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A resolution honoring the life and legacy of Randy Rayburn and recognizing his deep contributions to the city of Nashville.
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WHEREAS, on July 25, 2024, beloved Nashville restauranteur and community member Randy Rayburn died at the age of 74; and
WHEREAS, a Milan, Tennessee native and a University of Tennessee graduate, Randy came to Nashville in 1971 while working for former state Senator Jim Roberson; and
WHEREAS, Randy continued managing campaigns, acting as press secretary, and fundraising through the mid-1970s, including work on Al Gore’s first congressional campaign; and
WHEREAS, in the mid-1970s he joined the hospitality industry when he began working with his roommate at a Nashville restaurant; and
WHEREAS, by the 1990s he had left politics and entered the restaurant world full time; and
WHEREAS, Randy found joy and success in the hospitality industry. He opened his first restaurant, Sunset Grill, in Hillsboro Village in 1990; and
WHEREAS, he took over the popular Midtown Cafe in 1997 and opened Cabana in 2005; and
WHEREAS, Randy’s restaurants, especially Midtown Cafe and Sunset Grill became a gathering place for business, music industry and political leaders across the aisle to come together over a delicious meal and for the musicians of Music City to get a free/reduced meal after a long gig; and
WHEREAS, a local food writer said of most people in Nashville, Randy either “hired you, fired you, or fed you”; and
WHEREAS, Randy also worked to build up the culinary arts program at Nashville State Community College, which has been known as the Randy Rayburn School of Culinary Arts since 2011; and
WHEREAS, Randy hosted a monthly “Special Table” including others who contributed so much to our city and who are no longer with us such as Avi Poster, Rev. Charles Strobel, Jim Zralek, and Rev. Joe Pat Breen; and
WHEREAS, among other acts of service, Randy served on the Metropolitan Auditorium Commission and the Convention Center Authority; and
WHEREAS, Randy was instrumental in the arrival to Nashville of the Titans, Predators, and the new Music City Convention Center; and
WHEREAS, Randy was involved with the “Nashville for All Of Us” initiative, stopping the ‘English Only’ ballot initiative some 15 years ago; and
WHEREAS, Randy’s efforts, along with others, helped revitalize and protect the Elliston Place Soda Shop and at the time of his death Randy was still hard at work protecting and preserving the ‘Rock Block’; and
WHEREAS, so many in our community are heartbroken over his sudden death and this massive loss. Randy was known for his larger-than-life personality, his warm laugh, and as a friend to all; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council would like to send condolences to Randy’s family including his beloved sons Duke and Dean; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council join with the Nashville community in mourning the loss of Randy Rayburn and thanking him for his many years of service to our community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council goes on record as recognizing Randy Rayburn for his deep service to our Nashville community.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Council further goes on record as sharing our condolences to all who are mourning this sudden and terrible loss including his family and especially his boys Duke and Dean.
Section 3. The Metropolitan Council also goes on record requesting that folks keep his legacy alive by lifting each other up with a warm smile, a firm handshake, and of course a delicious meal. Randy may be gone, but his legacy will live on through us all.
Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.