Biscuit Belly Franchising

When entrepreneurs weigh whether to buy into a young franchise system or a mature household name, the decision often comes down to personality. Do they want the certainty and predictability of a large chain, or the thrill of helping to build something new? For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-c-4663465b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=biscuit-belly-franchise-emerging-franchise-opportunities-2730345" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chad Coulter</a>, founder and CEO of&nbsp;<a href="https://biscuitbellyfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=biscuit-belly-franchise-emerging-franchise-opportunities-2730345" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Biscuit Belly</a>, the appeal of an emerging brand lies in the opportunity to shape the journey.“It’s about the individual person,” Coulter said. “Are they a pioneer or a settler? One guy told us at a show, ‘You’ve got pioneers and you’ve got settlers. I’m not a pioneer, so when you get about 100 units, call me and we’ll talk.’ Some people really like being on the ground floor of something and helping it grow. They can go back, when it’s 100 units or more, and say, ‘I was franchise number five.’ ‘However, that isn’t for everyone.’”<h2>A Place To Influence</h2>For many operators, the ability to influence decisions is one of the biggest draws of an emerging brand. Coulter contrasts the experience with being part of a massive system.“You’re not going to get into a McDonald’s and tell them what they’re doing wrong or suggest a new menu item, but you could with us,” he said. “Hopefully, it’s not a whole lot we’re doing wrong, but franchisees can make suggestions and help improve. They like to have that kind of role in the growth versus just being told what to do.”That willingness to listen has already paid dividends. A franchisee with catering experience helped&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/biscuit-belly/info">Biscuit Belly</a> shape its catering menu, which has since become one of the brand’s fastest-growing segments. Franchisees in Charlotte pitched “lunchier” menu items, and the corporate team is now testing those options.“We don’t have huge egos or a big management team,” Coulter said. “We’re nimble and open to ideas as long as they fit the brand identity, make sense operationally and create marketing excitement. Not all ideas are good, but we’ll definitely look at them.”<h2>Direct Access and Real Partnership</h2>At Biscuit Belly, franchisees aren’t kept at arm’s length. Coulter emphasizes that operators can reach leadership directly, and that access builds stronger partnerships.“They have a direct line to us whether good or bad,” he said. “We want to be good partners. They’ve invested hard-earned money to help us grow and build a new revenue stream, so it’s a partnership. We’re not dictators. We can’t take everybody’s ideas, but we listen. The phone’s always on.”That kind of open-door relationship is rare in franchising, and Coulter believes it gives Biscuit Belly owners an advantage.<h2>Nimble and Fast</h2>Emerging brands face challenges, but they also enjoy agility that bigger systems can’t match. While legacy chains plan their limited-time offers two years in advance, Biscuit Belly works in six- to 12-month cycles.“We’re extremely nimble and can test and pivot until we get it right quickly,” Coulter said. “A lot can change, and if you get too far out it’s not beneficial. We recently made a quick pivot on an LTO, and our new fall items went live last month. We test new products almost weekly.”That same nimbleness helps the brand navigate rising food costs, a pain point across the restaurant industry. Coulter says Biscuit Belly’s diverse mix of top ingredients — from eggs and dairy to pork and potatoes — offers a natural hedge. Beyond that, the company has aggressively pursued savings through vendor switches, recipe tweaks and renegotiated contracts.“One of our biggest items was a biscuit mix that came premixed in 50-pound bags,” he said. “We switched to a different manufacturer and saved 40 percent. Then we reworked the ratio of butter and cream in the mix, and we saved six cents a biscuit without changing the quality of the product. That’s huge.”The brand also brought in an outsourced procurement team and renegotiated distribution deals. “We’ve only taken 2 to 2.5 percent price increases per year since 2022,” Coulter said. “We’ve just gotten a lot smarter with how we’re buying, how we’re negotiating, recipe development and pricing.”<h2>A Culture of Fit</h2>Coulter stresses that the right people are just as important as the right business model. “We’re driving culture through the people we select,” he said. “We’re not just signing whoever can fog a mirror. We want ambassadors who pass the beer test, see the vision, have patience and understand there will be growing pains.”That cultural fit matters because emerging brands don’t have the instant recognition of a KFC bucket or the Golden Arches. “With a small brand, you can’t just put up a sign and people know you,” Coulter said. “You really have to get out into the community and do local store marketing to build awareness.”<h2>Why Now?</h2>For Coulter, the argument for joining Biscuit Belly now boils down to timing and opportunity. “We have a great team of seasoned restaurateurs and executives,” he said. “I’d put our team against any team with 40 or fewer units. Our team has helped build big brands from scratch. If you want a fun ride, the earlier the better. Territories can go fast.”Beyond the operational advantages, Coulter points to the lifestyle benefits. “The hours are great. You’re out of the building by 3 or 4 every day and still have a life,” he said. “Breakfast and brunch are hot right now, so if you’re interested, plant your flag now.”For entrepreneurs deciding whether to take the leap, Coulter says it comes down to appetite for involvement. “If you want to be on the ground floor of something and actively participate to make the brand better, then an emerging brand might be for you,” he said. “If that excites you, now’s the time.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/biscuit-belly">https://1851franchise.com/biscuit-belly</a>.

Biscuit Belly Franchise - Pros of Joining - 1851 Franchise

Biscuit Belly Franchise: Emerging Growth Opportunity

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CEO Chad Coulter explains why joining Biscuit Belly now offers franchisees direct leadership access, growth opportunities and advantages unavailable in mature brands.

This brand page has been paid for by BISCUIT BELLY FRANCHISING. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

Why Emerging Brands Win: The Benefits of Joining Biscuit Belly at the Ground Floor

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“Pharmacy school to booming brunch franchise” likely isn’t one of the career trajectories&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-coulter-4663465b/">Chad Coulter</a> considered when he decided to pursue higher education, but it’s what he ended up doing. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2008, Coulter spent some time in the pharmacy world. In 2011, he launched a “paint and sip” business while maintaining his healthcare profession. Over the next seven years, he continued his entrepreneurial growth, and in 2018, he and his wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-coulter-%F0%9F%8D%B3-70053b2a">Lauren</a>, founded&nbsp;<a href="https://biscuitbellyfranchise.com/">Biscuit Belly</a>, the elevated Southern brunch concept. Now, with 14 locations across multiple states, upcoming openings in Georgia, recent recognition on the&nbsp;<a href="https://alumni.uga.edu/2025/12/10/meet-ugas-2026-bulldog-100/">2026 Bulldog 100</a> and growing momentum, Coulter is leveraging his Georgia roots and “Bulldog spirit” to drive continued expansion.“Since we started franchising in 2020, I’ve concentrated on hiring great leaders to support quality across our system,” Coulter said. “This has driven growth for Biscuit Belly, and we keep expanding in Georgia and beyond. Being ranked No. 65 on UGA’s 2026 Bulldog 100 as one of the fastest-growing businesses only confirms this.”<h2>The “Better Brunch” Approach</h2>A key driver of Biscuit Belly’s growth over the years has been its unique combination of flavor and hospitality. Each restaurant radiates the type of warmth you would expect from a Southern brand, but that’s just part of the equation. Biscuit Belly’s craft approach to brunch elevates the landscape, catching guests’ eyes and keeping them coming back.&nbsp;“I was inspired by the Southern-style biscuits and biscuit sandwiches I loved during childhood, but I wanted to create a more ‘grown-up’ version,” Coulter said. “We still offer fresh-baked biscuits, fried chicken, eggs, bacon and all of the brunch classics people love, but we’ve put a chef-driven spin on it.”Because of its innovative menu, Biscuit Belly sits at the intersection of three booming industries: breakfast, chicken and fast-casual dining. And it does it as no one else has before.For operators, this represents a strategic market entry. The brand appeals to a range of guests and is steadily growing its fan base. Further, the brunch model, specifically, lends itself to a leaner labor model, attractive operating hours and better work-life balance overall. Most Biscuit Belly restaurants open before 8 a.m. and close around 3 p.m., meaning each day can be run on a single shift, and operators and their teams are out the door in time for any other commitments they may have.<h2>Why Georgia Is a Prime Market for Biscuit Belly</h2>With two restaurants already open in the state and more opening in the near future, Georgia has proven to be fertile ground for Biscuit Belly's growth. Many Georgians have a deep love for biscuits, but plenty also see brunch as an important ritual. This intersection is perfect for Biscuit Belly.Biscuit Belly’s Peachtree City restaurant is already helping shape the brand’s growth strategy in Georgia. Located in a visible, lifestyle-oriented area, the restaurant gives the brand a natural gathering point and early proof of demand. Building around similar regional hubs can help Biscuit Belly grow awareness while creating efficiencies for operators in the same market.“When we look at expanding across Georgia, we’re examining demographics, whitespace and the cultural element that makes Biscuit Belly such a success,” Coulter said. “Our ranking on the Bulldog 100 isn’t just an emotional connection or trophy on the shelf. It’s a real signal to prospective operators in the state that this brand has the presence and momentum necessary to be a leader in the market.”On track to reach the 20-unit mark by the end of the year, Biscuit Belly’s trajectory is clear. Through the combination of a chef-driven menu, streamlined operational model and deep commitment to leadership and excellence, Coulter has created a gem in the fast-casual and brunch spaces.For the UGA alum, the goal goes beyond opening more restaurants. He’s on a mission to make an impact through business ownership and create a real legacy. As the team continues to identify high-caliber operators to lead territories across Georgia and the Southeast, Biscuit Belly remains focused on finding franchisees who are aligned with its approach to elevated Southern fare.“We’ve spent the last few years honing the systems and culture so that new franchisees can enter a system that’s truly ready to scale,” Coulter said. “Now, we’re looking for people who see the same potential that we do and want to dominate their markets as part of a brand that’s redefining the most important meal of the day.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/biscuit-belly">https://1851franchise.com/biscuit-belly</a>.&nbsp;

Photo of UGA Alumni Lauren and Chad Coulter, Biscuit Belly

Chad Coulter, founder and CEO of Biscuit Belly, has turned Southern brunch into a high-growth franchise concept with new Georgia openings and UGA recognition fueling growth.

This University of Georgia Alum Is Betting Big on Brunch, Franchising and Winning

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<a href="https://biscuitbellyfranchise.com/">Biscuit Belly</a>, the fast-growing brunch franchise, is starting 2026 strong. The franchise brought on three new team members, launched its first-party catering program with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monkeymediasoftware.com/">MONKEY</a> and is close to signing its first deal of the year.&nbsp;The three new team members include Aly Collings as construction manager,&nbsp;<a href="http://linkedin.com/in/catrina-marie-salas-1813b9219">Catrina Salas</a> as catering sales manager and&nbsp;<a href="http://linkedin.com/in/bryson-brewer-6481a8132">Bryson Brewer&nbsp;</a>as director of operations. All three leaders come from strong backgrounds that will bring&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/biscuit-belly/info">Biscuit Belly’s</a> expansion plans to life.&nbsp;“Although we are all wearing many different hats, in a year with more openings than ever, we hired new team members to help us execute at a high level and reduce the workload on our existing staff,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-coulter-4663465b/">Chad Coulter</a>, founder and CEO. “We are also continuing to hire for internal roles to support the expected growth this year.”More team members mean greater support and more attention for franchisees and operators. The new additions will all play a role in helping give stores the support they need to open, operate properly and grow their sales.&nbsp;Here’s a closer look at the team and what they bring to the table.&nbsp;<h2>Aly Collings: Construction Manager</h2>Collings has worked in construction for about 11 years, starting in proposal writing, estimating and leading design teams for build-outs. She later moved over to project management in the long-term care industry, where she worked on commercial kitchens.&nbsp;After connecting with Coulter through a mutual friend, she learned about the opening at Biscuit Belly. Because she was already in the market for a new job, the construction manager role made sense.“Right now, I’m consulting for four new store openings and then I'll be helping with the design of a couple of new ones that are down the pipeline,” she said. “I’m the middle person between Chad, the general contractor (GC) and the architect. Any questions will come to me. I’ll be helping in the design process and bidding out the work, as well as choosing the GC and managing the whole process of retrofitting the space.”&nbsp;As the brand continues to expand, Collings will help streamline the build-out process for new units through updated processes and documents. Because Biscuit Belly buys a lot of its kitchen equipment and hood and HVAC equipment directly, Collings will help build owner-furnished packages to streamline the process between Biscuit Belly and the general contractor.&nbsp;“With the number of stores that are having openings at one time, I can definitely see why now is a good time for this role,” said Collings. “It's a big load, so it's a great time to have someone be able to take some of that work on. The pipeline only seems to be growing, and there are opportunities everywhere.”<h2>Catrina Salas: Catering Sales Manager&nbsp;</h2>Salas has worked in catering and hospitality for more than 20 years, with a background that includes both sales and operations. Along the way, she has helped several multi-unit brands build out their catering programs.She learned about the role after someone she connected with on LinkedIn encouraged her to apply. Once she submitted her application, Coulter reached out quickly, and the two came away from a nearly hourlong conversation feeling it was a good fit.“Everyone at Biscuit Belly is hungry, super friendly and believes in making everyone feel special when they dine at their locations,” Salas said. “For me, that plays a huge part in the catering world — creating those memorable experiences for people.”&nbsp;Watching the company's growth has been exciting for Salas. And catering will be a big part of the brand’s next phase of growth. Salas is there to support franchisees as catering becomes a bigger part of operations. She has already been communicating with franchise owners, supporting them with anything they need help with and sharing ideas.&nbsp;“They're not looking at it as something separate like most companies do,” Salas said. “They're including it in their daily operations. And when you integrate it into your daily operations, it will be much more successful. We don’t look at it as ‘You’re franchisees, here you go.’ We are partnering with them, and that’s what you truly need for growth, especially in the catering industry.”&nbsp;<h2>Bryson Brewer: Director of Operations</h2>Brewer has spent the last 15 years at City BBQ, helping them grow from just five locations to 55. Two years ago, he interviewed with Biscuit Belly for a position in Georgia. However, the timing wasn’t right and both parties had bigger goals.&nbsp;“Two years later, Biscuit Belly is opening two more locations here in Georgia and they thought it was time for me to come on,” Brewer said. “What's really cool is that my boss today,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintonu/">Clint Umphrey</a>, was my boss 25 years ago. He was my boss at a Mexican restaurant when I got into the restaurant business, back in 1998, while I was in college.”&nbsp;As Director of Operations, Brewer’s first priorities are focusing on food, making sure the guest experience is strong and developing Biscuit Belly’s staff, including through internal promotions. “We need to make sure that our benches are ready for the growth that’s going on,” he said.&nbsp;Brewer knows that having strong business plans and expectations is crucial to franchise growth. He will focus on bringing on the right partners with the right backgrounds and holding them to the standard that makes Biscuit Belly great.&nbsp;<h2>Why Now Was the Time for New Hires</h2>Biscuit Belly is at a pivotal moment in its growth as a restaurant franchise. Each of these new hires, and more to come, will play a role in ensuring the brand is in the right position to meet the demand for its restaurants from prospective franchisees and guests.“Looking ahead, we will continue to grow first-party catering sales — and catering sales in general — successfully open all new restaurants with strong sales and great guest feedback, and continue to innovate on our menu,” Coulter said.&nbsp;With the right people now in place and a clear focus on execution, Biscuit Belly is positioning itself to scale responsibly while giving franchisees the support they need to succeed.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/biscuit-belly.">https://1851franchise.com/biscuit-belly.</a>&nbsp;

Biscuit Belly Adds Three Leaders as Catering Launch and Expansion Gain Momentum

The brunch franchise is adding leadership in key areas as it prepares for new units, stronger operational support and a larger catering presence.

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Biscuit Belly Franchise Deep Dive 2025 - Costs, Fees, Profit and Data - 1851 Franchise

Biscuit Belly Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

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Biscuit Belly Targets Expansion in Houston as the Franchise Brunch Brand Seeks Texas Growth

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For&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/biscuit-belly/biscuit-belly-franchise-andrew-rachel-adams-2731196#stories">Andrew and Rachel Adams</a>, the path to franchise ownership wasn’t exactly linear, but it was shaped by persistence, timing and a concept that fit their lives.According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/buying-a-franchise/they-said-no-to-24-7-restaurants-then-found-their-dream-franchise">recent article in Entrepreneur</a>, the couple — who have known each other since preschool — always shared an interest in business ownership. After earning business degrees from the University of Alabama, they started their careers in banking before opening a DIY craft shop near Birmingham in 2019. The venture was short-lived, closing during the COVID-19 pandemic.Andrew’s next step brought him back to a familiar environment: restaurants. While managing a local franchise location, he reconnected with an idea he had long considered.“I would wait tables, cook, and wash dishes there,” he said of his grandparents’ restaurant. “I’d always talked about [owning] a restaurant, but Rachel always said no because of the time commitment.”That concern ultimately shaped their next move. In 2020, Andrew was approached about becoming a franchisee with&nbsp;<a href="https://biscuitbellyfranchise.com/">Biscuit Belly</a>, a breakfast-and-lunch concept that offered a more balanced schedule than traditional all-day restaurants. For Rachel, that distinction made all the difference.The couple signed on as early franchisees, drawn not only to the model but also to the brand's leadership. Rachel pointed to the authenticity and flexibility of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/biscuit-belly/info">Biscuit Belly</a> co-founders&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-coulter-4663465b/">Chad</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-coulter-%F0%9F%8D%B3-70053b2a/">Lauren Coulter</a> as a key factor in their decision, noting that they felt less rigid than some franchise operators.Even with that support, the transition into ownership came with challenges. For Andrew, the biggest adjustment was shifting from managing day-to-day operations to taking on broader financial and strategic responsibilities.“One thing was taking off my manager hat and putting on an owner hat,” he said. “Owners have to worry about bills getting paid and more of the behind-the-scenes stuff that I didn’t necessarily have to do as a manager.”The couple also found ways to make the business their own within the franchise system. Early on, they leaned heavily into catering, creating an additional revenue stream that helped balance slower weekday traffic and support staffing needs.Their experience highlights a key dynamic in franchising: the balance between following a proven model and finding room to adapt. That balance for Andrew and Rachel Adams, along with a concept that aligned with their lifestyle, turned a long-standing goal into a sustainable business.Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/buying-a-franchise/they-said-no-to-24-7-restaurants-then-found-their-dream-franchise">here</a>.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/biscuit-belly">https://1851franchise.com/biscuit-belly</a>.

image of andrew and Rachel Adams, franchise owners from Biscuit Belly 

After an early business setback, Andrew and Rachel Adams found a better fit with Biscuit Belly and built a franchise business around their shared goals.

Why Emerging Brands Win: The Benefits of Joining Biscuit Belly at the Ground Floor

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