Tennessee's culinary scene is set to officially embrace one of its most beloved dishes after state lawmakers have cleared the path for Memphis-style barbecue to become an official state food. Per the Fox17 report, the Senate voted in favor of Senate Bill 2648 with a tally of 22 Ayes to 6 Nays. This movement comes amid a touch of humorous debate among senators, highlighting the state's regional loyalty to various barbecue styles.

During the discussions, voices from both sides of the aisle emerged to humorously assert their barbecue preferences. "Making Memphis barbecue the state's official state food, I think is unfair to the folks of East Tennessee that make pretty good barbecue," joked Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, while his counterpart, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally argued, "Having lived in both East Tennessee and Memphis, I'd have to say West Tennessee barbecue is much better," according to a statement obtained by Fox17.

The amendment to specify Memphis style as the designated state food, rather than a generic nod to barbecue, seems to celebrate the city's specific cultural contribution to the state's gastronomy, as explained in the Commercial Appeal. Memphis is renowned for its barbecue culture; it hosts the world-famous "Memphis in May" festival, which Senator London Lamar, D-Memphis, highlighted as an event bringing "thousands of people from across the world to Memphis to experience our culture around barbecue."

The bill's journey through the legislature was largely smooth, with the Senate uniting unanimously and the House passing it with only one dissenting vote from Greg Martin (R-Nashville). The bill, now stamped with legislative approval, awaits Governor Bill Lee’s signature to be enshrined into law, WVLT-TV reported.