From News 12: Legislation passed in Tennessee on Thursday marking the importance of “hot slaw” in the state. House Bill 1597 made hot
From News 12: Legislation passed in Tennessee on Thursday marking the importance of “hot slaw” in the state.
House Bill 1597 made hot slaw an official state food of Tennessee. House Bill 1598 made Cleveland, Tennessee, the hot slaw capital of this state.
The Senate unanimously passed the bills on February 1. The next step will be for Gov. Bill Lee to sign them.
State Rep. Kevin Raper celebrated the passage of these proposals on Thursday. Rep. Raper represents House District 24, including Cleveland and Bradley County.
“This is an important day for our community,” Raper said. “I’m proud that Cleveland will now officially be the hot slaw capital of Tennessee. Like hot chicken in Nashville, barbeque in Memphis or Moon Pies in Chattanooga, hot slaw is unique to Cleveland’s story. This is an important step in preserving the history of our community and state.”
Hot slaw was invented at the Star Vue Drive-in Theatre in Cleveland. More than two dozen restaurants serve hot slaw in the Cleveland community.
The food contains mustard, vinegar and hot pepper. It is actually served cold. The “hot” in its name comes from the spice.
Unsurprisingly, Cleveland is holding a hot slaw festival in 2024. It’s called, “Hot Slaw and Art Y’all,” and it takes place April 6 in Downtown Cleveland.
