More than 1,700 people attended the annual breakfast.

JACKSON, Tenn., Jan. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- For 40 years, Brooks Shaw's Old Country Store Restaurant has been the setting for cherished holiday memories during its annual Christmas Eve Breakfast. This year, the tradition reached new heights as 1,700 people—one of its highest attendances—gathered between 5:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, to celebrate the season with family, fellowship and festive cheer.

Guests enjoyed hot apple cider, live music and special activities like coloring stations for children and a visit from Santa Claus. At times, the wait in line stretched through the gift store and the Dixie Café, but the joyful atmosphere—with guests in holiday attire, exchanging warm smiles, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones—made it all part of the experience.

Among the crowd were families like the Lowrances and Willises, a group of nearly 50 spanning generations, who filled the Wellwood dining room that morning. Being among the first in line is part of their tradition, one they've carried on for decades with pride and devotion.

"It's incredible to see this tradition grow year after year," said Brooks Shaw, president of Old Country Store. "To think that families have been coming for four decades—some since the very beginning—is truly humbling. We're so grateful to all of our guests, both the newcomers and those who've made this event a part of their family's story."

A Tradition Built on Family
For Brenda Lowrance and David Willis, the Christmas Eve Breakfast has been a cherished ritual they began during their marriage in 1973. Now divorced with new spouses, their blended family still gathers for the annual breakfast and were among the first to walk through the doors. Today, their tradition has grown to include 35 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

"We've braved dark, cold mornings to be here every year," Lowrance reminisced. "One year, there were so many of us that we couldn't all fit on the stage in the Tennessee Room," said Missy Willis, David's wife. "It's about making memories and hoping the next generation carries on. We want our grandbabies to keep this alive."

This year, Tracy Barnes, David and Brenda's daughter, designed matching sweatshirts for the group. The breakfast also marked a full-circle moment for Barnes' daughter Cheyenne, who was the subject of a baby announcement at the breakfast 22 years ago. Now, Cheyenne continues the tradition with her one-year-old daughter, Rawling.

"It's always been my favorite tradition," Cheyenne Barnes said. "I wanted my daughter to experience this, too. My earliest memory is standing on stage, singing Christmas carols when I was about seven. It makes me so happy that both my grandparents are here today."

A Legacy of Togetherness
The Foropoulos and Cain families, spanning three generations, have also made the breakfast a cornerstone of their holiday celebrations, having missed the event only twice in its history. Sisters Beverly Foropoulos and Carol Stephan started the tradition. For second generation attendee Melody Foropoulos Cain, the event represents more than just a meal—it's a celebration of family as a gift.

"We've known Brooks and his family for a long time," Cain said. "This breakfast is a reminder of what matters most: spending time together and passing down traditions."

Cheryle Emison, another regular attendee, echoed those sentiments. "Start a tradition—no matter how hard it is—keep it going," she said. "I pray our children continue this, and I think they will."

Ashley and Alex Horton celebrated their 11th year attending the breakfast. With 25 family members gathered that morning—half of her group last year—Ashley hopes to bring even more friends and family next year. "This time is all about togetherness and spending time with family," she said.

While many were revisiting cherished memories, the breakfast also welcomed first-time guests like Bernice Vaulx, a Jackson resident who decided to attend solo when her friend couldn't make it. "I'd heard so much about it," Vaulx said. "Even though I came alone, I felt surrounded by warmth and joy."

A Morning to Remember
Breakfast favorites, including pancakes, grits, eggs, sausage and fresh fruit, were served on the buffet all day at a half-off price for guests.
"Forty years ago, my dad started this breakfast as a way to give back to the community, and it's amazing to see how it's become such a cherished tradition," Shaw said. "This event has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and now, sharing it with my own family and so many others fills me with gratitude. It continues to bring joy and connection to so many. As we move into 2025, we're excited to celebrate another milestone—our 60th anniversary. Stay tuned for special programming and events throughout the year as we honor this incredible journey and the community that has supported us every step of the way."

Brooks Shaw's Old Country Store is a multi-faceted destination. Located at 56 Casey Jones Lane in Jackson, Tennessee, it encompasses the restaurant, Miss Anne's Ice Cream Shoppe, Miss Juanita's Gift Shop, and the Dixie Café Takeout, Dine-In and Drive-Thru. The establishment is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025. For more information, visit instagram.com/caseyjonesvillage, facebook.com/oldcountrystore, caseyjones.com or call 731-668-1223.

Media Contact

Dawn Bramblett, Bramblett Group, 731-608-7650, dawn@bramblettgrp.com, https://www.caseyjones.com/

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SOURCE Bramblett Group