Thanks to pop culture, the idea of brunch elicits images of a meaningful late-morning meal that combines breakfast and lunch. This tradition goes back much further than expected. Here is a guide to the history behind the tradition of brunch.

Origins

English Hunt Breakfast

In the late 1800s, English men who enjoyed being part of what was considered the leisure class spent most of their days hunting and fishing for sport. On the weekends, these gentlemen would gather for a large late-morning feast of various meats, eggs, fresh fruits, and breads before heading out to hunt for the rest of the day. Women would typically enjoy their meals in bed.

Catholic Fasting

Traditionally, practicing Catholics are to fast from midnight the previous night until after mass on Sunday. To break this fast, churchgoers historically come together to enjoy a large meal that combines traditional breakfast foods, like waffles and pancakes, with lunch options such as salads and sandwiches. This feast was a popular time to catch up on the happenings of the week and plan future social and church activities.

New York City Influence

Many traditional brunch dishes can be traced directly to popular New York City restaurants, including Eggs Benedict, which was created at Delmonico's in Manhattan in the 1860s. Jewish delis, in particular, contributed to the normalization of a leisurely late-morning meal. While their Christian counterparts spent their Sunday mornings at church, Jewish friends and family would gather in restaurants for bagels and lox or blintzes.

Hollywood

By the 1930s, brunch had found its way to Hollywood. Popular starlets began stopping to enjoy decadent midday meals on Sundays all across the United States while traveling cross-country to shoot motion pictures. The trend caught on, especially with housewives who were in need of a break outside the house by the end of the week. Restaurants were happy to oblige by expanding their menus with delightful variations of traditional breakfast and lunch dishes, along with innovative new classics.

If you'd like to join the brunch craze, look no further than Belgian Waffle & Pancake House in Branson, MO. This family-owned restaurant offers a full breakfast, lunch, and dessert menu that includes authentic Belgian waffles and fresh, local ingredients. Visit their website for their menu or call (417)334-8484 for details.