Southern breakfast gets a serious upgrade at Goodness Gracious Restaurant & Catering, a family-owned breakfast spot that has become one of Murfreesboro’s most talked-about brunch destinations. 🍳
What started back in 2008 has grown into a full-blown local staple, known for creative twists on classic comfort food.
This isn’t your average diner — it’s Southern cuisine with genuine imagination behind it.
How Goodness Gracious won Murfreesboro’s hearts
Goodness Gracious got its start in 2008, operating for years out of the historic Readyville Mill before eventually settling into its current home at The Fountains at Gateway on Medical Center Parkway.
That move brought a more modern, tasteful dining space, but the restaurant made sure to keep every fan-favorite item on the menu intact.
It’s a rare balancing act — evolving the space while staying loyal to the food that built the loyal following in the first place.
Much of that food comes from the creative mind of Eric Ford, whose menu draws directly from a mix of elements that make up Southern cuisine, composed to evoke real emotion and a sense of place for every guest.
Its reputation for creativity has made Goodness Gracious a go-to name in Tennessee breakfast circles, especially among diners searching for something more memorable than the usual pancake stack.
For a restaurant built on scratch-made Southern comfort food with genuine personality, it’s easy to see why locals keep filling the tables from breakfast through early afternoon. 🐔
Food Highlights
- Chicken Waffle Benedict – Fried chicken and poached eggs stacked over a golden waffle, blending Southern comfort with brunch tradition.
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Hot Chicken Eggs Benedict – Crispy hot chicken layered over an English muffin with poached eggs and hollandaise.
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Polish Plate Pierogies – Two eggs, crispy kielbasa, and cheese-filled pierogies, a hearty combination diners rave about ordering together.
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Stuffed Strawberries – Fresh strawberries filled with a decadent cream cheese mixture.
- Lemon Blueberry French Toast – Thick-cut toast infused with bright lemon and studded with blueberries.
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Gouda Grits – Creamy grits infused with gouda cheese, praised by diners for their rich, cheesy finish.
- Quiche Lorraine – A classic French-style quiche with bacon and cheese folded into a flaky crust.
- Hashbrown Casserole – Golden, cheesy hashbrowns baked into a comforting casserole-style side.
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Breakfast Burrito – A hearty wrap filled with eggs, cheese, and savory fillings, a top pick for guests wanting something portable.
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Meat Lovers Omelette – Packed with a mix of savory breakfast meats and melted cheese, a filling option for bigger appetites.
Atmosphere
Goodness Gracious keeps things bright, cheerful, and welcoming, the kind of dining room that makes weekend brunch feel like an event. ☀️
The eclectic, modern space at The Fountains at Gateway pairs well with the restaurant’s creative menu, giving guests a comfortable spot to linger over coffee.
It’s casual enough for a quick weekday breakfast but has enough charm for a relaxed weekend brunch with friends. The overall vibe leans warm and family-friendly, fitting for a spot built on Southern hospitality.
Bottom Line
Visit for creative Southern breakfast dishes you won’t find at a typical diner, the beloved Polish Breakfast plate, and a genuinely family-owned atmosphere. Add Gouda grits, stuffed strawberries, and a bright, welcoming dining room, and it’s clear why Goodness Gracious has become a Murfreesboro brunch favorite.
Address:
1430 Medical Center Pkwy Ste 1A, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
📞 (615) 895-6008
🕔 Tue–Sun 8 AM–2 PM (closed Mon)