“Pharmacy school to booming brunch franchise” likely isn’t one of the career trajectories Chad Coulter 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, Lauren, founded Biscuit Belly, the elevated Southern brunch concept. Now, with 14 locations across multiple states, upcoming openings in Georgia, recent recognition on the 2026 Bulldog 100 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.”
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.
“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.
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 https://1851franchise.com/biscuit-belly.
Biscuit Belly Franchising
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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.
“Pharmacy school to booming brunch franchise” likely isn’t one of the career trajectories Chad Coulter 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, Lauren, founded Biscuit Belly, the elevated Southern brunch concept. Now, with 14 locations across multiple states, upcoming openings in Georgia, recent recognition on the 2026 Bulldog 100 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.”
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.
“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.
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 https://1851franchise.com/biscuit-belly.
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