Table Talk

By WestCoastistheBestCoast

May 17, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

Yes indeed, I can see them definately fitting in alot of good n’hood spots across the country… It’s a great idea and even though my favorite b-fest spot is Thumbs Up Diner, I still love flying Biscuit and definately would support them in my frequent West Coast trips if they expanded westward where I think they would succeed in markets like Seattle, Los Angeles, Berkeley and San Diego…

By Diana

May 17, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

Well, well, well. I guess it’s bound to happen, and I’m not really that bothered by it. I just wonder if the quality and originality will be lost along the way…

By posterchild

May 17, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

So are they going to make the food taste as awful as it does at Moe’s? Or hang up awful “quirky” paintings of musicians?

By Diana

May 17, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

It was bound to happen…..I just wonder if the quality and originality will be compromised….

By Chip

May 17, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this

I am for it if the quality doesn’t change. Will hopefully get one near my burb and save the ride into town.

By courtney

May 17, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this

Oh no! Not another restaurant that requires its employees to scream at you when you enter. I can hear it now: ‘Welcome to the Biscuit!’ Is everything going to taste like a bad knock-off of the original here, too?

By Greg

May 17, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this

Went there this past weekend and changes were made in their baked goods. Very disappointed and won’t go back. Moe’s is the worst Burrito place in town, no wonder.

By kenny

May 17, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

dont really think the food is that good sorry

By Hannah

May 17, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

Oh no, itis sad to me. There is no value in an original anymore unless it can be mass produced and replicated everywhere. If it is anythig like the other raving brands, the food will all taste the same, and bad imitations of its original ugh!

By rich

May 17, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

No big deal really. Food at the current locations has been weak for a while now.

By Biscuit Fan

May 17, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

Why, oh why does this chain seek to ruin dining in Atlanta. Moes put Tortilla’s, Buritto Art, and the midtown Raging Buritto out of business already with their bland junk. I recently went to this company’s new pizza restaurant The Loop - the poor challenged counter girl needed 5 tries to get my order of soup and salad right. The Biscuit WAS my favorite restaurant, now I’m sure it is ruined.

By Diana

May 17, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

My, my, my. It was bound to happen…..I just wonder if the quality and originality will somehow suffer….

By Jeff

May 17, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

I agree with BiscuitFan— Raving Brands will forever be known as the corporation that destroyed pre-Olympic Atlanta’s favorite restaurants. I will never forgive Moe’s for setting up shop down the street from Tortillas (RIP, sweet red sauce). Part of what made the Flying Biscuit so great was its uniqueness…now these places are going to be like Dunkin’ Donuts. Wonderful.

By Jaz

May 17, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this

I hope its being franchised doesn’t ruin the original feel, but most likely it will. There goes another ATL original….. they already crashed and burned with Moe’s (willys wannabe)

By bcj

May 17, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

There goes the neighborhood!

By seam

May 17, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this

Worst ever.

By beth anne

May 17, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

It is very sad they sold out. The quality of the food will be compromised, and the cool eclectic atmosphere will probably be quashed.

By Craig

May 17, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this

Well, the food at Moe’s is only one step above the glop served at Taco Bell. Go to one of the taquierias owned by Mexican immigrants and you are startled by how much better the food is. Probably the same thing will happen to the Flying Biscuit-the operation will be standardized and homogenized so that you will have the luxury of knowing that wherever you go in the U.S., there will be a Flying Biscuit serving food that is predictable and mediocre. Whoopee.

By bootcamp_guy

May 17, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this

Congratulations Delia- You deserve this!!!

By m

May 17, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

Awesome! I never thought the Biscuit could be mediocre! Now’s the chance! Thanks Raving Brands!

By Chris

May 17, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this

*Hated it already * The food here is not that great. Waiting for an hour to eat will never work for me! I just hope the new locations will be bigger than a shoe box like the current locations.

Baton Bob can be their mascot!

By Jeff

May 17, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this

Flying Biscuit was marginal to start with, now it’s really going to stink!

By Sam, aka, Le Bitter

May 17, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

Biscuit Fan, Jeff you two are right on the money. Torts was the best! Absolute best guac in town. I used to walk in praying the guy with dreads was working so he could roll mine. Raving Brands can’t come up with anything original, they just carbon copy someone else’s idea, throw alot of money at it, and open across the street so the suburbanites (hope this doesn’t offend anyone) will have a clue where to eat when they come to work inside the perimeter. Tortillas, Ansley Raging all done in by Raving Brands. Remember the scene from Billy Madison: “I choose Business Ethics.” I guess Raving Brands skipped that class in B-School. Steve LaMastra is public enemy #1!

By Jake

May 17, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

For the past few years, the Biscuit has been flourishing on its reputation—not the food itself. Yeah, it’s a cool spot, but the food simply isn’t as good as Thumbs Up, Ria’s, Radial and other nearby breakfast places. That said, I hate to see it become just another concept in the Raging Brands portfolio.

By Derek

May 17, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

Note to Raving Brands - Flying Biscuit girls have no idea what Chicken n Dumplings is. Their biscuits and milk flavored with chicken stock attempt is AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL. You better not to try to “franchise” that southern delicacy!

By Eric

May 17, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

How dare this woman seek to cash in on an idea she’s spent nearly 1.5 decades cultivating! I thought she opened this restaurant to serve all of us elitist in-towners something we could brag to our suburban friends about?

Everyone here needs to get over themselves.

Good for her. You may hate their restaurants, but Raving Brands treats their franchisees better than any dining concept out there, so I am thrilled that she went with them when making this decision.

By Anda

May 17, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this

I just hope The Grit in Athens isn’t next. I used to love the Biscuit and it’s electic environment and food, now it’s going to be just like everything else out there. I’m glad for them, sad for us.

By Estos Nueces en La Boca

May 17, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Moe’s sucks. Thank God Willy’s didn’t sell out to the mass market. Unfortunately, I see a downfall in the quality of ingredients and therefore Flying Biscuit will blow soon too. So, suck it Raving Brands!!

By Joan

May 17, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

I left them some time ago. The only thing worth ordering are the oatmeal pancakes. I’m sorry their quality couldn’t stay as it was originally, I really enjoyed it then!

By Michael

May 17, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

The Flying Biscuit is the most overrated breakfast place in the ATL. Moe’s should have purchased the rights to the Silver Skillet.

By Rafiq

May 17, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

I am concerned about the quality and the originally being compromise as well (for the worse) with the Flying Biscuit. I like the Candler Park location. I agree with the blog’s general consensus about Moe’s blandness. I’ll more concern that the Flying Biscuit will become like the PJs Coffee House in Atlantic Station.

PJs Coffee is also owed by Raving Foods. The staff is so ditzy and dingy. They forget orders - two people waited 45 minutes for coffee. The music conflicts with its Buckhead-like chic décor - they play either Dirty South rap or Hooter’s rock music. I bet PJ stands for “Pretentious Java”!

[http://www.ravingbrands.com/]

By JC

May 17, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

If only they served waffles!

By Connie

May 17, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

Oh man, I thought it was just me…. Moe’s SUX. Never been to the Flying Bisciuit, but I cna’t see anything good coming out of it if Moe’s is in charge.

By John Recio

May 17, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this

I eat at the Flying Biscuit regularly. Especailly the one in Midtown. I live downtown and have always thought it would be a great idea to open one in the downtown area, around GSU, or Underground. Perfect for the student population. There is tons of space available and retail space is still very affordable. Actually, wouldn’t mind opening up one myself. Any ideas??

By BigDaddy

May 17, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this

BigDaddy agrees with Michael. The Flying Biscuit is by far the most overrated breakfast in the city. Now, I guess the folks who consider the Olive Garden to be authentic Italian share in the bohemian eclecticism that is The Flying Biscuit.

When your signature, the item for which you have named your restaurant, is an inedible, bloated, nasty dried-up piece of scrap, how much can you expect from the rest of the menu? And don’t get me started on the “bacon.” It should be a hanging offense to serve turkey “bacon” in the South. The breakfast burrito is mediocre, the pancakes are atrocious and did I mention how abysmal the buiscuits are? The only remotely tolerable dish is the fried green tomatoes. Everything else? Crap…

I’ll stick with Thumbs Up Diner, Java Jive and Pastries A-Go-Go, thank you very much…

By Rutuger

May 17, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

Flying Biscuit has been on a rapid decline in terms of service and food quality for several years now. I think some people swear by it’s tastiness simply because they want to believe just that, because it is a neighborhood place and is so trendy now, but the last few times I’ve been (both Candler Park and Midtown), the food has been very poor, with amateur preparation and presentation. It’s as if they don’t really care now since it’s such a popular place and business is so successful regardless.

I ordered a pricey tuna entree in Candler Park a couple of months ago and it was cooked all the way through, completely gray, completely dry, and completely tasteless.

Midtown is the worst though—the servers were much more concerned with their frequent smoke breaks than with checking on us, the beer was room temperature, and when we politley complained, our server appeared annoyed and indignantly replied that he could bring ice if we wanted it (instead of immediately replacing it with a cold one, which any respectable restaurant would do).

The biscuits are still good, but this purchase of the eatery can only be an improvement.

By Alex

May 17, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

Thumbs Up Diner is much better than Flying Biscuits and hopefully will never be bought up by Raving. Never liked Flying to begin with so never understood the hype. Tortillas def was the best at burritos, nothing compared and is missed so much by my friends and family.

By Alex

May 17, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

Does anyone remember the name of the restaurant on ponce near Tortillas that served the gingerbread belgian waffles and pumpkin pancakes that were so good. Havent had them since I lived in the area.

By Goldie

May 17, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

Oh no! First we have corporate burritos a la Moe’s. Now I’m afraid we’ll have corporate biscuits, too. Good-bye “quirky and fun” — dang!

By Ron

May 17, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

Part of what makes The Flying Buscuit or any independently-owned restaurant good is the hands-on service that comes only from in-house management. The owner is there and he cares. I never eat at chain restaurants. The employees are watched over by district managers who are supervised by upper managers. Nobody cares. The Flying Buscuit will suck, just like Chili’s. The corporate pigs win, as do the sheep who eat at chains. The rest of us lose a charming local eatery.

By John D

May 17, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

Once they opened the second location, the Flying Biscuit lost it’s cool. Now that they will open 100, it will be about as authentic as a Moe’s Southwest, or is that just too obvious. But I am sure it will appeal to the automotons who argue over whether Moe’s is better than Chipotle, when they both serve substandard slop. Most Americans would not know good food it it hit them in the face.

By Carson

May 17, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

We are the ones that give them business and allow them to do this. Stand up and DON’T eat at any of their restaurants. The food is cheap and bland, why eat at any of their restaurants? Give your business to their competitors, and more importantly the restaurants that TASTE BETTER.

By Chuck E.

May 17, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

I’ll admit that I’m suspicious. While I no longer live in Atlanta and might benefit from having the Buscuit expand into my new ‘hood, I’m guessing it won’t come close to matching the good food at the original Buscuit because the company will be doing things on the cheap.

I’m sure it’ll make a profit and some stockholders will make lots of money, but whatever. I’d rather go someplace locally owned where the chef cares about her work. RIP Flying Buscuit.

By artyc

May 17, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

I hope the food will be better then their other concepts.

By grym

May 17, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

The Flying Biscuit is not good now. Who cares?

By Robin

May 17, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

I think it sucks. Flying Bisquit was an original. Mass production….Money basic line. I refuse to eat at franchised resturants. Mass produced food. Hard on the environment. Moes food is horrible, as well as Doc Greens. Going to Moes is irratating as well. Lets just squeeze out quality property, resturants and go for the boring same resturants that you find on every courner in Suburbia.

By TruthHurts

May 17, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

Great! Just what we need. Even more locations for a bunch of pillow biters to stand outside waiting on a table, trying to be seen.

By candler park carla

May 17, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

I know Delia personally…what a great success story. Congrats to her and all of her hard work! I’m sure if she is involved in the franchising aspects…the new locations will be just as delicious!

By LP

May 17, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

As a longtime resident of Candler Park, I wish Missy and Delia had sold their cafe to another couple like themselves, and not to a chain. Selling to a corporate chain could jeopardize everything that is unique about the Biscuit!

By Mr. B

May 17, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

Good riddons. I stopped going to the Biscuit 3 years ago, when the food and service became deplorable. There are quite a few better establishments for breakfast in the city. I’m glad they will become “officially” ruined when they become a cupcake franchise.

By i love capitalism

May 17, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

If this happens to EATS, I don’t know what I’ll do …

By h_charles

May 17, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

FB quality has declined in recent years — no doubt. Their biscuits (and yummy apple butter) are still fantastic, however. If Moe’s is any indication of what is to become of FB, it won’t be worth the trip — even if the greater amount of locations makes dining easier (not to mention less lines - weekend waits currently are an absolute joke as it stands. Even if you don’t like FB, this sellout is a sad day for Atlanta. This city is already overrun with soulless franchises, and what little character this city does have has been lessened a bit with this deal.

By poorlibs

May 17, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

Congrats to the owner for hitting a homer. If any of you have ever owned a restaurant, you would be happy for someone who’s HARD work pays off in a BIG way. It’s too bad that a bunch of anti-capitalistic liberals have to bash her for “selling out.” I would bet that just about all of the whiners here secretly wish they were the ones cashing in, but, are much to busy posting on blogs all day about how bad it is here in the USA due to greedy capitalistic pigs.

By Bert

May 17, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

Are they going to become a vortex of Suck, like Moe’s? “Welcome to Moe’s!” Moe’s Bloes.

By Bert

May 17, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

Poorlibs, go back to your Gwinnett N. Fulton fern-bar wasteland. Kthx.

By Jim

May 17, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

Like many here I miss Tortillas (especially when I’m at Moe’s). But Moe’s is one thing that Tortillas never could be: five minutes from my house.

Also, I sometimes wonder if Tortillas would still be with us if visiting a restroom there had not been so much like visiting a third world outhouse.

By Tim

May 17, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

I don’t see how you can re-create the Flying Biscuit from a corporate restaurant mill. I didn’t even think the Midtown location was a good repeat of the Candler Park location, which I love. A chain restaurant isn’t going to be able to produce anything but a hollow copy.

By Will

May 17, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

This is terrible. Every time I’ve eaten at Moe’s I’ve felt sick several hours later. I think it’s from salt or MSG. But whatever they put something bad in that stuff. And when this has come up in conversation, many time others say the same thing.

Flying Buscuit was a nice LOCAL insitution. Putting it in the hands of the Moe’s people to duplicate and spread to every strip mall will just make it mundane, even if they manage not to make the food sickening.

By Carlotta

May 17, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

I absolutely LOVE the Flying Biscuit! I am very proud of Delia for making all of her dreams come true. She is an inspiration to all of us. In a death match between Raving Brands and Delia Champion, my money is on Delia!

By TruthHurts

May 17, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

Great! Just what we need. Even more locations for a bunch of pillow biters and hood rats to stand outside waiting on a table, trying to be seen.

By Ross

May 17, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

Gosh…this is about as bad as our Governor Sonny Dufous.Nothing good is going on anymore.What is GA coming to now-a-days?

By Tim

May 17, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

Good breakfast? Crescent Moon in Decatur. No question.

By Marci Reed

May 17, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

No! Something uniquely Atlanta becomes a water-downed franchise. Seriously, I am happy for Delia, Missy, all the great waitstaff who have remembered my name and that I like extra blue cheese on my warm chicken salads, but a part of me is heartbroken. Please tell me they won’t yell at me when I come in the door!!!

By sylvia

May 17, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

Good for Delia. Good for her for getting rid of her deadbeat partners and making something big happen.

By Carlotta

May 17, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this

I agree with Sylvia! Delia deserves this. She has busted her butt for years & is finally getting something for it.

By Yummy

May 17, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this

I won’t patronize it! Moe’s sucks and now The Biscuit will, too. Not that it wasn’t sort of sucking already.

Want good local breakfast? Highland Bakery! Ria’s Bluebird! They kicked the Biscuit’s a* anyway!

By weatherboy

May 17, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

Why buy a ‘name’ resaurant that has only two locations? If they wanted to get into the breakfast market just start a breakfast chain and make up a new name! Flying Biscuit is hardly a big name, even here in ATL.

By Charlie

May 17, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this

If they put one in Brooklyn, I’ll jump for joy.

By Greg

May 17, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this

Tortilla’s on Ponce was filled with surly and stinky employees that didn’t care a bit if you were happy or not. Moes opened up and away the rotted Tortillas went. If Moes is so bad then why did it drive Tortilla’s out?

By George Carter

May 17, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

Will it still be gay?? I like gay places only….

By JD

May 17, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

Nothing like Raving Brands to come in and ruin another great concept. It is just a matter of time before all of their cheesy “gimmick” restaurants close.

By Handsome Pete

May 17, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

Long live the founders of the Bisquit and congratulations for their capitalistic gains. The only reason to open a business is to make money. The Bisquit’s founders just got the brass ring!

By chuckie d

May 17, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

Moe’s sucks….this will too…

By Markus

May 17, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this

As an OTP Atlantan, I had never heard of the Flying Biscuit until I watched a local Saturday morning “This Is Atlanta: Cooking” show on PBS. (If anyone likes cooking shows and is looking for something alternative to FoodTV, check out PBS 8 and 30 listings on Saturday). After watching that, I had to head down. Wow what a breakfast! The place is awesome, and I don’t care if it’s run by gays or not anymore than I care about Elton John’s sexual orientation while appreciating his music (and I’m a conservative). That said, I have seen local small chains get sucked up all over this southeast and watched the quality, ambience, and character that built the popularity of said restaurants go right down the toilet. What a shame this had to happen. Moe’s? Mediocre at best. What a shame.

By BigDaddy

May 17, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this

Does anyone remember the name of the restaurant on ponce near Tortillas that served the gingerbread belgian waffles and pumpkin pancakes that were so good. - Alex

Alex, the name of the place is Java Jive, and it is still independently owned and has buiscuits that make the namesake cardboard cakes at The Flying Overrated taste like masonry…

Who else has good breakfast recommendations? I’ve heard shout-outs for Ria’s, Thumbs-Up Diner (my personal favorite), Highland Bakery (an under-appreciated spot, to be sure), and a few others. Where else serves a good start to the day?

By Louisagodatthegriddle

May 17, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this

Who cares? Flying Biscuit has been overrated for years. The best breakfast in town is at Thumbs Up. If you haven’t been to Lou’s, you haven’t been living.

By Janice

May 17, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this

If Moe’s sux so bad then how do they have the $$$ to buy Flying Biscuit?!?! Face it hippies; money talks and bllsht walks…

By nomoesforme

May 17, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this

will stick with The Waffle House, tried and true.

By kyle

May 17, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this

I think Martin is on the right track with expanding the breakfast concept. He has been very successful expanding fast food with a healthy twist. However, purchasing the Flying Biscuit and expecting 100 stores within 2 yrs seems to be too aggressive. The Biscuit’s menu caters more to an alternative crowd and has done well marketing the Candler Park and Midtown locations. It will be interesting to see how scrambled tofu, soy-sausages or turkey bacon goes over in the suburbs. I hope this isn’t just a bad “growing pain” learning lesson for those guys. Good luck and call me when you interested in expanding a “meat and three” concept in Atlanta.

By Bill Huston

May 17, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this

Raving Brands could care less what people on this list think. Once they take “The Biscuit” to the nation and put it in A+ real estate, they will be laughing all the way to the bank!

By bel

May 17, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

I LOVE the Flying Biscuit and I think it’s GREAT that there will be more locations in Atlanta, and perhaps even in my hometown of Charlotte, NC someday. More biscuits for everyone!

By Confused by Comments

May 17, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this

While I’m pleased to see so many people on this list dislike Moe’s, I’m confused by the number who imply they don’t like it, but eat there anyway. Just quit going, and give Willy’s or Barberito’s or Qdoba your money. (Especially if you live in Athens and could be eating at the far, far superior Mean Bean or Taco Stand over Moe’s.)

By Lauren

May 18, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this

Congratulations!

For all those naysayers out there: Small minds have small ideas. Great things deserve to expand.

Who of you were up at 4:00 AM everyday to make the biscuits? Who of you worked all day and into the night to keep the doors open? Who of you thought about the happiness of your employees every minute of every day? Who of you always has a smile for a customer no matter how tired you are? Who of you had to scrape and save and bust your a* for over a century? Who of you took the biggest risk of your life? Who of you have put your own financial well-being aside to make a dream come true?

You? No? Well, then who are you to speak up now??

The whole point of this partnership is to allow for the concept to grow and allow Delia to focus on the important stuff. Delia is the brand. Delia is the culture. Delia is the biscuit. With Delia intimately involved (and not having to toil from dusk ‘til dawn everyday), I don’t see how this is a bad thing. This only allows her more time and more peace of mind to focus on the most important things: the customers, the employees and the food.

Until you have run a restaurant for nearly 15 years, I suggest you kindly keep your thoughts to yourself.

By KMM

May 18, 2006 08:15 AM | Link to this

Just to clarify, I am pretty sure that “The Loop” is not owned by Raving Brands. Anyone know for sure? I kinda like The Loop - nice place to take the family.

By bulldgfvr

May 18, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this

You want some real good cathead biscuits, meats and BBQ, then go to Little Barn in Lawrenceville. Flying biscuit doesn’t hold a candle to being able to get a redhot in your biscuit, or salmon patty, pork chop,etc.

By F&B Guy

May 18, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this

At least you care

It is incredible the number of comments that this business transaction has created. Seemingly, you either love it or hate it, but there is very little in between…good for Delia…she has provoked much loyalty with her restaurant. Moving forward, Raving Brands will attempt to streamline the business of Flying Biscuit, and make it an even more profitable venture…they wouldn’t have bought it if it wasn’t profitable to begin with. For those loyal fans of FB, if this streamlining causes the “quality” to diminish, yes, it is cause for dissapointment, but do you honestly think that is the intention…let’s buy a restaurant concept and then run it into the ground as quickly as possible by screwing with the food…hmmm…not a smart move.

Anyway, I will bet that Raving will try to impose some food items that Delia will balk at, and therein lies your fear…will Delia win? Can she keep the concept pure as it expands? Look to Shanes Rib shack for the answer to that question. Shane was another one of those hard working restaurant guys who was offered the “Brass Ring” and he took it. He has definitely had growing pains with the Raving Brands people (actually it is Innovative Brands people, but that is another story). Just ask him about the processed vegetables they wanted him to add to the menu…but! And this is the important part…They were able to work through it, and Shanes is really starting to pick up steam. Delia and FB will go through the same challenges and then, as things get worked out, FB will be able to bring a strong concept to market and Delia will be an inspiration to all entrepreneurs who toil endlessly with the intent of “making it big.” We do not want our hometown hero to leave us and forget us…my bet is that is NOT Delia’s intention. She made her reputation here, and now it is time for her to enjoy the fruits of her labor. She will fight to keep the concept pure and we all should support her in that fight.

By MW

May 18, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

“but wanted one that wouldn’t homogenize her offerings” Well then why did she sell to Raving Brands? They are the model of homogenized chain restaurants. My personal opinion is that none of the Raving Brands restaurants are any good, this is the demise of the biscuit. I love the Flying Biscuit, though the biscuits are actually some of the worst I have ever had…everything else is great.

By Adam Nisbet

May 18, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this

I love flying biscuits, and really I think this is a good move for them. They provide really healthy food with lots of specialties and organic combinations.

By mvp

May 18, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this

I’ve always thought the food was way overrated at the flying biscuit and the service was horrendous. At the midtown location, the staff there made it seem like they were doing you a favor by seating and serving you. Hopefully, some big corporation ruthlessness and standards will get the staff in line, even if the quality of the food doesn’t improve. Thumbs up diner is still the best breakfast joint in ATL, though.

By Swangirl

May 18, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

Say it ain’t so, Joe. Raving Foods has contributed to the blanding of restaurants everywhere. Moe’s…don’t get me started. Willy’s has them beat by 10 miles. Moe’s food is flavorless. I hate to see what they’re going to do to those delicious biscuits. They’ll probably never fly again.

By Beezie

May 18, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

We got tired of the wait at the Flying Biscuit in Candler Park and went across the street to Gato Bizco and are now regulars there. The sweet potato pancake is delicious and they make a tofu scramble that you don’t have to be vegan to love. Second BigDaddy on Pastries A-Go-Go—they serve the highest quality/lowest priced breakfast anywhere. Flaky croissants, freshly cut fruit, the loaded potatoes—yum!

By tjl

May 18, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe people are holding up SHANE’S RIBS as some kind of great bbq. This place is a vile disgusting JOKE. Only eat there if you want to spend the next 3 hours in the bathroom. Same goes for MOES. It AMAZES me the restaurants you people in Atlanta think are good. You have no clue.

By Missy

May 18, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

I hope the Flying Biscuit makes Raving Brands re-evaluate the quality of their exising brands. And then maybe Moe can learn to make a better burrito

By markscottmusic

May 18, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this

I like Moe’s… never liked Tortillas… if you said you didn’t want beans or something in your burrito they gave you a dirty look like it was the biggest hassle in the world. Good food and good service… that’s what Raving Brands is about so I suspect the FB will keep it’s already good food (good…not great… let’s get real) and great service (that was always a hallmark). I started going to the original FB Candler Park location when it first opened… I remember it was just the one store front and the “waiting room” in the winter was the vacant space next door. I’ll have to stop by that location this afternoon for a chocolate macadamia nut cookie for old times sake. Congrats, Delia.

By markscottmusic

May 18, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

… oh yeah… and for really good breakfast, check out American Road House on N. Highland Ave. in VA-HI. The multi-grain pancakes are really good and because they say “multi-grain” on the menu, you can pretend it’s a healthy breakfast as you smear butter and pour suryp over them. Yum!

By James L. Johnson(Keon)

May 18, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this

Wow.. Who would’ve thougth this many people would be concerned over a RESTURANT!?

I’m not the biggest fan of MOE’s but I love Raving Brands and the concepts.:) But I’m weird anyway. I prefer the chemical taste of Taco Bell…but in my defense I also like On the Border.:)

With that said, I like the flying biscuit. However, I agree that the quality isn’t as good as it has been. This may be because of the high demand. I’m amazed at how they are able to work in that little space on 10th as it is. Now imagine serving the weekend crowd. I personally couldn’t do it! However I still love their breakfast. My favorite is the salmon scramble with potatoes, biscuits and a short stack of oatmeal pancakes with peaches!:) I’m a large man (Not fat but a large strapping 20something gym bunny.:) as I get older, I can’t eat like that anymore. Metabolism is slowing down.:(

However, this is a good thing. I just hope the quality and concept aren’t altered. I’ve been waiting for this place to expand for a while. Not only will quality be a challenge…but also logistic and demographics. You want to have multiple locales in Atlanta but not too many so that it cannibalizes sales. This is something Krispy Kreme did with their initial expansion. It worked. Make it accessible but not common, so that it’s still a treat and event. How many Krispy Kremes are there? (Don’t mention the 90’s)

But let’s see… I could easily see a location at Eastpoint/Collegepark, Vinings/PowersFerry/SandySprings/Perimeter, maybe Downtown Decatur (Worried about cannibalization with the Candler Park locale). Also a locale at one of the new town squares of Gwinnet.

This will be good, I’m tire of having to plan a trip too the biscuit!:) then wait 30+mins for a table.

By LP

May 18, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this

I can join in the chorus of people who are happy for Delia Champion. Delia did work hard for all that she’s getting now; furthermore, she helped transform the Candler Park business district into something worth visiting after dark. However, selling to a corporate chain might undermine, over time, everything she, Missy, and Cynthia started back in 1993. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the new owners have enough sense to honor what made the Flying Biscuit an original.

By Harold

May 18, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

Harold is not surprised. Flying Biscuit was always a chain restaurant. It was just missing the additional locations. Harold did not care for their food at all the twice he ate there.

By Anon.

May 18, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

It is very upsetting to hear that Raving Brands has bought the Flying Biscuit. The tedious atmosphere of Moe’s, Doc’s, and Mama Fu’s should be an omen of what is to become of what was once an Atlanta institution. We are always throwing away originality, simple goodness, and customer service for the Almighty Dollar.

By suzie

May 18, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this

Does everything good in Atlanta have to be mass marketed and put in a mini strip mall just off the the interstate exit ramp? Flying Bicuit,Applebee’s,Chili’s and Ruby Tuesdays it is all the same thing now.

By Amy

May 18, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

I hope the new locations aren’t taken over by the ghetto trash and pillow biters like the other 2 are.

By food lover

May 18, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this

Bigger is not necessarily better. Atlanta used to have great food choices but now with all of the Raving places, it all is looking the same - we might as well be living in the suburbs…seems that the rich, white-bread people who liked safe Cobb county want to move back here anyway and take up our real estate with their ugly condos and Atlantic Stations, it makes sense that they would want to make Atlanta just like any other boring suburb.

I cannot believe that the Biscuit is a sell-out, too.

And if I have to see one more poorly designed restaurant interior like all the other Raving pieces of dirt that has been tossed around ATL, I just might throw up on it.

Just pathetic. Why would you be proud of killing local culture just to make a buck? Do they even give back to the community? Do they donate to local charities?

If you don’t like any of the Raving “restaurants,” don’t patronize them. Don’t give them any more of your money.

By Flibberdgibbit

May 18, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this

Well, well, another Atlanta institution that got too big to be happy at home.

Congrats to the creators of the bicuit, juat the same, but what were once true cat-head biscuits quit “flying” years ago as they became more popular in Atlanta.

As a result, I quit waiting on line for their increasingly medicore vittles years ago.

Word-up to the Thumbs-Up and Ria’s Bluebird, please keep your wits about you and commit to quality no matter how popular you become!

By Kalin Thomas

May 18, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

I love taking visitors to The Flying Buscuit. And as a travel writer, I find that it’s the original, quirky restaurants — rather than the chains — that make each city uniqiue.

By former biscuit employee

May 18, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

Congrats to Delia she got what she wanted—the money. It’s not about the food, her employees or the culture—it has always been about the money. It is not know, nor has it ever been, a company that cares about it’s people. You could fill a stadium with former managers and employees who worked hard that were treated very poorly by Delia. She may have grabbed the brass ring, but who did she step on to do so?

By another former FB employee

May 18, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this

I’d love to see you turn down they money to just keep working with idiots like you.

By another former Fb employee

May 18, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

it’s probably the attitudes of all former employees that made the Biscuit want to sell. Can you imagine managing a bunch of arrogant, slacker, crack-head employees for 15 years?

By former biscuit employee

May 18, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this

Such anger by “another former Fb employee”—the attitude sounds almost like the owner herself. The truth does tend to make folks mad.

By Hungry Jack

May 18, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this

As a 35 year resident of Atlanta before moving a few years ago, I went to the FB about five times. The wait was long, the food meidocre at best but the people I went with thought it was the best, trendiest thing since sliced bread (or is that biscuit). Actually, I’m suprised its still open much less been sold. There are many places that are better to eat.

By Flibberdgibbit

May 18, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

“ghetto trash and pillow biters”, Amy?

It takes one to know one.

Here’s an idea: keep your xenophobic a$$ outside the perimeter.

By rab

May 18, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

If the service is as bad as other Raving Brands’ restaurants, I will not be going back to the Flying Biscuit. I think its a travesty. The Raving Brands chain is one of the worst I have seen.

By Amy

May 18, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

Flibberdgibbit- a hit dog always yelps!

By Flibberdgibbit

May 18, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this

“a hit dog always yelps”?

Amy, you ain’t kidding baby!

By Lola

May 18, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

So much anger. Geez. I thought the biscuit was for tree huggers?? What difference does it make who owns it? If you like their food, than eat there. If you read the article it says Raving Brands and Delia are going to work together to preserve the menu and the culture. I think this is a great thing. When it becomes a hit nationwide— we can proudly say it started here!

By Amy

May 18, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this

Flibberdgibbit- Which one are you? A pillow biter or a ghetto hoodrat? You’re probably both, standing around outside of Flying Biscuit, trying to look “cute”, creating the hour and a half wait. Y’all are overrunning everything in this city.

By Jennifer

May 19, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this

I am a hugh fan of the flying Biscuit; i just love it and i am excited. However i am really dissapointed every time that I go to Moe’s. I dont even go to Moe’s anymore I go to Barbarritos (I strongly suggest a try) This is a chain that started in Athens, Georgia and it is growing. The food does not compare it is a millions times more fresh and enjoyable. I just pray that the Biscuit doesnt loss it quality and excentric feel.

By Jimmy

May 19, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

I still haven’t been to the biscuit, but I’ll be there soon. As far as Moe’s, I went to the new one on Powers Ferry Road yesterday, which was the first day that it was open. The chips were stale and the staff was very slow. I think that Willy’s is much better w/ the burritos!

By Mike

May 19, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

When did the living the “American Dream” become a bad thing? Is there a true business owner out there that would honestly pass up a chance to have their hard work and personal sacrifice not pay off? Delia has achieved what most can only hope for, good for her. In addition, as an FYI, her and her team is staying on board, handling the day-to-day operations of FB, and teaching Raving Brands what makes FB so great. So get a grip money talks and it is doubtful anyone of us would turn down the opportunity she has just so we can say “well I am broke but at least people like me”.

By Joe- the american dreamer

May 19, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

What is wrong with you people? Can someone please explain to me what is so wrong with Delia being able to reap the rewards of her hard work or was she supposed to just keep working 100 hours a week until she is dead and leaves nothing left for her family just so that you seslfish people can still call The Biscuit your favorite little 2 location restaurant concept?

I have a friend that works for Raving Brands and guess what, Raving Brands started with just one restaurant too, a nice little place in Buckhead, with people that worked hard and cared and spent every waking moment of their lives working in the restaurant trying to make it successful. Their passion to succeed, the sacrifice that they made every day to choose to stay and serve their guests instead of hanging out with friends and families is an inspiration, it is the American Dream success story. Raving Brands isn’t some giant faceless corporation with shareholders looking for an investment. Raving Brands is made up of hard working regular people, all trying to make a living and provide for their families. Raving Brands has gone from 1 restaurant to 500+ in six years, is that so wrong, are you jealous of them, is that it?

Raving Brands has created a system that allows hardworking people to follow their dreams and open a restaurant. The RB restaurants are owned by franchisees, people just like you and me that invested their life savings to follow their dream and open a restaurant. So many of them work in their restaurants every single day, just like Delia does, so what is the difference?

did you know that RB has created almost 10,000 jobs in the United States?? Do you? When GM lays off 10,000 people, it makes the news, doesn’t seem like anyone is calling RB to thank them for creating 10,000 jobs!!!

I feel bad for you people. Those of you that feel the need to be so close minded and not look at what is really going on.

I say good for you Delia and congrats to Raving Brands for their success.

By the way, did anyone see the news story about Raving Brands commiting to donating $2,000,000 to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and organization that helps find kinds that have been abducted by predators? No, I guess that doesn’t matter, but god forbid that they make some money for themselves!

I am glad I don’t wake up every day looking at the world the way you people do, that would just be sad.

Oh yeah, Tortillas closed because it was FILTHY and the staff was too cool to be friendly. “Black beans, chicken and rat droppings in that burrito”? Maybe that had something to do with it.

By food lover

May 19, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

No, I did not see the article about Raving Brands donating to the Center for Missing and Exploited Children. That’s great. Really.

There’s nothing wrong with the American Dream. I just wish people would come up with their own dreams - their OWN concepts, like Delia did - and not just buy their dream. I don’t want a world full of Walmarts and McDonalds and SubWays. Unique restaurants made Atlanta a unique city. That’s why I have decided to dine at local and original eateries.

I just wish I had better choices when it came to books, laundry detergent and milk - all of the Publix/Krogers/Targets/Barnes and Noble/Borders did small stores in already.

By Laura

May 23, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

I guess I have to disagree with quite a few of you re: Moe’s. I really like their food. No, I’m not pretending that it’s authentic Mexican. I just happen to like the taste & quality of what they serve. I agree that they’ve gone a bit overboard in # of locations & that it was sad to see Tortillas put out of business by them, but I don’t agree that they suck, etc. And personally, I really don’t like Willy’s that much. Food has a weird taste to me.

By Laura

May 23, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

Also - I agree that as long as the quality of food at The Biscuit isn’t changed, it will be fine. 100 locations in 2 years does seems like overkill, however.

By elisabeth

May 24, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this

Wow! It’s amazing the amount of incorrect “facts” that are on here. Too bad we’re all too busy criticizing Raving Brands and Delia to take five minutes for a little fact check. Delia is staying involved for a reason- all you “fans” have trusted her this long- have a little faith.

By Elisabeth

May 24, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

Forgot one more thing- Moe’s and Shanes just donated food for a charity I am involved with for over 200…never got anything from Tortillas or Raging Burrito or for that matter any of the “great, local” restaurants listed in this blog.