Chattanooga’s Newest Social Scene: The Brunch Club
Have you ever found yourself craving a delicious brunch but worried about dining solo? Well, in Chattanooga, there’s a growing trend that combines mouthwatering food with a sense of community: the Chattanooga Brunch Club! Founded by local realtor Candice Neal, this group is bringing people together to savor good meals and make new friends.
From Solitary Meals to a Thriving Community
Candice Neal is no stranger to enjoying a meal alone, especially when it comes to lunch. However, she feels that brunch is different, saying, “It would be weird to eat brunch alone.” After moving to the area post-college, she found solace in a brunch group that met every other weekend, which not only filled her stomach but also her social calendar. “To me, brunch is all about camaraderie, making friends, and catching up,” Neal shares with a playful laugh.
When her husband said he wasn’t interested in joining her for brunch, Neal took matters into her own hands. In the fall of 2023, she created the Chattanooga Brunch Club Facebook page to connect with fellow locals eager to explore the town’s brunch spots. What started as a gathering of a few friends quickly blossomed into a vibrant community with over 200 members from diverse neighborhoods and age groups—ranging from freshly graduated college students to retirees.
Reviving the Brunch Spirit
In her role as a realtor, Neal encounters numerous new residents who are looking to build connections in their new home. This has enabled her to bridge her professional life with her desire for social interaction, cultivating a brunch network that many in the community have come to cherish. After organizing a successful brunch at a local restaurant called Stir in January, Neal noticed that the group had to take a break for a bit. However, as the school year resumed in August, she rolled up her sleeves to rejuvenate the brunch club. While attendance was low for the August meetup, the influx of new members throughout the year left Neal optimistic about future gatherings.
Going forward, Neal plans to organize one weekday brunch and one weekend brunch each month. This strategy aims to cater to parents with school-aged children during the week, while also ensuring that weekend diners have a chance to join in on the brunch fun. Members actively contribute by voting on brunch dates and suggesting different dining locations, making everyone feel included in the planning process.
Brunching Beyond Borders
It’s not just Chattanooga residents joining the fun. Brooklyn Ayers, Neal’s sister-in-law, drives over an hour from the Blue Ridge-Ellijay, Georgia area to be part of this expanding brunch family. “It’s really nice to have a set time to go out and recharge with people,” she says. “It’s fun to meet new people, try new places, and enjoy some well-deserved ‘girl time.’” While a large portion of the group is women, Neal emphasizes that the brunch club is open to everyone, including men who love a good brunch!
Neal does her best to offer brunches in various locations, allowing all members easy access, regardless of where they live. While the previous brunch was in downtown Chattanooga, the latest meeting ventured out to Ooltewah’s Mountain Oaks Manor, where a charming tea party was inspired by the popular series, Bridgerton.
Making Connections as Adults
Another club member, Megan Swisher, shares her sentiments about adult friendships. With her son being close friends with Neal’s son since pre-K, she finds it challenging to meet new people in her busy life. “It’s hard to make friends as an adult,” she explains. “Brunch is a wonderful way to connect without the pressures of evening gatherings, especially with childcare often being a concern.” For Swisher, weekend brunches work perfectly since her husband can watch the kids during that time.
Join the Fun!
If you’re interested in joining the Chattanooga Brunch Club, it’s simple! Just hop onto their Facebook page, fill out a quick questionnaire about your favorite local brunch spot, and you’re in! Neal is currently on the lookout for a brunch co-host to assist in managing the group’s activities. So, if you’re a fellow Chattanoogan who loves brunching, don’t hesitate to reach out on Facebook.
The Chattanooga Brunch Club embodies what it means to connect, enjoy food, and build friendships. Whether you’re a seasoned bruncher or just looking to make some new friends, there’s always room at the table for you!
