State Rep. Kevin Raper, R-Cleveland, on Thursday celebrated passage of a proposal to make his hometown the hot slaw capital of Tennessee.
House Bill 1597 and House Bill 1598 passed unanimously, making hot slaw an official state food and giving Cleveland the special designation.
“This is an important day for our community,” Rep. 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 typically contains mustard, vinegar and hot pepper and is served cold. The dish was invented at Star Vue Drive-in Theatre in Cleveland and is now a staple in the community, where it is served in more than two dozen local restaurants.
The Senate unanimously passed the bills on Feb. 1. They now head to the governor’s desk for his signature.