Brunch. Whether you love the idea or not, one thing’s for sure: brunch is here to stay and that won’t likely change anytime soon.
But before we start looking at how brunch might factor into our futures, let’s take a look at the history that has gone into its evolution
In this article, we’ll give you eight fun facts about brunch’s complicated and rather entertaining past. Keep reading to see exactly what we mean by that.
1. The idea of brunch was invented all the way back in 1895
Despite what some might think, brunch wasn’t something invented by millennials. Its origins can be traced back to as early as 1885, when a man named Guy Beringer coined the term and combined breakfast and lunch into one meal that basically meant he could sleep a few extra hours during the weekend.
2. It was originally a Sunday affair
Back then, it was common for people to reserve their social activities for Saturday evenings. And by social activities, we mean getting passed-out drunk. This posed a problem for many people—Beringer, in particular—because it meant that they’d have to drag themselves out of bed early the next morning for Sunday service.
3. Day-drinking was already part of the original agenda
Tea and coffee were already widely enjoyed morning refreshments back then, but as Beringer so eloquently put it: “Beer and whiskey are admitted as substitutes.” Why? Obviously, so they could continue on with the festivities from the night before, but have the added bonus of well-prepared food.
4. It soon caught on because of that
With the idea of making alcohol an acceptable drink even during the daytime, it was only a matter of time before the ideas of brunch and all-day drinking reached the masses. However, it was actually the upper class who first bought into the concept. British nobles from the Victorian era incorporated brunch into their weekend routines as a way to socialize after a morning of hunting.
5. It crossed oceans and borders by the 1900s
As with most things that are “noble-approved,” brunch became widely popular as everyone else wanted in on the action. The concept eventually found its way to American shores. And by the 1920s, many states had already developed their own brunch culture surrounding the phenomenon.
6. Things were finally made official in 1939
The New York Times published an article back in February 12th, 1939 declaring that Sunday was officially a two-meal day. The argument was that brunch allowed families and businesses to relax on Sundays, allowing them to enjoy a huge meal at around noon and not worry about having to cook until later in the evening.
7. Church attendance declined because of it
Staying true to the original intention of Beringer, many people who survived World War II rejected the idea of waking up early on Sundays just to go to church. This made brunch even more appealing, leading to a cycle of even fewer people attending morning service.
8. Brunch became a staple in the hospitality industry by the 1980s
Jump forward to the time of 1980s consumerism, brunch was heavily marketed by many restaurants, hotels, and similar establishments. It was a way for these businesses to appeal to a large audience, primarily because they could serve pretty much whatever they wanted to.
Conclusion
Today, brunch is enjoyed in almost every corner of the globe. What this means for the future of brunch, we can only wait and see.
We are one of Bangkok’s top-rated restaurants and we serve an all-day brunch menu that you can enjoy with all-day drinking. Get in touch with us today if you’d like to make a reservation.