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HJR 238

Memorials, Recognition - Bad Idea restaurant -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Justin Jones

A ceremonial joint resolution commends Bad Idea restaurant in East Nashville for national recognition, honoring owners and staff; no policy or spending involved.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 238

Summary of House Joint Resolution 238 (HJR 238)

Purpose and intent

  • HJR 238 is a memorial joint resolution recognizing and commending Bad Idea, a restaurant in East Nashville, for being named by The New York Times as one of the fifty best restaurants in the country (2024) and for inclusion on USA TODAY's 2025 Restaurants of the Year list.
  • The resolution aims to highlight Bad Idea’s impact on Tennessee’s culinary scene and to extend congratulations to the proprietor, executive chef, and staff.

Key provisions and changes

  • Declares appreciation for Bad Idea and the individuals associated with it (proprietor Alex Burch and executive chef Colby Rasavong) and its employees.
  • Describes Bad Idea’s concept, location, and notable features:
    • Located at 1021 Russell Street in East Nashville, inside a former church building.
    • A wine-focused venue specializing in envelope-pushing Lao food, opened in 2023.
    • Notable design elements: a 5,000+ square foot footprint within a 19,000-square-foot space, 25-foot curved ceilings, preserved church windows and pew-like dining banquettes, a central horseshoe bar.
    • Strong emphasis on a diverse wine program (dozens of wines by the glass and over 100 bottles) and an array of beverages (Madeiras, Champagnes, ciders, beers, cocktails).
  • Recites the restaurant’s accolades and positive press from multiple national and local outlets.
  • The measure concludes with a ceremonial statement: the House and Senate jointly memorialize and commend Bad Idea and prepare an appropriate copy for presentation.

Who or what is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries are Bad Idea’s proprietors, Alex Burch and Colby Rasavong, and the restaurant’s employees.
  • Indirectly, the resolution recognizes and honors the broader Nashville and Tennessee culinary community and the state’s role in supporting notable local businesses.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative status: Joint resolution, ceremonial in nature (no fiscal or regulatory changes).
  • Key timeline:
    • Feb 20, 2025: Introduced in the House and placed on H. consent calendar.
    • Feb 24–25, 2025: House adopts the resolution; engrossed; prepared for transmission to the Senate.
    • Feb 27, 2025: Sent to the Senate; placed on Senate Consent Calendar.
    • Mar 3–4, 2025: Senate concurrence achieved (ayes 32–0); enrolled; transmitted to Governor.
    • Mar 4–5, 2025: House and Senate leadership sign/consent as required.
    • Mar 12, 2025: Governor signs the resolution into law.
  • Effect: The resolution is ceremonial and symbolic, recognizing an exemplary local business; it does not enact policy or authorize spending.

Additional notes

  • The document text provides a detailed narrative of Bad Idea’s concept, menu, wine program, and architectural/design features, underscoring the restaurant’s cultural and economic contribution to the state.
  • The resolution includes standard language about preparing and presenting an appropriate copy to the recipients.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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