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A resolution to recognize Bolton Matthews for his contributions to the culture, economy, development, and panache of the City of Nashville.
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WHEREAS, it is appropriate that the members of this Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County recognize and honor those citizens who define, enhance, improve, and serve the people of and visitors to Nashville, TN; and
WHEREAS, Nashville Hot Chicken is recognized around the world as a unique dish representing Nashville’s cultural diversity and culinary boldness; and
WHEREAS, Bolton’s Spicy Chicken and Fish has been in operation at 624 Main Street since 1997, making it one of the oldest Black owned businesses in operation on Main Street; and
WHEREAS, Bolton’s Spicy Chicken and Fish is owned by Bolton Mathews, the nephew of Bolton Polk, owner and operator of Columbo’s Hot Chicken during the 1970s and 1980s, at the foot of the Shelby Street Bridge; and
WHEREAS, Bolton Matthews and Bolton's Spicy Chicken and Fish have participated in the first and every Music City Hot Chicken Festival for the last 15 years, and has also expanded community boundaries by participating in the first Kosher Nashville Hot Chicken Festival in 2014, and supporting the same each year, thereafter; and
WHEREAS, Southern Foodways considers Bolton’s Spicy Chicken and Fish a Nashville Food Heritage Site; and
WHEREAS, Bolton’s Spicy Chicken and Fish endured and persevered through the double catastrophes of the 2020 Nashville Tornado and COVID-19 pandemic by continued operations and service of delicious and comforting food to the friends and neighbors of East Nashville; and
WHEREAS, Bolton Matthews has been battling Stage IV Colon Cancer since 2018 while continuing to employ and feed essential workers and nourish the citizens and guests of Nashville; and
WHEREAS, Bolton Matthews and his beloved wife, Dollye, support and encourage other Nashville Hot Chicken establishments and small business owners,
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County publicly recognize and honor Bolton Matthews for his contributions to the city.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby extends the heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Bolton Matthews for his innumerable and significant contributions to Nashville's commercial, cultural, and culinary character.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.