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The Flying Biscuit Café, a prominent brand in the all-day breakfast and brunch sector, has officially announced a new franchise agreement to establish a presence in Huntersville, North Carolina. This strategic move marks a significant expansion for the brand within the greater Lake Norman region, situated approximately 15 miles north of Charlotte. The agreement was signed by David Mumby and Jimmy Mumby, two longtime patrons of the brand who are transitioning from loyal customers to franchise owners. This development is part of a broader, aggressive growth strategy that the Atlanta-founded company has been executing across the Southeast and into the Midwest.
The new Huntersville location is currently in the site selection phase. While a specific address and opening date have yet to be finalized, the ownership group is actively vetting real estate opportunities that align with the brand’s requirements for high-visibility, community-centric locations. The agreement covers a single initial café, though the partners have expressed long-term ambitions to scale their operations within the North Carolina market.
Professional Synergy and Operational Leadership
The partnership between David and Jimmy Mumby brings a diverse set of professional skills to the venture, combining financial acumen with project management and real estate expertise. David Mumby, a certified public accountant (CPA), has spent his career in accounting and finance, providing a solid foundation for the fiscal management of the business. Jimmy Mumby, a project management professional, brings a background in facilities and real estate, which will be instrumental during the site selection, construction, and build-out phases of the new café.
To ensure operational excellence, the partners are leveraging deep industry experience within their family. Denise Mumby, David’s mother, will oversee day-to-day operations. With over 20 years of experience in the food and hospitality industry—including a 12-year tenure managing a major fast-food breakfast concept—her expertise is expected to provide the necessary leadership for the kitchen and front-of-house staff.
The Mumbys’ relationship with The Flying Biscuit Café began years ago at the brand’s Park Road Shopping Center location in Charlotte. Their transition from guests to franchisees is a testament to the brand’s ability to cultivate loyalty and inspire entrepreneurial interest among its customer base. "We chose Flying Biscuit because we believe it’s the best in its class, and we’ve always loved the food, personality, and welcoming atmosphere of the brand," stated David Mumby.
Strategic Selection of the Huntersville and Lake Norman Market
The decision to target Huntersville and the Lake Norman area was driven by the region’s robust demographic profile and steady population growth. Huntersville has evolved from a small commuter town into a major suburban hub, drawing a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees. According to recent census data and regional economic reports, the Lake Norman area continues to outpace many other regions in North Carolina in terms of household income and residential development.
The brand’s leadership views Huntersville as an ideal environment for their "all-day breakfast" model. The area is known for its community-oriented lifestyle, where dining out is a primary social activity. The Mumbys noted that the area’s growth and the tendency of residents to gather over meals made it the logical choice for their first foray into the restaurant industry.
Andrew Scherzer, partner and director of franchise development for Flying Biscuit Franchising, highlighted the importance of having operators who understand the guest experience. "Some of our best operators walk in as regulars first," Scherzer noted. He emphasized that the Mumbys’ firsthand experience with the "Saturday morning rush" at existing locations, combined with their professional backgrounds, creates a strong foundation for success in the competitive North Carolina dining market.
Brand Legacy and the All-Day Breakfast Trend
The Flying Biscuit Café was founded in 1993 in the Candler Park neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia. Since its inception, the brand has distinguished itself through an "eclectic" atmosphere and a menu that blends Southern comfort food with creative, modern twists. Signature items, such as their oversized biscuits and creamy grits, have garnered a cult following, allowing the brand to expand from a single local spot to a multi-state franchise system.
The expansion into Huntersville comes at a time when the "breakfast and brunch" segment of the restaurant industry is seeing unprecedented growth. Unlike traditional full-service restaurants that rely heavily on dinner and alcohol sales, breakfast-centric concepts benefit from lower food costs and more manageable operating hours. The "all-day breakfast" trend, in particular, appeals to a wide demographic, including remote workers seeking mid-day meals and families looking for casual, high-quality dining options.
Ambitious Five-Year Growth Projections
The Huntersville agreement is viewed by the Mumbys as the first step in a larger regional development plan. The partners have stated their intention to own and operate between three and five Flying Biscuit cafés in and around the Charlotte metropolitan area within the next five years. Additionally, they have identified Asheville, North Carolina, as a potential future market for expansion, citing that city’s vibrant food scene and tourism-driven economy as a natural fit for the Flying Biscuit brand.
This regional growth mirrors the brand’s larger national momentum. The Flying Biscuit Café has been aggressively awarding territories to qualified operators, moving beyond its traditional Southern footprint. The brand’s ability to maintain its "neighborhood café" feel while scaling into a major franchise system has been a key factor in attracting investors with diverse professional backgrounds.
A Period of Accelerated National Expansion
The announcement of the Huntersville deal follows a flurry of activity across the Flying Biscuit system. The brand recently celebrated the opening of a second location in Knoxville, Tennessee, managed by owner-operator Chris Compton. This downtown Knoxville site at 327 W. Summit Hill Drive SW opened on September 12, following the brand’s successful entry into the Turkey Creek market earlier in 2025.
In Florida, the brand is making significant inroads into the Orlando market. Franchisees John and Gisela Terranova are in the final stages of construction on a new café located on U.S. 192 near Celebration, a high-traffic area that serves both local residents and the massive tourism influx associated with nearby theme parks.
Perhaps most notably, the brand is preparing for its first venture outside the Southern United States. Franchise partners Latrell Hayes, Kennon “Kip” Barber, and Randy Barnes have signed a lease for a location in the St. Louis metropolitan area. This Missouri expansion, targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026, represents a milestone for the brand as it tests its appeal in the Midwest.
Other recent developments include:
- North Raleigh, NC: Tahir Rafiq and Zinnia Tahir have signed a lease for their fourth location, scheduled to open in early 2027.
- Palm Beach County, FL: Matt Thomas has signed a multi-unit agreement for two new cafés.
- Nashville, TN: Shreya Patel has signed the brand’s first agreement for the Nashville market, a city known for its competitive breakfast and hot chicken scene.
- Tri-Cities, TN: Larry and Courtney Bell, a father-daughter team, are bringing the brand to the northeastern corner of Tennessee.
- Atlanta Metro: Keisha Carter has finalized a lease for a location serving the McDonough and Henry County areas.
Economic Implications and Community Impact
The establishment of a new Flying Biscuit Café in Huntersville is expected to have a positive economic impact on the local community. Each new location typically creates between 30 and 50 jobs, ranging from management and culinary roles to front-of-house service positions. Furthermore, the brand has a history of engaging with local suppliers and participating in community events, which helps to integrate the business into the local economic fabric.
For the Mumby family, the project is more than just a business investment; it is a way to contribute to the community they have been a part of for years. By combining professional discipline with a personal passion for the brand’s culture, they aim to create a space where Lake Norman residents can find a sense of "home" away from home.
Conclusion and Outlook
As the Flying Biscuit Café continues its upward trajectory, the Huntersville agreement serves as a blueprint for the brand’s preferred growth model: partnering with experienced professionals who have a deep, personal connection to the brand. With site selection currently underway in North Carolina and several other states, the brand is well-positioned to capitalize on the sustained demand for high-quality, all-day breakfast dining.
Prospective franchisees and industry analysts will be watching the Huntersville opening closely as a bellwether for the brand’s performance in high-growth suburban markets. With a solid leadership team in place and a proven menu that resonates across demographic lines, The Flying Biscuit Café is poised for a significant transformation from a regional favorite to a national staple in the American dining landscape.
