Free · lunch included
One hour, once a month, with the people building things here. Turn up, eat, listen to somebody who has actually done it.
Free lunch.Real talk.Big ideas.
The next date is not up yet. It lands first wednesday of every month — check back, or come to whatever else is on.
How the hour goes
- 1
Turn up at noon and grab lunch — it is provided, and it is free.
- 2
A guest speaker takes about half the hour: someone running a real business, talking about what actually worked and what did not.
- 3
The rest is the room. Questions, introductions, and the conversations that carry on in the parking lot afterward.
- 4
Out by one, so it fits in a working day.
Who is in the room
Anyone building or thinking about building a business in the Upper Cumberland. You do not need a business yet, a plan, or a pitch — plenty of people come to their first one with nothing but an idea and a sandwich.
Who has spoken
August 2026
Luke RameySkip The Line
July 2026
Chad GilbertPutnam Properties
June 2026
Michael EnglandThe Exceptional Bean
May 2026
Jay AlbrightSeven Senses
April 2026
Anna Askins-DunnSoul Craft Coffee
March 2026
Brandon CooperHoney Baked Ham
February 2026
Hannah IstvankoPrivy Clear
December 2025
Kelly SullivanTennessee Small Business Development Center
August 2025
Karlyn ReelCookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce
Before you come
- Is it really free?
- Yes, including the lunch. Local sponsors cover it so the room stays open to anyone.
- Do I need to register?
- Yes — it helps us order the right amount of food. Registration is one short form and takes a minute.
- What if I do not know anybody?
- Most people's first one is like that. Say so when you walk in; somebody will introduce you around.
- Do I have to stay the whole hour?
- No. Come late, leave early, eat and run. Nobody keeps score.
Where
114 N Cedar Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501
Come to one and see.
It costs an hour and nothing else. If you want more than an hour, the coaching is free too.