As the Easter holiday brings both celebration and stress for many families, local restaurants are stepping in to ease the burden by offering festive brunch options aimed at giving families more time to relax and reconnect.
The Olive Tree Café in South Charleston has become a holiday destination for families looking to enjoy a meal together without the pressure of cooking and cleanup. Owner Michael Jarrouj said the tradition of hosting Easter brunch has been a meaningful way to support the community.
“It’s a great time, and we love seeing families come out here,” Jarrouj said. “It’s really about family for us. We’re happy to take the stress off their shoulders.”
For many guests, like first-time diner Lisa White, the convenience and comfort of dining out made the holiday even more memorable.
“This just takes the stress off, for sure,” White said. “We’re going to make it a tradition. There’s 13 of us here today, so we’re happy.”
According to a recent poll by HoneyBaked Ham, 78% of Americans who celebrate Easter say hosting a holiday meal at home is stressful. That’s a statistic Jarrouj takes seriously.
“We do all the work, so you don’t have to,” he said. “You can sit with your family, relax, and enjoy the holiday—you don’t have to work your fingers to the bone.”
Other area restaurants also joined the effort to provide stress-free Easter dining experiences. The Volstead Room in Charleston welcomed guests seeking a break from the kitchen, including Traci Young, who opted for a meal out after celebrating Easter with family the day before.
“We decided to come out here since we celebrated Easter yesterday,” Young said.
Volstead Room manager Misty Whittaker said the restaurant aimed to offer a welcoming environment for guests looking to enjoy a holiday meal before or after church.
“We just wanted to give everyone a nice place to come so they could enjoy a good dinner without the hassle,” Whittaker said.
The same survey by HoneyBaked Ham found that 80% of respondents find grocery shopping ahead of a holiday meal to be stressful—an added layer of difficulty that many restaurants hope to alleviate with their Easter brunch offerings.
As local establishments like The Olive Tree Café and The Volstead Room continue to provide seasonal dining experiences, Charleston residents are finding new ways to celebrate Easter with less stress and more togetherness.
