Featured image: Daniel C. Rivera
Last Updated: February 4, 2026
Mikey Corona and Brian Riggenbach’s journey into the culinary world began with a love for food, art, and community. The couple first met at a house party in Chicago in 2004 while both were studying fine arts—Brian at the Art Institute of Chicago and Mikey at Columbia College. As they pursued their degrees, they also worked as servers in Chicago’s booming restaurant scene in an era that embraced fusion cuisine.
“We were influenced by that, so we’d get creative with dinner parties on Sundays with our friends,” Mikey recalls. “I was in charge of the playlist and setting the vibe, and Brian would execute the menu.”
What started as intimate gatherings of six close friends soon grew, and before they knew it, even friends of friends were piling in to experience their community-focused culinary creativity. These Sunday dinner parties became a beloved staple, bringing together artists, friends, family, and community members to share a meal.
“Blogs were very ‘in’ at the time, so we started to document these dinner parties and then started to charge for them,” Mikey explains, recalling their blog, Yo Soy. “They were 5-course meals and always included some type of performance, whether that was a singer-songwriter, drag queen, or spoken word.”
The underground supper club concept took off, but as the audience continued to grow, they moved the suppers to unconventional venues—transforming alleyways, art museums, coffee shops, and unique homes into pop-up restaurants.
The duo remained rooted in Mexican cuisine but pulled in the fusion concept anytime inspiration struck—like after their 2014 honeymoon in India. Using items they brought back, from tapestries to spices and herbs, the duo hosted a Mexican-Indian fusion event that allowed guests to become even more personally involved with their story.
“We shared our story so willingly because, in true artist fashion, we put ourselves out there,” Mikey said. “That was one of the most heartfelt dinners we did.”
The success of their pop-ups fueled their ambition to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant. In 2014, Brian competed on Food Network’s Chopped, hoping the exposure would help secure investors.
“The stars aligned,” Mikey shared. “He got selected, he won, and one of the judges was Maneet Chauhan.”
Following his win, Maneet asked what his goal was when coming on the show, and he shared their mutual dream of opening a restaurant. She was impressed with their vision and offered to invest—but with one condition: they had to open in Nashville.
Though initially hesitant, a week-long trip through Nashville’s food scene convinced them to make the move, and in 2016, they relocated and started developing the concept for The Mockingbird—a modern, globally-influenced diner.
But, the transition to the South came with its fair share of uncertainties.
“We had preconceived notions about the South and if we were going to be accepted as a newly married gay couple,” Mikey admits. “Thankfully, we haven’t faced any opposition or negativity. We’ve always made sure to continue to be kind and hope that kindness is returned.”
Maneet reassured them early on: “If it is an issue and someone has a problem with it and they’re in our establishment, kindly tell them to get the f*** out.”
The Mockingbird has been a rousing success since opening in 2017, and as a response to dining styles skewing more casual during the pandemic, the pair set their sights on a new concept.
“We wanted to tap into something that was the background of my heritage,” Mikey shares—his grandparents hail from Mexico, and he grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas. “In the 20 years Brian and I have been together, we didn’t have any children along the way. The title that we got—which is the next best thing to dad—was fun uncle.”
Tío Fun first opened in North Nashville with a goal to be “exactly the type of place your fun uncle would take you to.” It’s whimsical, bright, and a bit different. You’ll find traditional tacos beside fried chicken-topped chilaquiles and Mexican hot dogs made popular in Texas’ border towns.
Mikey recalls a tradition he shared with his nieces and nephews, airing grievances and talking about life over tiger’s blood-flavored raspas (Mexican-style shaved ice). Thanks to the sugar, it acted as a form of truth serum.
“Suddenly, we’d be having these deep, unfiltered conversations that just bonded us even more,” Mikey laughs. Tío Fun does have raspas on the menu but takes the concoction a step further by swirling traditional flavors into their boozy margaritas. “Our niece is almost 30, so now it’s truth serum times two because there’s alcohol and tiger’s blood. It really makes them get out all of life’s problems.”
For Mikey and Brian, being tíos isn’t just a title—it’s a way of life. Their story is full circle, from moving their artistry from canvas to porcelain plate to fostering community in every town they’ve called home. A second Tío Fun location opened in Franklin in 2023.
“We felt like Franklin needed a fun uncle to come in and add a little bit of lightness,” Mikey said.
To celebrate their presence in the community, Tío Fun is hosting a special event in February timed with Valentine’s Day. Or, El Día del Amor y la Amistad as it’s called in Spanish. This translates to, “The Day of Love and Friendship,” emphasizing the importance of celebrating everyone you love.
“The Mexican tradition for Valentine’s Day is a little bit more all-encompassing,” Mikey said. “Rather than a day that’s just for your lovers, it is a day to show your admiration for all those around you that you love: your family, friends, and, of course, your partners. It’s such a lovely thing and a great reminder that this should be a day to let all those around you know how much they mean to you in life.”
Modern South Magazine is a proud sponsor of El Día del Amor y la Amistad at Tío Fun in Franklin. Join us February 15, 2025, from 7 to 10 p.m.
To learn more about culinarians shaping Southern communities, click here.
