NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Sodexo Live!, hospitality partner to the world’s most iconic venues, today announced the multi-year renewal of its hospitality partnership with Downtown Nashville’s Music City Center. The renewal builds on more than a decade of collaboration that began in 2013 when the venue first opened.
Led by Sodexo Live!’s award-winning Chef Max Knoepfel, the culinary program at Music City Center is rooted in homegrown Tennessee flavors, exemplary service and industry-leading sustainability practices. These include a green roof with onsite bees whose honey is incorporated into many dishes, 308,162 pounds of food composted with local The Compost Company and more than 91,000 meals donated to local organizations like the Nashville Food Project since 2022. Sodexo Live! brings its innovative catering experiences to events of all sizes, while also operating Al Taglio, the onsite fast-casual pizza restaurant, and Fresh Pick Market & Café, which offers convenient grab-and-go meals and other casual options.
“We are so proud to continue our partnership with Music City Center as their trusted hospitality partner,” said Belinda Oakley, CEO of Sodexo Live!. “From day one, we’ve built a foundation of success together that continues to grow year after year. Our focus remains on delivering noteworthy hospitality that leaves an impact on guests, whether they’re visiting for the first time or returning to Music City.”
“Over the last 13 years, the Sodexo Live! team has become part of our family, and the work they do is an integral part of our success,” said Charles Starks, President and CEO of Music City Center. “Extending this partnership not only allow us to preserve that valued relationship, but it also maintains the exceptional quality and service that our customers know and trust.”
The Sodexo Live! culinary team are experts in customizing menus to accommodate allergies, dietary preferences and event-specific needs. Menus are thoughtfully designed based on event style, budget and seasonality, drawing inspiration from regional flavors and emerging culinary trends, helping to make each event a memorable one.
In addition to Music City Center, Sodexo Live! continues to have a strong presence of venue partners in Middle Tennessee, including the New Nissan Stadium opening in 2027, F&M Bank Arena, First Horizon Park (home of the Nashville Sounds), the Nashville Superspeedway and FirstBank Amphitheater.
Media Contact
Heather Jensen, Director of Communications, Music City Center
Heather.jensen@nashvillemcc.com
Amy Procaccini, Senior Manager of Brand & Communications, Sodexo Live!
Amy.procaccini@sodexo.com
About Music City Center
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, Music City Center is a 2.1 million square foot convention center with more than 353,000 square feet of exhibit hall space, two ballrooms, 60 meeting rooms, and a covered parking garage with 1,800 spaces. The mission of MCC is to create significant economic benefit for the greater Nashville area, while focusing on community inclusion, sustainability, and exceptional customer service, through conventions, trade shows, and community events.
About Sodexo Live!
Sodexo Live! manages prestigious convention, cultural, and sporting venues and major events all over the world. With 40,000 employees and 500 sites, Sodexo Live! offers clients a range of bespoke catering, sales, and event management services, helping to transform the consumer experience into unforgettable memories. Sodexo Live! commits to unlocking customers’ full potential while favoring local communities. Sodexo Live! contributes to the success of prestigious events such as Royal Ascot, the Tour de France, Roland-Garros, the Rugby World Cup and the Paris 2024 Games, and showcases exceptional venues such as the Eiffel Tower Restaurants, Bateaux Parisiens, Yachts de Paris, the Royal Academy of Arts in London, the Hard Rock Stadium, the Scottish National Gallery, and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.