Why Was Chandler James Retail Team in the Kitchen at Music City Center?

CJRT at NARA Connect

Last Thursday, CJRT was proud to step into the kitchen—not to cook, but to support something much bigger. We were honored to be sponsors of the very first NARA Connect, hosted by the Nashville Area Restaurant Alliance (NARA) at the Music City Center.

NARA’s mission is simple but powerful: unite Nashville’s local restaurants to foster community, strengthen collective purchasing power, and support local causes. Thursday’s event brought that mission to life. Even better, proceeds went to Giving Kitchen, a remarkable nonprofit providing financial assistance to restaurant workers facing crises such as illness, injury, housing disasters, or the loss of a loved one.

Since early 2024, our team has had the privilege of partnering with Brandon Styll and Nashville Restaurant Radio. Watching Brandon’s vision and passion project grow into NARA Connect has been inspiring, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have been part of its debut.

We extend our thanks to Brandon, NARA, and the many local partners who made the evening such a success. It was a celebration of community, resilience, and the vibrant restaurant culture that makes Nashville unique.

We’re already looking forward to the next NARA Connect and many more opportunities to support the people and businesses that bring so much to our city.