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The Flying Biscuit Café, an Atlanta-founded institution celebrated for its eclectic Southern-inspired breakfast and brunch offerings, has officially formalized a franchise agreement to establish its first location in Kingsport, Tennessee. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the brand as it moves into the high-growth Tri-Cities region, a metropolitan area that includes Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City. The agreement was signed with Larry and Courtney Bell, a father-and-daughter entrepreneurial team who will serve as the franchise owners and operators for the new establishment. While a specific site is currently being finalized through a rigorous selection process, the move signals a robust confidence in the Northeast Tennessee hospitality market.
The partnership brings together a wealth of business acumen and a fresh perspective on the local dining scene. Larry Bell enters the restaurant industry with a formidable background, boasting 37 years of experience in business ownership and corporate management. Having successfully built and scaled multiple companies across various sectors, Bell’s transition into the food and beverage industry represents a strategic pivot toward the "daypart" dining segment, which focuses exclusively on breakfast, brunch, and lunch. He will be joined by his daughter, Courtney Bell, in a collaborative leadership role that emphasizes both operational efficiency and community engagement.
The Path to Partnership and Brand Discovery
The journey toward this franchise agreement began not with a corporate pitch, but with a personal dining experience. The Bells discovered The Flying Biscuit Café as customers, an encounter that Larry Bell describes as transformative. Struck by the unique combination of high-quality comfort food and a vibrant, eclectic atmosphere, the duo recognized a void in the Kingsport market for a similar concept. After evaluating the brand’s internal systems, the Bells were particularly impressed by the operational model provided by the corporate team, which offers a structured "playbook" for franchisees while maintaining the charm of a local neighborhood café.
The decision to join the Flying Biscuit family was also heavily influenced by the brand’s specific business hours. Unlike traditional full-service restaurants that require late-night staffing and complex dinner inventories, The Flying Biscuit Café operates primarily from early morning through the mid-afternoon. This model has become increasingly attractive to modern franchisees as it offers a more sustainable work-life balance and reduces the labor challenges typically associated with the "graveyard" or late-evening shifts.
Strategic Importance of the Kingsport Market
Kingsport represents a logical next step for the brand’s expansion within the Volunteer State. As the largest city in the Kingsport–Bristol metropolitan area, the city serves as a regional economic hub. The local economy is anchored by major industrial and corporate entities, most notably the Eastman Chemical Company, a Fortune 500 global specialty chemical company headquartered in Kingsport. The presence of such a large-scale employer provides a steady stream of professional clientele, while the city’s ongoing downtown revitalization efforts have spurred new investments in residential and retail spaces.
The Tri-Cities region, home to more than half a million residents, has seen a steady influx of new inhabitants seeking a lower cost of living and high quality of life. This demographic shift has increased the demand for diversified dining options, particularly in the "brunch" category, which has seen a nationwide surge in popularity. Market analysis conducted by the franchisees suggests that while Kingsport has a loyal base of traditional diners, there is a distinct opportunity for a brand that offers a "creative-casual" experience. The Flying Biscuit’s reputation for having a "little character" is expected to resonate with a community that values both Southern tradition and modern culinary innovation.
A History of Growth: From Candler Park to a Multi-State Powerhouse
The Flying Biscuit Café first opened its doors in 1993 in the Candler Park neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia. In its early years, it gained a cult following for its "biscuits and gravy" and its signature "creamy dreamy grits." Over the last three decades, the brand has evolved from a single-unit local favorite into a regional powerhouse with over 30 locations across the Southeast, including Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, and Texas.
The brand’s entry into Kingsport marks its second location in Tennessee, following the success of its Knoxville outpost. This slow but deliberate expansion into Tennessee reflects the corporate strategy of Andrew Scherzer, partner and director of franchise development at Flying Biscuit Franchising. Scherzer has emphasized the importance of finding "the right owners" rather than just "any owners," noting that the Bells’ combination of veteran business experience and local passion made them ideal candidates for pioneering the brand in Northeast Tennessee.
Menu Innovations and Culinary Staples
When the Kingsport location opens its doors, guests will have access to a menu that has won numerous accolades over the years. The Flying Biscuit is perhaps best known for its "Moon Dust" biscuits—light, fluffy, and slightly sweet—and its award-winning shrimp and creamy dreamy grits. However, the menu is designed to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences, a factor that has helped the brand maintain relevance in a changing health landscape.
Key menu highlights include:
- The High Flyer: A quintessential breakfast plate featuring eggs, chicken sausage or thick-cut bacon, and the brand’s signature grits.
- Stuffed French Toast: Thick-cut challah bread stuffed with honey crème昂 cheese and topped with raspberry sauce and honey crème anglaise.
- Vegan and Vegetarian Options: The brand was an early adopter of plant-based breakfast options, offering vegan scrambles made with tofu and soy-based protein alternatives, ensuring inclusivity for all diners.
- Lunch Offerings: Beyond breakfast, the menu includes burgers, wraps, and salads, providing a robust selection for the mid-day crowd.
Industry Analysis: The Booming Breakfast and Brunch Sector
The expansion into Kingsport aligns with broader trends in the U.S. restaurant industry. According to market research, the breakfast and brunch segment has outpaced other dayparts in terms of growth over the last five years. Factors contributing to this trend include the rise of remote and flexible work schedules, which allow consumers to dine out on weekday mornings, and the social nature of "brunch culture" among younger demographics.
Furthermore, the franchise model employed by The Flying Biscuit Café addresses several contemporary economic pressures. By closing in the afternoon, the restaurant minimizes utility costs and simplifies supply chain management. For the staff, the "morning-only" schedule is often cited as a major benefit, aiding in employee retention during a period where the hospitality industry has faced significant labor shortages. For the Kingsport economy, the opening is expected to create approximately 30 to 40 new jobs, ranging from kitchen staff to management roles.
Official Responses and Future Outlook
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from both the corporate office and the local franchisees. "We didn’t know Flying Biscuit before we walked into one. Then we ate, looked around the room, and started asking how to get one to the Tri-Cities," said Larry Bell. He noted that the community already has a strong appetite for quality morning meals, and he believes the Flying Biscuit’s unique atmosphere will provide a refreshing alternative to existing options.
Andrew Scherzer echoed this sentiment, stating, "Northeast Tennessee has been on our list for a while, and Larry and Courtney are the kind of owners we want carrying the brand into a new region." Scherzer’s comments suggest that the Kingsport opening may be just the beginning of a larger footprint in the region. The Bells have expressed an interest in potentially opening additional locations within the Tri-Cities area, depending on the performance and reception of the initial Kingsport site.
Timeline and Next Steps
As of the current announcement, the project is in the "site selection" phase. This involves evaluating various real estate options in Kingsport, focusing on high-visibility areas with easy access for both commuters and weekend diners. Once a lease is finalized, the brand will move into the build-out and design phase, which typically takes several months. The interior design is expected to follow the brand’s signature aesthetic—a colorful, vibrant, and slightly "funky" look that differentiates it from traditional sterile breakfast chains.
A definitive opening date and specific address will be released to the public once the lease agreement is executed. In the interim, the Bells are working closely with the Flying Biscuit corporate team to ensure that the Kingsport location upholds the brand’s standards for food quality and hospitality.
The entry of The Flying Biscuit Café into Kingsport is more than just a restaurant opening; it is a testament to the economic vitality of the Tri-Cities and the enduring appeal of the American breakfast tradition. For the residents of Northeast Tennessee, it promises a new "third place"—a space between home and work—where the community can gather over a plate of grits and a warm biscuit. For the brand, it is a strategic foothold in a state that continues to show immense promise for the "daypart" dining revolution.
