Franchisor Stories
Biscuit Belly Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Biscuit Belly delivers fresh Southern comfort, streamlined operations and strong support in a booming breakfast and brunch market.
LAST UPDATED: May 2026
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://biscuitbellyfranchise.com/
1851 GROWTH CLUB WEBSITE: https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/biscuit-belly-franchise-opportunity
1851 NEWSROOM: https://1851franchise.com/biscuit-belly
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 14
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $824,000 - $1,341,500
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $1,262,090 (average gross receipts for franchises, FY 2024)
Biscuit Belly is a breakfast and brunch restaurant brand that offers Southern-style comfort food with a twist. Its menu centers on scratch-made biscuits baked fresh around the clock, combined with Southern classics like fried chicken and other creative seasonal offerings.
1. What Is the Brand Overview for Biscuit Belly?
About the Brand
Biscuit Belly was founded in 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky, by husband-and-wife team Chad and Lauren Coulter. Both pharmacists by training, the Coulters had already made their mark in the restaurant industry with LouVino, a wine and tapas concept that grew to multiple locations. With Biscuit Belly, their goal was to create a brunch destination built around scratch-made Southern biscuits, pairing authentic flavors with inventive twists in a lively, modern setting.
The brand launched its franchise program in 2020.
Mission: Biscuit Belly’s mission is to create a welcoming, modern approach to breakfast and brunch by combining Southern culinary tradition with fresh, inventive food in a fast-casual format.
Vision: Biscuit Belly envisions growing across the United States (especially in the South, Midwest, and Southeast) by franchising restaurants that become “community’s favorite” brunch spots while giving operators strong support and balanced hours.
Unique Selling Points (USPs)
- Fresh, Scratch-Made Biscuits: Every location bakes biscuits in-house throughout the day, delivering what the brand calls “Damn Good Biscuits® & A Whole Lot More.”
- Creative Southern Comfort Food: The menu takes classic Southern dishes and gives them inventive twists, with seasonal specials that keep things fresh.
- Breakfast, Brunch and Fried Chicken Focus: Biscuit Belly blends three crowd favorites — breakfast, brunch and fried chicken — into a single, fast-casual dining experience.
- Rewards and Loyalty Perks: Customers can order ahead, earn rewards and unlock special offers and freebies like “bonuts,” making every visit more engaging.
- Fun, Modern Atmosphere: Each restaurant is designed to be lively and vibrant, with colorful visuals and playful presentation that set it apart from “boring breakfast spots.”
2. What Are the Franchise Opportunity Details?
Why Franchise With Biscuit Belly?
- Hot Food Trend Coverage: The concept combines three of the fastest-growing segments — breakfast, fried chicken and fast-casual — giving operators broad appeal in one brand.
- Streamlined Operations: With shorter operating hours, a focused menu, and simplified training and inventory, franchisees benefit from lower labor, rent and waste.
- Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive help with site selection, restaurant design, pre-opening marketing and ongoing coaching through weekly calls.
- Experienced Leadership Team: Founders Chad and Lauren Coulter and their team bring proven restaurant and brand-building expertise to guide franchisees.
- Flexible Footprint: Restaurants operate in spaces of about 2,800-3,000 square feet and adapt well to strip malls, downtown hubs and emerging neighborhoods.
- Transparent Investment Model: Clear financial requirements for liquid capital, net worth and startup costs help candidates understand the path to ownership.
Available Territories
Biscuit Belly is expanding in markets across the U.S. with a focus in the South, Midwest and Southeast. Visit the Biscuit Belly franchise website to learn more about which markets are available.
Investment Overview
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Biscuit Belly franchise ranges from $824,000 to $1,341,500. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 | $40,000 |
| Lease Review | $0 | $2,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $350,000 | $650,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $275,000 | $350,000 |
| Architect & Engineering Fees | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Signage, Interior & Restaurant Graphics | $20,000 | $30,000 |
| Rent (3 Months) & Security Deposit | $19,000 | $34,000 |
| Utility Deposits & Fees | $500 | $3,000 |
| Alcohol Permits | $3,500 | $35,000 |
| Opening Inventory & Supplies | $12,000 | $15,000 |
| Computer System | $5,000 | $7,500 |
| Merchandise | $5,000 | $7,000 |
| Smallwares | $25,000 | $30,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $15,000 | $20,000 |
| Training Expenses | $5,000 | $40,000 |
| Misc. Opening Costs | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Professional Fees | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Insurance Premiums (3 Months) | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $30,000 | $40,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: An initial fee of $40,000 is due upon signing the franchise agreement.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, Biscuit Belly franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty | 5% of gross receipts/week |
| Brand Promotion Fund | 1% of gross receipts/week |
ROI Potential: According to the 2025 FDD, the eight Biscuit Belly restaurants operational for the entirety of FY 2024 reported the following gross receipts:
| Restaurants | Average | Median | High | Low |
| Affiliate-Owned (4) | $1,399,758 | $1,399,086 | $1,755,422 | $1,045,438 |
| Franchised (4) | $1,262,090 | $1,224,132 | $1,581,902 | $1,018,194 |
| Total (8) | $1,330,924 | $1,267,890 | $1,755,422 | $1,018,194 |
3. What Franchisee Support Does Biscuit Belly Provide?
Training Programs
- Pre-Opening Training (Four or More Weeks): Franchisees and up to four key staff members complete classroom and hands-on training covering brand culture, operations manuals, food safety, prep standards, leadership, team management, POS systems and financial tools.
- On-Site Support During Launch: Trainers work with franchisees and staff in the days before opening, through grand opening and into the first days of operation to ensure smooth execution.
- Learning Management System: Franchisees and their teams have ongoing access to training resources through a digital platform that is updated regularly.
- Post-Launch Coaching: Continued support includes product and menu rollout training, one-on-one business coaching sessions and annual franchisee conferences.
- Guest Service and Leadership Development: Training emphasizes customer service standards and leadership skills that align with Biscuit Belly’s brand values.
- Hands-On Role Immersion: Franchisees and staff train in every restaurant position to understand both front- and back-of-house workflows.
- Operational systems Training: The program covers financial management tools, POS use, vendor and inventory setup, labor scheduling and quality control.
Operational Support
- Real Estate and Build-Out Consultation: Franchisees receive guidance on site selection, lease negotiations, restaurant design and the construction process.
- Inventory and Vendor Setup: The brand helps establish vendor relationships and inventory systems to ensure consistent quality and supply.
- Labor Optimization and Scheduling Tools: Operators are provided with tools and support to schedule staff efficiently and manage labor costs.
- Check-Ins, Store Visits and Business Reviews: Biscuit Belly conducts regular check-ins and site visits, along with business reviews, to maintain standards and identify areas for improvement.
- Local and National Marketing Support: Franchisees benefit from both local store marketing resources and national brand campaigns, as well as access to social media assets.
- Grand Opening Launch Plan and Media Kit: Each new location receives a tailored launch plan and promotional materials to generate awareness and customer traffic from day one.
- Ongoing Operational and Technology Support: Continued assistance is provided with operations tools and technology integration to support long-term success.
Technology and Tools
- Point-of-Sale System Training: Franchisees and staff are trained to use the POS system to manage sales, reporting and financial performance.
- Financial Management Tools: Pre-opening training includes instruction on tools for tracking costs, forecasting, labor metrics and overall financial health.
- Learning Management System: Franchisees and employees have access to a digital training platform with regularly updated resources and reference materials.
- Operational Systems and Manuals: The brand provides structured workflows, quality-control standards and detailed procedures for both front- and back-of-house operations.
- Technology Integration Support: Assistance is provided in implementing systems for scheduling, inventory and vendor management to streamline daily operations.
4. What Are the Franchise Requirements for Biscuit Belly?
Eligibility Criteria
- Liquid Assets: $300,000
- Net Worth: $1 million
Biscuit Belly franchisees should have experience in restaurant ownership or operations (or related foodservice/hospitality background).
Operational Commitments
Biscuit Belly’s operating model is built around a single-shift schedule, typically running from early morning through midafternoon, which simplifies staffing and allows for a more predictable work-life balance than traditional restaurant concepts. While multi-unit ownership is permitted and franchisees can hire managers to oversee daily operations, the brand expects owners to be engaged, especially in the early stages. Hands-on involvement is critical for building strong teams, establishing consistent operations and ensuring the restaurant meets Biscuit Belly’s service and quality standards before shifting more responsibility to managers.
Funding Assistance
Biscuit Belly does not provide financing assistance or maintain partnerships with lenders. Prospective franchisees are expected to secure their own funding arrangements to meet the brand’s financial requirements.
5. Are There Franchisee Success Stories?
- Wendy Coates, Franchisee — Huntsville, Alabama
- Neesh Patel and Jordan Franks, Franchisees — Charlotte, North Carolina
6. What Is the Market Potential for Breakfast/Brunch Fast-Casual?
The breakfast and brunch fast-casual sector continues to stand out as a growth driver in an otherwise cautious restaurant industry. Foodservice sales are projected to reach roughly $1.5 trillion in 2025, with fast-casual concepts leading the way at an estimated 1.6 percent growth. Breakfast-focused restaurants alone are valued at more than $15 billion this year, posting steady gains over the past five years as consumer demand for morning meals and brunch occasions stays strong. While quick-service breakfast traffic has seen recent declines, the brunch segment remains well positioned to capture market share by offering elevated experiences, innovative menus and approachable price points that appeal to a broad base of guests.
Competitor Analysis
Biscuit Belly stands out in the breakfast and brunch space with scratch-made Southern biscuits and creative comfort food served in a lively, fast-casual setting. The brand’s streamlined menu and single-shift hours not only keep operations efficient but also give franchisees a balance of quality, cost control and lifestyle flexibility.
Primary competitors include First Watch, Another Broken Egg Café, Biscuitville, Snooze A.M. Eatery and regional breakfast-and-biscuit concepts that target the same brunch-focused, fast-casual market.
7. What Is the Application Process for Biscuit Belly Franchisees?
- Apply: Submit your application and confirm financial and experience requirements.
- Pre-Qualify: Meet the criteria of $300,000 in liquid capital and $1 million in net worth.
- Review Documents: Go over the FDD and franchise agreement.
- Choose a Site: Work with the team to select and approve a location.
- Build Out: Complete construction and design to brand standards.
- Train: Attend classroom and hands-on training covering all aspects of operations.
- Prepare To Open: Use the brand’s marketing and launch support to get ready.
- Open Doors: Launch your restaurant with on-site assistance.
Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves.
Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.
Disclaimer: This content is for information only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
LAST UPDATED: May 2026
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://biscuitbellyfranchise.com/
1851 GROWTH CLUB WEBSITE: https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/biscuit-belly-franchise-opportunity
1851 NEWSROOM: https://1851franchise.com/biscuit-belly
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 14
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $824,000 - $1,341,500
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $1,262,090 (average gross receipts for franchises, FY 2024)
Biscuit Belly is a breakfast and brunch restaurant brand that offers Southern-style comfort food with a twist. Its menu centers on scratch-made biscuits baked fresh around the clock, combined with Southern classics like fried chicken and other creative seasonal offerings.
1. What Is the Brand Overview for Biscuit Belly?
About the Brand
Biscuit Belly was founded in 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky, by husband-and-wife team Chad and Lauren Coulter. Both pharmacists by training, the Coulters had already made their mark in the restaurant industry with LouVino, a wine and tapas concept that grew to multiple locations. With Biscuit Belly, their goal was to create a brunch destination built around scratch-made Southern biscuits, pairing authentic flavors with inventive twists in a lively, modern setting.
The brand launched its franchise program in 2020.
Mission: Biscuit Belly’s mission is to create a welcoming, modern approach to breakfast and brunch by combining Southern culinary tradition with fresh, inventive food in a fast-casual format.
Vision: Biscuit Belly envisions growing across the United States (especially in the South, Midwest, and Southeast) by franchising restaurants that become “community’s favorite” brunch spots while giving operators strong support and balanced hours.
Unique Selling Points (USPs)
- Fresh, Scratch-Made Biscuits: Every location bakes biscuits in-house throughout the day, delivering what the brand calls “Damn Good Biscuits® & A Whole Lot More.”
- Creative Southern Comfort Food: The menu takes classic Southern dishes and gives them inventive twists, with seasonal specials that keep things fresh.
- Breakfast, Brunch and Fried Chicken Focus: Biscuit Belly blends three crowd favorites — breakfast, brunch and fried chicken — into a single, fast-casual dining experience.
- Rewards and Loyalty Perks: Customers can order ahead, earn rewards and unlock special offers and freebies like “bonuts,” making every visit more engaging.
- Fun, Modern Atmosphere: Each restaurant is designed to be lively and vibrant, with colorful visuals and playful presentation that set it apart from “boring breakfast spots.”
2. What Are the Franchise Opportunity Details?
Why Franchise With Biscuit Belly?
- Hot Food Trend Coverage: The concept combines three of the fastest-growing segments — breakfast, fried chicken and fast-casual — giving operators broad appeal in one brand.
- Streamlined Operations: With shorter operating hours, a focused menu, and simplified training and inventory, franchisees benefit from lower labor, rent and waste.
- Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive help with site selection, restaurant design, pre-opening marketing and ongoing coaching through weekly calls.
- Experienced Leadership Team: Founders Chad and Lauren Coulter and their team bring proven restaurant and brand-building expertise to guide franchisees.
- Flexible Footprint: Restaurants operate in spaces of about 2,800-3,000 square feet and adapt well to strip malls, downtown hubs and emerging neighborhoods.
- Transparent Investment Model: Clear financial requirements for liquid capital, net worth and startup costs help candidates understand the path to ownership.
Available Territories
Biscuit Belly is expanding in markets across the U.S. with a focus in the South, Midwest and Southeast. Visit the Biscuit Belly franchise website to learn more about which markets are available.
Investment Overview
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Biscuit Belly franchise ranges from $824,000 to $1,341,500. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 | $40,000 |
| Lease Review | $0 | $2,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $350,000 | $650,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $275,000 | $350,000 |
| Architect & Engineering Fees | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Signage, Interior & Restaurant Graphics | $20,000 | $30,000 |
| Rent (3 Months) & Security Deposit | $19,000 | $34,000 |
| Utility Deposits & Fees | $500 | $3,000 |
| Alcohol Permits | $3,500 | $35,000 |
| Opening Inventory & Supplies | $12,000 | $15,000 |
| Computer System | $5,000 | $7,500 |
| Merchandise | $5,000 | $7,000 |
| Smallwares | $25,000 | $30,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $15,000 | $20,000 |
| Training Expenses | $5,000 | $40,000 |
| Misc. Opening Costs | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Professional Fees | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Insurance Premiums (3 Months) | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $30,000 | $40,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: An initial fee of $40,000 is due upon signing the franchise agreement.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, Biscuit Belly franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty | 5% of gross receipts/week |
| Brand Promotion Fund | 1% of gross receipts/week |
ROI Potential: According to the 2025 FDD, the eight Biscuit Belly restaurants operational for the entirety of FY 2024 reported the following gross receipts:
| Restaurants | Average | Median | High | Low |
| Affiliate-Owned (4) | $1,399,758 | $1,399,086 | $1,755,422 | $1,045,438 |
| Franchised (4) | $1,262,090 | $1,224,132 | $1,581,902 | $1,018,194 |
| Total (8) | $1,330,924 | $1,267,890 | $1,755,422 | $1,018,194 |
3. What Franchisee Support Does Biscuit Belly Provide?
Training Programs
- Pre-Opening Training (Four or More Weeks): Franchisees and up to four key staff members complete classroom and hands-on training covering brand culture, operations manuals, food safety, prep standards, leadership, team management, POS systems and financial tools.
- On-Site Support During Launch: Trainers work with franchisees and staff in the days before opening, through grand opening and into the first days of operation to ensure smooth execution.
- Learning Management System: Franchisees and their teams have ongoing access to training resources through a digital platform that is updated regularly.
- Post-Launch Coaching: Continued support includes product and menu rollout training, one-on-one business coaching sessions and annual franchisee conferences.
- Guest Service and Leadership Development: Training emphasizes customer service standards and leadership skills that align with Biscuit Belly’s brand values.
- Hands-On Role Immersion: Franchisees and staff train in every restaurant position to understand both front- and back-of-house workflows.
- Operational systems Training: The program covers financial management tools, POS use, vendor and inventory setup, labor scheduling and quality control.
Operational Support
- Real Estate and Build-Out Consultation: Franchisees receive guidance on site selection, lease negotiations, restaurant design and the construction process.
- Inventory and Vendor Setup: The brand helps establish vendor relationships and inventory systems to ensure consistent quality and supply.
- Labor Optimization and Scheduling Tools: Operators are provided with tools and support to schedule staff efficiently and manage labor costs.
- Check-Ins, Store Visits and Business Reviews: Biscuit Belly conducts regular check-ins and site visits, along with business reviews, to maintain standards and identify areas for improvement.
- Local and National Marketing Support: Franchisees benefit from both local store marketing resources and national brand campaigns, as well as access to social media assets.
- Grand Opening Launch Plan and Media Kit: Each new location receives a tailored launch plan and promotional materials to generate awareness and customer traffic from day one.
- Ongoing Operational and Technology Support: Continued assistance is provided with operations tools and technology integration to support long-term success.
Technology and Tools
- Point-of-Sale System Training: Franchisees and staff are trained to use the POS system to manage sales, reporting and financial performance.
- Financial Management Tools: Pre-opening training includes instruction on tools for tracking costs, forecasting, labor metrics and overall financial health.
- Learning Management System: Franchisees and employees have access to a digital training platform with regularly updated resources and reference materials.
- Operational Systems and Manuals: The brand provides structured workflows, quality-control standards and detailed procedures for both front- and back-of-house operations.
- Technology Integration Support: Assistance is provided in implementing systems for scheduling, inventory and vendor management to streamline daily operations.
4. What Are the Franchise Requirements for Biscuit Belly?
Eligibility Criteria
- Liquid Assets: $300,000
- Net Worth: $1 million
Biscuit Belly franchisees should have experience in restaurant ownership or operations (or related foodservice/hospitality background).
Operational Commitments
Biscuit Belly’s operating model is built around a single-shift schedule, typically running from early morning through midafternoon, which simplifies staffing and allows for a more predictable work-life balance than traditional restaurant concepts. While multi-unit ownership is permitted and franchisees can hire managers to oversee daily operations, the brand expects owners to be engaged, especially in the early stages. Hands-on involvement is critical for building strong teams, establishing consistent operations and ensuring the restaurant meets Biscuit Belly’s service and quality standards before shifting more responsibility to managers.
Funding Assistance
Biscuit Belly does not provide financing assistance or maintain partnerships with lenders. Prospective franchisees are expected to secure their own funding arrangements to meet the brand’s financial requirements.
5. Are There Franchisee Success Stories?
- Wendy Coates, Franchisee — Huntsville, Alabama
- Neesh Patel and Jordan Franks, Franchisees — Charlotte, North Carolina
6. What Is the Market Potential for Breakfast/Brunch Fast-Casual?
The breakfast and brunch fast-casual sector continues to stand out as a growth driver in an otherwise cautious restaurant industry. Foodservice sales are projected to reach roughly $1.5 trillion in 2025, with fast-casual concepts leading the way at an estimated 1.6 percent growth. Breakfast-focused restaurants alone are valued at more than $15 billion this year, posting steady gains over the past five years as consumer demand for morning meals and brunch occasions stays strong. While quick-service breakfast traffic has seen recent declines, the brunch segment remains well positioned to capture market share by offering elevated experiences, innovative menus and approachable price points that appeal to a broad base of guests.
Competitor Analysis
Biscuit Belly stands out in the breakfast and brunch space with scratch-made Southern biscuits and creative comfort food served in a lively, fast-casual setting. The brand’s streamlined menu and single-shift hours not only keep operations efficient but also give franchisees a balance of quality, cost control and lifestyle flexibility.
Primary competitors include First Watch, Another Broken Egg Café, Biscuitville, Snooze A.M. Eatery and regional breakfast-and-biscuit concepts that target the same brunch-focused, fast-casual market.
7. What Is the Application Process for Biscuit Belly Franchisees?
- Apply: Submit your application and confirm financial and experience requirements.
- Pre-Qualify: Meet the criteria of $300,000 in liquid capital and $1 million in net worth.
- Review Documents: Go over the FDD and franchise agreement.
- Choose a Site: Work with the team to select and approve a location.
- Build Out: Complete construction and design to brand standards.
- Train: Attend classroom and hands-on training covering all aspects of operations.
- Prepare To Open: Use the brand’s marketing and launch support to get ready.
- Open Doors: Launch your restaurant with on-site assistance.
Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves.
Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.
Disclaimer: This content is for information only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
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