State Senator Bo Watson presented Amanda and Erik Niel, owners of Easy Bistro, Little Coyote and Main Street Meats, with an official Tennessee Senate Joint Resolution on Monday. This recognized three of their restaurants in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide American South selection of elite southern restaurants.

Sponsored by Senator Watson, Senate Joint Resolution 813 commends the Niels for their commitment to culinary excellence and recognizes the impact their restaurants have had on Chattanooga's reputation as a dining destination. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by Governor Bill Lee.

"Erik and Amanda have helped put Chattanooga on the culinary map," said Senator Watson. "Their dedication to excellence has elevated our city's dining scene and brought well-deserved national and international recognition to our community. It was an honor to present them with this official resolution on behalf of the State of Tennessee."

Little Coyote received the MICHELIN Guide's Bib Gourmand distinction, while Easy Bistro and Main Street Meats were recognized as Recommended Restaurants in the regional guide.

Senator Watson also presented the Niels with a commemorative letter noting that Senate Joint Resolution 813 is now a permanent part of Tennessee's legislative record, preserved in the Book of Resolutions at the Tennessee State Library and Archives forever.

The recognition celebrates not only the Niels' accomplishments but also Chattanooga's continued emergence as one of the South's premier culinary destinations.