Flying Biscuit Café, the Atlanta-based all-day breakfast brand known for its modern spin on Southern comfort food, officially opened its doors in Huntsville on April 22. Located at 3800 Governors Drive NW, the new franchise marks the company’s 37th location nationwide and its third in Alabama. The launch was met with strong community enthusiasm, with several members of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce staff gathering for breakfast to show their support.

Owned and operated by sisters and first-time franchisees Leah Lynn and Jeannie Hicks, the café brings with it not just grits and fluffy biscuits, but a deeper mission to contribute to Huntsville’s growing small business ecosystem. “The Flying Biscuit is all about community and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where people can gather, laugh, and enjoy great food together,” said Hicks.

Their arrival aligns with Huntsville’s continued growth as a magnet for entrepreneurial ventures. The city is home to more than 7,000 small businesses, many of them locally owned and operated. In recent years, efforts by groups like Downtown Huntsville, Inc. have spurred a revitalization of the urban core, increasing foot traffic and making the area more attractive to independent food and retail ventures.

Franchise Opportunity Meets Local Demand

According to Flying Biscuit’s franchise site, the cost to open a location can range from $500,000 to over $1 million, depending on market size and buildout requirements. While not an insignificant investment, the sisters are betting on Huntsville’s favorable economic conditions and supportive community to deliver a strong return.

They may be right. According to the City of Huntsville’s Economic Development Office, the metro’s affordability, skilled workforce, and projected population growth make it a prime location for service-sector business expansion. The city’s “Big Picture” master plan also prioritizes walkability, mixed-use development, and small business support—factors that work in Flying Biscuit’s favor.

Beyond Biscuits: Culture and Customer Experience

Flying Biscuit has built a 30-year reputation on its creative takes on breakfast staples—think bacon-wrapped shrimp and grits, vegan scrambles, and its signature “Stage 5 Clinger” Bloody Mary, all served in a cheerful, colorful setting. The menu caters to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences, helping the brand carve out a niche in an increasingly health-conscious food scene.

To celebrate the opening, the Huntsville location launched a series of locally tailored promotions:

The first 50 customers each weekday during launch week received a $10 gift card.
Students can receive 50% off to-go orders on Tuesdays with valid ID.
Teachers and administrators are honored with half-off breakfast every Wednesday.
The “Phone Eats First” campaign rewards social media users with gift cards for posting about their experience.

A Community-Driven Model

The camaraderie on display during the Chamber of Commerce’s visit reflects a broader culture of mutual support in Huntsville’s small business landscape. Flying Biscuit’s ribbon-cutting also marked its induction into the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, joining over 2,100 local businesses and individuals actively shaping the region’s economic future.

Membership in the Chamber signals a commitment to collaborative growth and reflects how closely connected Huntsville’s business community remains. “We were drawn to the brand’s values as much as its menu,” said Lynn. “Bringing that culture to Huntsville felt like a natural fit.”

As Huntsville continues to rise in national rankings for innovation, livability, and economic resilience, ventures like Flying Biscuit represent more than just another place to eat—they reflect a thriving ecosystem of ambition, cooperation, and creativity. For Lynn and Hicks, this opening is more than a milestone. It’s the start of something rooted in community and built to last.