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DEL.ICIO.USBiscuit flying up, not selling out
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
WE LIVE IN A WORLD where star chefs such as Todd English and Wolfgang Puck add to their dining dynasties by opening extensions of established restaurants in airports. Where Wal-Mart claims to sell organic food. Where food diva Rachael Ray becomes the spokesperson for Dunkin’ Donuts.
Can you say sell-out?
I can. And I can define it, too. It happens when someone who already has loads more than he or she could possibly need keeps prostituting themselves for more. And it happens all the time in the food industry.
It didn’t happen with local restaurateur Delia Champion of Flying Biscuit Café. It’s easy for those of us who’ve loved her tattered-and-tatto@oed haven in Candler Park since it opened in 1993 to wonder why last year she sold her concept to Raving Brands (which operates Mama Fu’s, Doc Green’s and Shane’s Rib Shack, among many). Blog boards were cluttered with comments when the news was announced last May, with copious amounts of support and criticism.
BITA HONARVAR / Staff
Flying Biscuit owner Delia Champion has been criticized for selling to Raving Brands, which plans to expand to other areas.
And truly, it’s difficult to duplicate a concept like Flying Biscuit. The original location, with it’s grungy take on grits-goes-gourmet, has a very loud personality. Making two (which Champion did with a second location in Midtown) and keeping the corporate clutch at bay is a daunting task; even the Midtown location lacks the inner-city-goes-country charm of the original.
So the idea of turning an eclectic neighborhood restaurant with a broad fan base and a boffo breakfast menu that needs personal, loving touches in the kitchen into a chain is abhorrent to most foodies.
Well, get over it. Champion, like most struggling restaurateurs, saw an opportunity she couldn’t refuse. Most of us would do the same if it meant financial freedom for our families. In a press release, she states “… they [Raving Brands] have the resources and infrastructure to do things I could never do — better opportunities for employees, better food procurement, deep experience in store and real estate development, all of which will be important to our ability to expand the Biscuit in a way that maintains the integrity of the food and the experience.” Champion and Raving Brands are working with each other to replicate the Biscuit in other areas.
Local franchisee John Slocum and Q100 “Bert Show” radio personality Jeff Dauler, operating under Let’s Go Back, LLC, have teamed to put the five franchises in place. The first, located at 3515 Northside Parkway in Atlanta, was set to open May 14.
So while we may be critical of the process, and even critical of the end means, we shouldn’t be critical of Champion — she has a small restaurant in Candler Park we all love.
I hate the thought of the Biscuit showing up on the corner of every new strip mall in Alpharetta. But I don’t think Champion has become the spokesperson for White Lily flour, nor is she staging an opening in Las Vegas. Not yet anyway.
Who’s been to the first Flying Biscuit franchise? Tell me about it.
Permalink | Comments (40) | Post your comment | Categories: Dining
Comments
By Charles
May 16, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
Ah, you let your Liberal bias out of the bag before you got started on your article:
Where Wal-Mart claims to sell organic food
Walmart is just another American success story - and the Left can’t stand it when they don’t adhere to the Socialist agenda.
The free market economy allows for individuals to attain success - no matter if you were born underpriviledged. Building a business into a success and selling it to reap the benefits is the American dream. It was your decision to become a reporter for a newspaper - something that is going away like the rotary telephone (and land lines for that matter). Don’t blame others for not taking the risks and pursuing your ‘pot of gold’. It’s your own fault!
By ABS
May 16, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
A similar thing happened to a local favorite restaurant in my hometown…it didn’t work. The atmosphere of the original eatery was most of the appeal and the franchises just don’t have it.
The couple of times I ate at one of the franchises it reminded me of when I was in high school and one cool kid wore something unique and all the other kids tried to duplicate it…it just doesn’t work out.
By Chief Wiggum
May 16, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
Yeah, wouldn’t that just SUCK if a foodie’s restaurant wound up….egads…accessible….to the suburbanites? Those awful, awful suburbanites. In-towners are just inherently BETTER than them.
By ABS
May 16, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
Oh good lord, Charles, not everything is on the “liberal agenda” just like not everything is on the “conservative agenda.” This is a story about restaurants for crying out loud, if you want to scream at liberals, go to Luckovich’s blog…give it a rest.
By Carlton Wyatt
May 16, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
You people are amazing in your insolence. This isn’t about liberal or conservative, nor suburban versus urban. What the article is illustrating is akin to the difference between a hand-painted canvas by a talented artist or a computer-printed copy.
The copy just doesn’t have the same qualities as the original and never will. Sure, it may look the same from a distance, but up close it is easily distinguished as being inferior.
By Charles
May 16, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
Exactly my point - she had to put in a ‘dig’ on an American success story. I just called her on it.
That’s the problem with the Left. They like to criticize - but not be held accountable for their own words.
…… waiting on the typical hateful response when the point can’t be argued :)
By Jen
May 16, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
I live down the street from the original Biscuit. I go there with my family every Friday morning (to the bakery). We mostly go because of the people there. I personally don’t like their style of biscuit, which I find a little too sweet and definitely too dry. I like biscuits soaked in butter….
But, we love Jeffery and Brian and the coffee. And when we do eat in the restaurant we like the various dishes. I really like their hash browns. They do a pretty good job with eggs, too.
And we like the idea they have on Friday nights for dinner and wine, etc.
I have a hard time believing this recipe can be duplicated. But I don’t lose respect for the owner for trying to see her dream have more fluidity.
I think in order for this to work the corporation is going to need to pay very real attention to the staff they hire. What is the Biscuit without all the tattooed, pierced, neon-haired, groovy people who worth there, who are friendly and interested and knowledgeable? And do they exist in enough numbers in the suburbs to staff a franchise?
By Rod
May 16, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
Get over yourself Charles. Yeah, Bush and the “Right” are doing a WONDERFUL job with Iraq, gas prices, etc.
By ron
May 16, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
I ,personally,don’t go to franchise restaurants at all.I’ve always found that with a little effort one can find a superior eating place owned by a real person.Why people flock to franchises has always been a mystery to me.The food is only passable,the service is by some poor soul making minimum wage,working only part tiime for the most part.Sheep tend to flock,so I guess franchise attenders are like sheep.
By Jen
May 16, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
Charles, why should anyone be offended by an accusation of being a liberal? I wear it proudly, like a badge.
Just because someone starts screaming “Liberal!”, “Godless!”, or “Agenda!” doesn’t mean they’ve thrown an insult. The definition of those words is not evil, unkind, unintelligent, immoral, and just plain bad.
Wal-Mart has destroyed the small-businessman in the grocery and dry good market in every community it shows up because there is no real free-market. The small-businessman is a valuable member of the conservative ideal being wiped out by an unchecked machine. Liberals, who believe in the necessity of government, see the need for regulation so as to preserve the livelihood of the small-businessman, the competition of small-businessmen, and the diversity of goods. If there were a true free market this wouldn’t be necessary.
So, please, stop with your feeble attempts to turn this discussion into something that’s on YOUR agenda….let’s keep it about what’s on Meridith’s agenda - small restaurant going corporate and can they succeed.
By Another reader leaving
May 16, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
Meridith, This is supposed to be about restaurants, not your political/social agenda.
Additions like: “It happens when someone who already has loads more than he or she could possibly need keeps prostituting themselves for more.” And “Where Wal-Mart claims to sell organic food.” add nothing to the story and are frankly offensive to those of us with a more conservative outlook on life.
You do a good job with the restaurant reviews, stick with what you know and leave the political commentary to Cynthia.
By Rod
May 16, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
Another reader leaving - enough already, just LEAVE!
By rnm
May 16, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
Charles- I believe the reason the author said that Wal-Mart “claims to sell organic food” is because there have been instances where food sold at Wal-Mart stores has been shown to be incorrectly labeled as organic. It looks like you’re the one who jumped the gun with your attack on the “left”. Try sticking to the subject at hand here — Flying Biscuit going corporate. Like it or not, it was the decision of the owner and is for no one else to judge.
By N-GA
May 16, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
Charles,
You have a very peculiar view of “success”.
When Sam Walton was alive his commercials touted products that were made in America. Now that Walmart has gone corporate, things have changed. If you have the fortitude, walk into any Walmart and spend 5 minutes looking at the labels of clothing…I did. And in less than 5 minutes I found clothing manufactured in more than 20 countries. BYW, none was made in the USA.
Walmart employees loved Sam. Now there is more of an adversarial relationship between employees and management.
So if that is success, outsource it.
By N-GA
May 16, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
Another Reader Leaving….
To quote a line from “Clerks”: “You’ll be missed!”.
By Truth Filter
May 16, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
I’m confused: Where is the political commentary?
The Flying Biscuit franchises will be good if they stick to the type of cooking that the FBs in Midtown and Candler Park do: Use good ingredients, prepare food individually, don’t be concerned about rushing.
If they can do that, sign me up. I think J. Christopher’s does a good job of keeping an intimate feel for a franchise. While they are different, I think FB could do the same.
Good luck!
By mike
May 16, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
Ummm. Checked Wal-Mart’s sales numbers lately? Not such a success these days…
By Egg
May 16, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
Corporations exist to make profit, plain and simple. While Raving Brands may intend many things at this time, if the numbers don’t work, you can be sure they will change the plan so that the numbers work.
That will mean “standardizing” and “downsizing” and “cost-cutting”.
The concept of duplicating a unique eatery like Bisquit won’t work simply because the very idea of duplicating uniqueness is an oxymoron and is incompatible with a corporate model.
Bye, bye, Bisquit!!
By fer
May 16, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
I cannot imagine The Flying Biscuit as a chain. Even if the food is the same — is that really possible? — the atmosphere couldn’t possibly be recreated in a chain restaurant. Sad…
By Chief Wiggum
May 16, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
Oh, but there is a political statement shrouded in Meredith’s comments:
” It happens when someone who already has loads more than he or she could possibly need keeps prostituting themselves for more”
I suppose that Meredith will be the one to tell restaurant owners when they have enough money. I do wonder what her definition will be. Meredith, please pontificate on the acceptable levels of wealth for restaurant owners…we eagerly wait your opinions.
By DJ
May 16, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
Charles, there is no point in arguing with the modern day “conservative” because all they do is repeat the same tired, simplistic spin on every single thing, regardless of the particulars of any given conversation. But really - if you think the U.S. is a “free-market” economy, you really have been dipping into the red-state kool-aid a little too much. Ours is a heavily regulated, heavily subsidized, heavily imballanced version of capitalism. It is a bare shell of the “free market” as envisioned by Adam Smith, and looks even less like Milton Friedman’s or Ronnie Ray-gun’s. And don’t get me started about the neo-cons’ version of “economics”. It makes me laugh so hard I’m scared i’m going to have a heart attack. Paint the left as “tax and spend” all you want (you know you want to - it’s a classic “dittohead” talking point), but we both know the right’s approach - “borrow and spend” - is grossly irresponsible. Nice try, though.
By Raving Blands
May 16, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this
Everyone of Raving Blands chain is so tired and pedestrian. They work well in OTP b/c soccer moms and kids like crap like that. Nothing is edible except Planet Smoothie…after a night out. Biscuit is not selling M.F.? Of course she is…who cares? She got alot of money and anyone who busted their butts making a sell-able concept would do the same. Delia should just get out and before she is “branded” as a capitalistic republican. Funny thing is liberal have more trust funds than conservatives…guess they can afford to be frauds. Ha
By Renee
May 16, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
Meridith Ford - you wrote: “It happens when someone who already has loads more than he or she could possibly need keeps prostituting themselves for more.”
Who the he11 are you to decide if someone has enough money? I noticed you don’t have the guts to come back on here and post a comment about why you wrote such a despicable thing.
Meridith - respond NOW.
By Chief Wiggum
May 16, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
To the political partisans on BOTH sides of this: I fart in your general direction, after eating a delicious donut from Krispy Kreme. By the way, go when the HOT light is on, they give specials for Springfield’s finest.
I think some folks just want to find ANY place to practice their politics, and that applies to people on both sides of the aisle.
If you want to argue, how about basing it on actual things that Meredith said, like the comment about people getting “more than he or she could possibly need “. That is an actual, debatable (albeit ridiculous) comment.
By Made on Earth
May 16, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
Anytime I see those pathetic decalI covered cars advertising Raving Brands franchises I can’t help but think about the low quality, portion controlled junk they put out. I hope it is the kiss of death for the Flying Biscuit. Particularly since some lame radio personality is involved. Commercial radio like commercial food, bland, uninteresting and full of unneccescary additives.
By igo
May 16, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
I used to go to FB/Candler FOR the ambiance. The food was marginal, but I loved taking out-of-towners there because of its uniqueness.
I’ll never go to the chain version. Drive thrus, ordering by meal number (“a #3 please?”)… those things will all come to pass under the guise of “operational efficiencies.”
I saw a vehicle wrapped in Flying Biscuit ad paper when leaving the gym the other day. ??????
By carter
May 16, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
I have a lot more respect for Truit Cathy than I do for the greedy biscuit slingers,Who would buy a franchise for a concept older than my grandmother. Greed is a killer of good restaurants everywhere.Why do you think Annes Snack Bar was rated as the best burger in the United States and is constantly rated #1 or #2 in Atlanta by the fish wrapper, Anne is not greedy she may be domineering but greedy she’s not,If there were Annes franchises it wouldn’t be anywhere near as good. I drive almost 80 miles a couple of times a month to go to Annes,I wouldn’t walk across the street for a Flying Biscuit,My Mom lives 4 blocks down Clifton Rd. she loves the F/B I go there only because of her it’s not bad but it’s OK. It will die as a franchise.
By Bhorsoft
May 16, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
Franchising a restaurant is about consistency, efficiency and cost maximization. Unfortunately, its not about the food.
As I travel around on my motorcycle I do my best to avoid the franchises and try to find the “Mom & Pop” places in a town. I find that I get a great meal about 75 to 80 percent of the time. The rest of the time the meals are a disaster. That’s the problem with “Mom & Pop” places - no consistency. Unless you know the place, its a crap shoot but the odds are in your favor.
I understand why “Mom & Pop” owners would want to try to franchise. Heck, I’d like to retire and not worry about money for the rest of my life! Good for them, but I’ll avoid the franchises as much as I can.
By mcm
May 16, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
Well, good for Delia Champion, but bad for the rest of us who loved the Flying Biscuit. There’s just no way that a franchised operation of this restaurant will work, when most of the charm of the restaurant is the fact that it’s independent.
How sad.
By SAR
May 16, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Why all the OTP bashing all the time as if you have the inside scoop to good living based on the fact you live inside the perimeter in Atlanta. I mean come on, if you really are all that hip wouldn’t your address be a loft or brownstone in Manhattan and not lving in the south. Get over yourselves, just because you grew up in Huntsville, Alabama now and you live with three roommates in Midtown you’re suddenly SoHo chic. Trust me, the art crowd living in a Tribecca walk-up would still think you are bunch of cousin dating hicks.
By Tom
May 16, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Put your hands up and step away from the keyboards! OK….everyone breathe; breathe. That’s better now. Going from funky eatery to cookie cutter franchises to ideologic rants to Bush is bad……we’re talking about biscits, people!
By Jen
May 16, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
“Trust me, the art crowd living in a Tribecca walk-up would still think you are bunch of cousin dating hicks.”
No they don’t. At least my Village friends don’t (my SF friends, too). They like the intown neighborhoods of Atlanta a lot. They often comment on how much it reminds them of taking their home on vacation with them…more trees and more relaxing version of home. They’re just not that snotty. But apparently you are.
Me…I like CP because it reminds me of Old Metairie.
By markscottmusic
May 16, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
I like American Roadhous in on North Highland in the Va-Highlands neighborhood for breakfast. Does anyone know if that’s a chain? I’ve never seen any others in Atlanta. The make a mean breakfast scramble and awesom pancakes.
Good for Delia making a smart deal for herself and her family. I’d eaten at the original location since it opened. I lived up the street. She’s a great lady, worked hard and deserves her success. I probably wouldn’t go to a franchised one, but a lot of people will and I’m sure it’ll be very successful. (And I’m not anti-franchise… I love Moe’s… I just prefer American Roadhouse for my breakfasts).
By JEFFDAULERSUCKS
May 16, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
This fat pig is so money hungry its crazy. You should see how he runs his radio show and you think that the Biscuit is going to keep to its roots. The midtown location alone has tons of suburbanites that flock to it and wait and look around at those of us who live in midtown like we’re in some kind of fish bowl. But JD is still a looser and now that he is part of the Buscuit you can forget me or any of our friends who’ve worked with him will ever go to it again.
By Linda
May 16, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this
I think it’s natural when something is successful that other people will want to experience it. I live in Woodstock now, so going to the Flying Biscuit is a rare treat for me, even though I love their food. If they can do that in Woodstock, that’s great - more people can enjoy their biscuits! I don’t feel a particular need for tattooed/pierced people to serve my food. Don’t be snobby, someone may look nerdy, but as long as the food is good and the service is good, that’s what matters most. I hope they are successful as a chain. It would be a benefit to everyone.
By Tony
May 17, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this
You can’t blame anybody for making a deal to secure financial success for themselves or their family. Reminds me of when Herschel Walker went pro some years back, all these folks talking about how he “betrayed” his alma mater….He did what he was supposed to do and took care of himself. If you want home cooked food, do what I do and cook it yourself. Believe me, it’s not hard, and it has therapeutic value also. BTW, born and raised in the South, and I am not bigoted towards anybody as long as they don’t try to force their lifestyle on me.
By stella
May 17, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
I visited the new Flying Biscuit and it’s fantastic. The team running it is clearly dedicated, friendly and talented - food and service is right on. They have succeeded in staying true to Delia’s original Flying Biscuit, now simply sharing it with new audiences. Up up and away… welcome to the neighborhood!
By MOT
May 17, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
My daugther who lives in midtown treated me and her sister to brunch there one Saturday (FB) and it was such a cool experience. I wasn’t crazy about their food as my daughter who eats there quite frequently is, but it was a fun mother/daughters outing. What did impress me was that I had left my little brown leather “wallet” really just a card sized card holder with my driver’s license, insurance cards, library card, credit cards, all sorts of important things lying on the table when I thought I would be paying. When we had moved on to go shopping and I realized it was missing we back tracked to the FB and this was 2-3 hours later, and sure enough, the wait staff found it and secured it for me and handed it over intact. I have experienced those sorts of things out West,(Utah to be specific when my mom and I were traveling, a McD’s restaurtant -she loves the egg sandwich there-, and she left her purse with over $200.00 and after getting four hours back to where we were staying, and not till the next day did she realize it was gone, we back tracked and called and they had it and when we retrieved it all was intact. That was amazing.) It would never happen around here. Every other instance that me, kids or friends have left something somewhere in the Atlanta area it has never been recovered, or if the holder was recovered i.e. purse, wallet, the contents were gone, including at church-where one daughter thought it was ok to leave her change of clothes and makeup bag and other miscellaneous items out on the coat rack since it was church afterall, only to find makeup bag missing, etc. Anyway, just illustrating that FB has employees of the caliber that would find and keep safe a wallet, etc. While I will not wax poetic about their food, I will at any time stand up for their employees, but I wonder if that would have happened had it been a franchise place.
And if you laugh or wonder about the frequency of my family losing things, I am speaking of a period of 24 years, and many people including immediate family extended family and friends. (Though I do admit to losing my keys in my house frequently—I need the clapper)
By M
May 22, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
I miss the original Longhorn. In spite of the fact it had a stuffed deer’s rear. I had to get over that. It was just a great little steak house with character.
Things change. Not always for the better.
By Chris
May 28, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
After reading the BLOGS people are very screwed up in Atlanta!
This place is just a whole in the wall and the food is not that great. The lines of drunks waiting each weekend in Midtown to eat this crap is the ones who have DUIS’s so they can’t drive anywhere… If anything the franchise will better than the lesbian who started this food joint since they will be able to cook with less of her input. All in all this is just cheap food for the masses. Sheep to the slaughter….