- Carolyn Baggs ran Cal's Country Kitchen in Madison, Tennessee for 24 years before retiring.
- Her former footballer son, a culinary guru in his own right, is now returning to his beloved meat and three dishes.
- The new location will be located on Dickerson Pike and will feature a full bar and menu of country cuisine that Cal's is known for.
Carolyn Baggs hands a plate to her son.
After 24 years of opening the doors every morning at Cal's Country Kitchen and continuing to serve the community through “a long time of love,” as she explained in a recent Instagram video, by night Madison's food and beverage scene has changed. The store will close and we'll see Marcus Buggs reopen. She's a soul food restaurant located at 1315 Dickerson Pike in May or June.
She admits that age has caught up with her (she almost retired in 2021). But she has no plans to disappear from the space where her slow-cooked turnip greens, banana pudding, chicken and dressing once lured customers.
“I'm confident that his son Marcus, a former Buffalo Bills linebacker and Vanderbilt star, will be in good hands,” Carolyn Buggs said of her son Marcus, a former Buffalo Bills linebacker and Vanderbilt star. “I'm going to work with him to help him get there, and I'm going to hold his foot to the fire to keep it there.”
Yes, the new location is the same location where Marcus Buggs opened Coneheads in 2019. We'll be transitioning to food trucks soon.
The sign outside Cal's Country Kitchen suggests it's “Madison's best-kept secret.” But the secret has been out for some time.
For example, chicken and dressing. This was by far the most desired dish among the hundreds of fans who commented on Carolyn Baggs' Instagram videos. Supporters also include Slim & Husky's Pizza Belia partner Clint Gray, who is also a behind-the-scenes partner on future iterations of Cal's.
“I'd like a double order of chicken, dressing and vegetables, please,” he said. “🍅 slices and sweet tea!”
It will be there. Marcus Baggs said the new restaurant will be “pretty much the same,” with just a few improvements and the addition of a full bar.
Birth of Cal-chan
Carolyn Buggs grew up on a farm about 130 miles east of Memphis, where her chores included feeding the animals and cooking for her six siblings.
Her work ethic is as legendary as her food.
“When we were kids, we weren’t allowed to sit around and do nothing,” his son said with a laugh.
She then gained a following in Nashville when she started cooking in kitchens for local factory workers. She remembers that Marcus Baggs was riding in the backseat of her weekend while her mother dropped off meals to the River Gate parking lot when word spread.
In 1997, she and her husband, Leon Baggs, opened Cal's Country Kitchen. “Cal” is a combination of two names.
Marcus was 11 years old when the restaurant opened. But he went to school and was in the kitchen whenever his soccer talent developed.
“I've been peeling potatoes, picking vegetables and helping season chicken since I was little,” he said.
Marcus Buggs calls his mother the most loving person he knows. But if she acts tough, you'll know she means it.
“She knows very well to let me know that her name is at risk here,” he said. “And I’m honored to be able to take that forward.”
He runs Cal's in a way that is true to her vision. She didn't raise her children to do anything halfway.
Besides, she comes there sometimes to supervise the cooking.
“Especially when it comes to chicken and dressing,” Marcus Baggs added.
Clint Gray of Slim & Husky's Pizza Berea: “Passing the Torch”
When Gray first meets Bugs, he is picking turnip greens in his mother's kitchen.
“It's a joy to see delicious food being made by the hands of loved ones,” Gray said.
Gray is a partner in the restaurant, but he's also a fan.
Yes, that chicken and dressing supporter. And the family behind it.
“They have had a very strong presence in the community over the years, and relaunching this concept under Marcus’ leadership is a job well done on their part and is a great way to pass the torch.” I feel like it was,” he said.
Cal's Country Kitchen reopens: What you need to know
- Cal's Country Kitchen is expected to open in late May or June.
- Meals are served cafeteria style, like the classic Meat and Three.
- Many of the old favorites will be making the transition, including fried chicken, chicken and dressing, turnip greens, and mac and cheese.
- The restaurant will have approximately 50 seats and an enclosed patio.
- The new California location will be at 1315 Dickerson Pike.
