Tennessee-based barbecue spots like this one frequently shift their hours during college football season, so knowing Calhoun’s Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours before you head out is a smart move. You don’t want to show up hungry and find the doors locked, especially if you planned your whole morning around their biscuits. Let’s break down exactly when you can get in the door, what days they operate, and how the holidays mess with their schedule.
Calhoun’s Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours
First, lets get the basics out of the way. Calhoun’s is a local favorite for slow-smoked meats and southern sides, but they don’t run a 24-hour operation. Most locations open their doors for lunch and stay open through dinner, but breakfast is a different story. Not every Calhoun’s serves breakfast, so you have to check which location you’re planning to visit.
Here is the typical weekly breakdown for most full-service locations:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (breakfast served until 11:00 AM)
- Sunday: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM (breakfast served until 11:00 AM)
Notice that breakfast only shows up on the weekend. If you were hoping for a Tuesday morning plate of eggs and brisket, you are out of luck. The weekend breakfast window is short, so get there early.
Weekday Breakfast Availability
Some Calhoun’s locations in Knoxville and surrounding areas do open earlier on weekdays, but that is not the standard. You should always call ahead or check the specific store’s social media page. The hours above are a general guide, not a promise. A few locations have started testing a 9:00 AM opening on Fridays, but that is rare.
Holiday Schedule Changes
Holidays are where things get tricky. Calhoun’s closes completely on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. They also shut down early on Christmas Eve, usually around 4:00 PM. New Year’s Day they open later, at 1:00 PM, to give the staff time to recover.
Here is a quick list of the major holiday hours:
- Thanksgiving: Closed all day
- Christmas Eve: Open 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Christmas Day: Closed all day
- New Year’s Eve: Normal hours, but call to confirm
- New Year’s Day: Open 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Easter Sunday: Closed
Easter is a big one that catches people off guard. They close completely so the staff can be with their families. Also, note that July 4th hours are usually normal, but they might close an hour early if the location is near a fireworks show.
College Football Saturday Hours
Since you are dealing with a Tennessee staple, football season changes everything. On home game days at the University of Tennessee, the Knoxville locations open at 7:00 AM for breakfast. They know people want to tailgate and eat before the game. However, they also close earlier on game days, sometimes by 6:00 PM, because the crowd is gone.
If there is a night game, the hours flip. They might not open for breakfast at all, but stay open until midnight. You really have to check their Instagram story the day before the game. They post the adjusted hours there every single time.
How To Confirm Your Local Store Hours
You should not rely on Google Maps for this one. The hours are often wrong for Calhoun’s because they change so frequently. Instead, follow these steps:
- Go to the official Calhoun’s website and click on “Locations”
- Select your specific store, not just the brand
- Look for a banner at the top of the page about “Special Hours”
- Call the store directly and press 0 to speak to a manager
- Check their Facebook page for the weekly post about hours
That last step is the most reliable. The managers post a picture of the weekly schedule every Monday morning. If you are planning a trip for the weekend, check that post on Thursday.
Breakfast Menu Cutoff Times
Even if you get in the door at 10:45 AM on a Saturday, you might not get breakfast. The kitchen stops serving breakfast items at 11:00 AM sharp. They do not make exceptions, even if you are seated. The grill gets cleaned and switched over to lunch mode. If you want the biscuits and gravy, get there by 10:30 AM to be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Calhoun’s serve breakfast every day?
No. Breakfast is only served on Saturday and Sunday at most locations. A few stores serve it on Friday, but that is not guaranteed. Check with your local store.
What time does Calhoun’s open on Thanksgiving?
They are closed on Thanksgiving Day. There is no early bird special or pre-Thanksgiving meal. Plan for a different spot if you need barbecue that day.
Are Calhoun’s hours different during the summer?
Sometimes. Summer hours are usually shorter on weekdays, closing at 8:30 PM instead of 9:00 PM. The summer tourist season does not change the breakfast schedule though.
Can I get a late breakfast if I arrive at 11:15 AM?
No, the cut off is strict. The kitchen will not fire any breakfast items after 11:00 AM. You can order lunch items, but the breakfast menu is gone.
Do all Calhoun’s locations follow the same holiday schedule?
No, they do not. The corporate stores follow the schedule above, but franchise locations might have different hours. Always call the specific location you plan to visit, especially on minor holidays like Labor Day.
Keep in mind that these hours can change without much notice. The managers have a lot of freedom to adjust based on staffing. If a snow storm hits, they might close early. If a big concert is in town, they might stay open later. The best rule is to call before you drive. It takes two minutes and saves you from a wasted trip. Also, remember that the bar area sometimes stays open an hour later than the dining room. If you just want drinks and appetizers, you might have more time than you think. But for full meals, stick to the times listed above.