp Star Chefs Rising Star Baker - 2022
CHEF JJ AGUILERA Catering and Events By Suzette Chef JJ Aguilera, a Los Angeles native who has brought his innovative culinary approach to Middle Tennessee for the past 25 years. Chef JJ is celebrated for his artistic and boundary-pushing techniques, mastering international cuisine with a seasonally driven menu that features fresh, local ingredients. His passion lies in delivering dishes that exceed expectations and bring joy to every event.
CHEF LAMARTINE ALVAREZ Chez Lama Haitian Cuisine Lamartine Alvarez, a man of faith, devoted father, and loving husband, finds immense joy in sharing Haitian culture through food. He believes in the importance of giving back to his community.
CHEF DAVID ANDREWS D’Andrews Bakery & Cafe A native Nashvillian, David attended Franklin Road Academy before earning a BA in history and government from Wofford College. He began his career at McClures, his family-owned department store, before moving to New York to pursue his culinary passion. There, he graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education with a degree in pastry arts and went on to work at acclaimed restaurants including Gotham Bar and Grill, Merkato 55, and Xie Xie. He later joined the Kimberly Hotel, where he ultimately became executive chef. In 2018, David returned to Nashville to open D’Andrews Bakery & Café. Named One of the Top 15 Bakeries in America — 2024 James Beard Award Semifinalist Best Beautiful Pastries — Best of Nashville 2025
CHEF NAIMI ABEBE Delicious Afrika Restaurants Chef Naimi Abebe is an Eritrean-born chef and Nashville restaurateur known for introducing diners to the flavors, traditions, and hospitality of East African cuisine. Originally from Asmara and a longtime Nashville resident, she has led the culinary development of Street Injera, Kale Afrika, Afro XYZ, and Delicious Afrika, creating concepts that range from traditional East African dishes to plant-based and contemporary African-inspired cuisine.
People’s Choice Award: Savory — Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee’s Generous Helpings People’s Choice Award — Tennessee Pride Chamber’s TASTE
CHEF CHRISTOPHER HART Embassy Suites Hotel Franklin Chef Christopher Hart grew up in Atlanta and worked as a dishwasher in a fine dining restaurant where he was trained by his mentor, Chef Arkady Miretski. He spent years in high-volume restaurants learning the ropes before culinary school. After progressing through the ranks as corporate trainer to sous chef to executive chef to regional chef in restaurants, he made the move to hotels. At the Gaylord Rockies in Denver, CO, he learned high-volume upscale resort service running multiple restaurants before transferring to the Marriott Marquis Houston, Texas, as the senior banquet chef. He finally made his way back to Nashville and is currently executive chef at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Hotel and Convention Center. Proud father to a Special Olympics superstar
CHEF JEFF MARTIN Karrington Rowe Jeff is a 5th generation Nashville native, born with a natural calling to the kitchen. His love for cooking began in his early years and started to flourish when he was a teenager at his first restaurant gig. He honed his skills at Jackson’s Bar & Bistro/Rumba before joining Germantown Café in 2008. Jeff is devoted to serving the neighborhood his classic American cuisine, with a southern twist and dash of French technique.
CHEF MARCIO FLOREZ Limo Peruvian Eatery Marcio Florez is the Executive Chef and founder of Limo Peruvian Eatery in East Nashville. Educated in culinary arts in Nashville, he brings many years of professional experience, including fine dining, to a culinary vision rooted in his Peruvian heritage. From his early beginnings to opening his own restaurant, Marcio has built his career through dedication, creativity, and a passion for Peru’s flavors. Passionate about local ingredients, he consistently incorporates them into his dishes, combining refined techniques with the traditions that inspire his cooking. San Pellegrino® Almost Famous Chef® — South Regional Competition Best New Restaurant — Best of Nashville 2024 Top 25 Nashville Restaurants for 2025 — The Tennessean
CHEF BEN HILDRED Two Hands Ben Hildred began his culinary career at the age of 16 as a dishwasher in Canada. After completing an apprenticeship and earning his Red Seal Certification, he moved to Australia and started at Proud Mary’s in Melbourne with Head Chef Barney Hannagan, where he was introduced to the meticulous approach to breakfast and brunch that defined Australian café culture. In Australia, he also worked at Coda on Flinders Lane, where he rose from lead line cook to head chef, and Thai restaurant Bang Bang in Elsternwick. In 2022, he moved to NYC for a position with Two Hands as NYC Executive Chef. In 2024, he stepped into the role of Two Hands’ Culinary Director. He focuses on recipe development, mentoring, and supporting staff in their own hospitality journeys.
THE CHAMPION AWARD Special Olympics Tennessee’s Champion Award celebrates distinguished individuals who have demonstrated the highest levels of dedication to Special Olympics’ mission. Through their inspiring advocacy, philanthropy, and volunteerism, the Champion Award honoree exemplifies the spirit and principles of Special Olympics and has made a significant impact on the lives of athletes throughout Tennessee. OUR CHAMPIONS 2024 — Jerry Hampton 2025 — Richard Hickey
VISIT THE 2026 CHEFS! BLACK RABBIT
THE BUTTER MILK RANCH
218 3rd Ave. N STE 100 Nashville, TN 37201 www.blackrabbittn.com
2407 12th Ave. S Nashville, TN 37204 www.buttermilkranch.com
CATERING BY SUZETTE
CHEZ LAMA
104 Carr Ave. #7 Franklin, TN 37064 www.cateringbysuzette.com
D’ANDREWS BAKERY 555 Church St. Nashville, TN 37219 www.dandrewsbakery.com
EMBASSY SUITES 820 Crescent Centre Dr. Franklin, TN 37067 https://bit.ly/4ywQDvD
LIMO PERUVIAN EATERY 1008 Fatherland St. Nashville, TN 37206 www.limoeatery.com
614 18th Ave. N STE 118 Nashville, TN 37203 www.chezlama.com
DELICIOUS AFRIKA 614 18th Ave.N Nashville, TN 37203 www.streetinjera.com
KARRINGTON ROWE 330 Franklin Rd. #913D Brentwood, TN 37027 www.karringtonrowe.com
TWO HANDS 230 Franklin Rd. STE 1302 Franklin, TN 37064 www.twohandshospitality.com
R
T. SIP
. SAV
PO
UP
OR. S