Biscuit Belly's Journey to 20 Units: Key Insights for Restaurant Owners

Exciting Growth Ahead for Biscuit Belly Franchise

Biscuit Belly, a rising star in the fast-casual dining landscape, is riding a wave of success into 2026 as it aims for a milestone 20-unit footprint. The popular brunch franchise, known for its scratch-made biscuits and warm Southern hospitality, is capitalizing on an aggressive expansion strategy. With signed leases and planned openings facilitating this growth, the brand is set to leap into new markets while solidifying its presence in existing ones.

Strategic Moves: Expanding State by State

Entering 2026 with 13 locations, CEO Chad Coulter has expressed confidence in reaching the 20-location mark within the year. The expansion will include territories across North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Ohio, which will increase Biscuit Belly's footprint from six to nine states. Notable new locations like Columbus, Ohio, and Houston, Texas, highlight the brand’s ambition and strategic positioning in competitive markets.

Catering to Growth: A Promising Revenue Stream

In addition to new restaurant openings, Biscuit Belly is diversifying its revenue streams, with catering sales already representing over 10% of overall sales—a significant increase year over year. By launching a first-party catering service and hiring an internal catering sales team, Biscuit Belly is set to seize the momentum and further enhance this offering in 2026.

The Power of Community Engagement

Coulter emphasizes that Biscuit Belly’s growth isn’t based solely on location count; it hinges on strong community ties and a loyal customer base. Franchisees are encouraged to engage in grassroots marketing to promote their establishments, differentiating Biscuit Belly from other brands that rely heavily on standard marketing tactics. “Our best marketing tool is opening new stores,” Coulter states, reflecting the brand's commitment to authentic community connection.

Operating with Efficiency: Maintaining Profitability Amidst Challenges

Despite facing wider economic challenges such as inflation, Biscuit Belly's store-level profitability remains impressive. The brand has strategically updated supplier agreements to optimize costs without sacrificing quality or brand integrity. As they refine their operational model, Biscuit Belly continues to provide its franchisees with robust support in areas like SEO and customer engagement.

Valuable Lessons for Restaurant Operators

For restaurant owners eyeing expansion, Biscuit Belly's story is a testament to strategic planning, adaptability, and community connection. As a franchise, they highlight a crucial lesson that profitability and brand identity can coexist even against the backdrop of rising costs and fierce competition. By focusing on a streamlined operation that prioritizes guest experience, Biscuit Belly not only grows its footprint but also its reputation as a beloved local eatery.

Looking Forward: A Bright Future

As Biscuit Belly sets its sights on the future, the target is not just a number but the creation of meaningful experiences for both customers and franchisees alike. With plans for additional multi-unit operators and further expansion strategies for 2027 in key markets, the path ahead looks promising for this Southern comfort food joint, and restaurant owners can glean insights into scaling their operations effectively.

In a time when many restaurant brands are struggling, Biscuit Belly’s commitment to quality, community, and sustainable growth serves as an inspiring model that underscores the potential for profitability while maintaining strong brand values. The journey to 20 locations by the end of 2026 is not just a number for Biscuit Belly; it's about enriching communities with delicious Southern comfort food.