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

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

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Biscuit Belly Finishes Year Strong and Looks Ahead to a 20-Unit Footprint in 2026

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Why a Former Papa Johns Executive Invested in Biscuit Belly Franchising

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Cracking the Code on Costs: How Biscuit Belly Found Efficiency in an Era of Inflation

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Biscuit Belly Expands Across the Southeast U.S. With Six New Locations

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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;

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.

<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;

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

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.

Entrepreneur: They Said No to 24/7 Restaurants —Then Found Their Dream Franchise

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Houston is becoming an increasingly important city for&nbsp;<a href="https://biscuitbellyfranchise.com/">Biscuit Belly</a> as the brand pushes into Texas and looks for room to scale its chef-driven brunch concept in high-growth metros. With its size, pace of development and appetite for distinctive dining experiences, the city offers the kind of conditions that can help an emerging restaurant brand gain traction quickly.For&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/biscuit-belly/info">Biscuit Belly</a>, that opportunity is already starting to take shape. The growing breakfast-and-brunch franchise signed its first multi-unit agreement in Houston in June 2025 and is now working toward its first opening while looking at where the concept could go next across the metro. The focus for now is on getting those first restaurants open and running well, but the market’s longer-term potential is already coming into view.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-c-4663465b/">Chad Coulter</a>, founder and CEO of Biscuit Belly, said the company was persuaded by the operator and by Houston’s growing reputation as a launchpad for emerging restaurant brands.“We honestly didn’t have Houston on our radar at first. We were mainly trying to stay in the Southeast, but a fan of the brand reached out about franchising opportunities and we felt like it was a really good fit,” Coulter said. “We had seen a lot of emerging concepts go to Houston early, especially if they weren’t already from there, and we heard good feedback from those brands about how things were doing. It seems to be one of those cities that’s really at the forefront for emerging restaurant concepts. She was willing to sign on for a couple of units, we were aligned and, if there’s a good match, sometimes you’re willing to work through the other complications and figure it out.”Even before opening, Biscuit Belly has started to see signs that the Houston move is generating attention. Some of that interest has come from potential franchisees. Some of it has come from future guests who simply want to know when the brand will arrive. Either way, the brand is starting to build visibility in Houston, which is often the first meaningful step in a successful launch.<h2>A Different Kind of Brunch Play</h2>Houston is not short on breakfast and brunch options. National names and local favorites already have a foothold there, and Coulter is well aware that Biscuit Belly is entering a competitive space. What gives him confidence is not the absence of demand, but the lack of direct competition around the brand’s specific niche.The company is betting that a biscuit-forward concept can carve out room in a market where plenty of operators serve breakfast, but few have built an established brand around biscuits as the centerpiece.“There have been successes in the breakfast segment down there. You’ve got players like Snooze and local brands that have flourished and have multiple locations there,” Coulter said. “But there’s nothing biscuit-focused, which is what I like. From an established brand standpoint, there doesn’t seem to be much, if any, competition in the biscuit space specifically. You can go anywhere and get bacon and eggs and five different kinds of waffles or pancakes, maybe with some slight variations, but no one, especially in Houston, is doing what we’re doing with biscuits and the different combinations we’re putting together. We don’t want to be just like every other place. We want to be very unique.”That kind of differentiation matters in Houston, where people tend to respond to concepts that bring something new to the table. At the same time, Biscuit Belly sees room to work in flavors that feel right for Texas without making the menu harder to execute. Coulter pointed to a birria limited-time offering as one example of how the menu might nod to flavors that resonate in Texas while still staying true to the brand’s identity.<h2>Building Carefully, Not Recklessly</h2>For all the excitement around Houston, Biscuit Belly is not approaching the market with a land grab mentality. The first location is planned for the Heights, and the franchisee is already looking seriously at Katy for a second site. Memorial and the Woodlands are also on the radar. But Coulter made clear that long-term growth will depend less on drawing circles on a map and more on execution.“We’re in for permits now, so we’re hoping October-ish is when we’ll open, and the franchisee is already looking at their second location in Katy,” Coulter said. “But it all depends on these first two. We’ve got to make sure we operate at a high level and provide support to the franchisees. We don’t get too wrapped up in the five-year plan before we’ve proven ourselves.”That measured approach also shapes the kind of partners Biscuit Belly hopes to add over time. Coulter said alignment matters just as much as capital. The company wants operators who can execute consistently and fit with the culture being established by its first Houston franchisee, because one weak store can do as much damage to a market as one strong store can help it.<h2>A Texas Growth Story in the Making</h2>Houston may not have been part of Biscuit Belly’s original blueprint, but it is quickly becoming a meaningful piece of the brand’s Texas story. The market offers scale, energy and a food scene that rewards bold ideas, all of which make it attractive for a concept trying to establish itself beyond its early geographic comfort zone.For Coulter, the opportunity in Houston comes with plenty of upside, but also a clear need to execute. Biscuit Belly’s job now is to stay focused, play to its strengths and make sure those first openings give the brand something solid to build from.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>.

Following its first Houston franchise deal, the chef-driven brunch concept is seeking to build its presence across Texas.

In the crowded breakfast and brunch space,&nbsp;<a href="https://biscuitbellyfranchise.com/">Biscuit Belly</a> is carving out its position by leaning into comfort, experience and a clear sense of what it is — and what it is not.As outlined in a&nbsp;<a href="https://issuu.com/wtwhmedia/docs/qsr_337_march_2026">March 2026 article in QSR Magazine</a>, the Louisville-based concept is refining its approach as consumer preferences shift away from overly curated, Instagram-driven dishes toward meals that feel satisfying and worth the spend.For&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/biscuit-belly/info">Biscuit Belly</a>, that clarity starts with its beverage program. While many brunch concepts continue to push heavily into alcohol, co-founder and CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-coulter-4663465b/">Chad Coulter</a> said the brand is intentionally moving in the opposite direction.“We’re not a boozy brunch place and we don’t want to be,” he said. “So, we’ve been looking at how we can shrink that down so we’re just doing the favorites and we’re doing them really well.”That decision reflects a broader recalibration happening across the daytime dining segment. Guests are still interested in beverages, but the demand is shifting toward visually appealing, often nonalcoholic options. Biscuit Belly is leaning into that trend with creative drinks like a Cinnamon Swirl and a PB&amp;J-inspired beverage made with house-made berry jam, both designed to stand out without relying on alcohol.At the same time, the brand is doubling down on the in-store experience. Although it operates in the fast-casual category, Coulter said the service model intentionally blurs the line with full service.“We always tell people the only thing that’s really fast casual about us is how you order, and then everything else is pretty full service after that,” he said. “We’re running drinks. We’re running food. You’re sitting down at a table.”That model gives Biscuit Belly a more polished feel without losing the speed and convenience that come with fast casual. It also speaks to what many guests want right now: food and service that feel familiar, satisfying and worth the money.As breakfast continues to shift, Biscuit Belly stays focused on its core strengths and works to deliver them well every time.Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://issuu.com/wtwhmedia/docs/qsr_337_march_2026">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>.

Photo of Biscuit Belly team member serving two guests

Biscuit Belly is sharpening its focus around comfort, hospitality and drinks that fit the occasion without pushing too far into traditional brunch territory.