What began as a catering business that focused on Southern and Black American culinary traditions soon inspired Chef Charlotte Miller to open a brick-and-mortar location, Yay Yay’s on Jefferson, that would physically connect the business to its roots and history of Jefferson Street’s commercial corridor. This area was once the thoroughfare for Black culture and commerce in Nashville and now serves as the unmatched location for this culinary venture.
Yay Yay’s was named after owner and CEO Chef Miller’s great-grandmother, who was given the nickname when her first grandchild could not properly pronounce her original nickname, Lady, a title she was given because she was always so classy.
Along with business partner Jason Luntz, Chef Miller has created a welcoming place that functions in two ways. On weekdays, it’s a laid-back hangout for folks to meet up, have a cup of coffee or pot of tea, and enjoy tasty Southern bites. Weekends and evenings are devoted to events.
A longtime caterer, Chef Miller wanted to have her own location to take care of her clients. She can readily transform the cozy quarters to accommodate the gamut of family reunions, birthday celebrations, book signings, bridal showers, teas, political forums, workshops, and team-building seminars.
