Vicious Biscuit, the original home of unapologetically bold biscuits, has signed veteran restaurant operators Doug Puryear and Brian Smith as franchise partners in South Georgia. The longtime business partners, who own and operate nine Surcheros restaurants, will open their first Vicious Biscuit in Valdosta, with an anticipated spring 2027 opening.
The agreement marks Vicious Biscuit’s entry into the market as the Charleston-born fast-casual breakfast and brunch brand continues expanding across the Southeast and Midwest.
Puryear and Smith, whose restaurant group operates as SAP Saint Simons, bring 30 years of combined restaurant industry experience to Vicious Biscuit. Puryear has spent 10 years in the business, while Smith has 20 years, including a decade owning two Hardee’s locations. Together, they previously operated two Huddle House restaurants for 10 years. Their Surcheros locations in Valdosta and Brunswick consistently rank among the brand’s top performers.
Their interest in Vicious Biscuit began when Puryear visited the brand’s flagship restaurant in Mount Pleasant, SC. Impressed by the food and guest experience, he encouraged Smith to visit. After experiencing the concept firsthand and meeting with Vicious Biscuit’s leadership team, the partners decided to add the brand to their restaurant portfolio.
“The food is what initially got our attention, but the more we learned about Vicious Biscuit, the more impressed we became,” said Puryear. “We’ve worked with several restaurant brands over the years, and the operations, technology and support systems Vicious Biscuit has already put in place really stood out. They’ve built a strong foundation, and we wanted to be part of it.”
The partners were also attracted to Vicious Biscuit’s single-daypart operating model, which focuses on breakfast and brunch. Having previously operated 24-hour restaurants, they recognized the appeal of a more focused approach to staffing, restaurant operations and the guest experience.
“Vicious Biscuit has put a lot of thought into how the business operates,” said Smith. “The leadership team understands what franchisees need, and they’ve built the systems to support them. At the same time, the food and hospitality are what make the brand different. That’s an important combination for us.”
The approximately 4,000-square-foot Valdosta restaurant will be located at 3259 Inner Perimeter Road, Suite G, in the North Oak Square Shopping Center, adjacent to the partners’ existing Surcheros restaurant. The restaurant is expected to seat 80 to 90 guests.
“Doug and Brian have a proven track record of operating successful restaurants and building strong teams,” said George McLaughlin, co-founder and CEO of Vicious Biscuit. “They’re actively involved in their businesses, understand their markets and share our commitment to great food and hospitality. They’re exactly the kind of experienced operators we want to grow with.”
As Vicious Biscuit expands into new markets, the brand continues to invest in franchise training, operational systems and technology to support its single-daypart restaurant model.
Vicious Biscuit currently operates 13 restaurants, including seven corporate and six franchise locations, with eight additional franchise units signed and under development. Another 33 restaurants are committed under existing franchise agreements, with development contingent upon securing leases.
Vicious Biscuit is seeking multiunit operators to join its growing franchise system. For more information, visit www.viciousbiscuit.com/vicious-biscuit-franchise.
Visit www.viciousbiscuit.com for additional brand updates. Follow on Instagram @viciousbiscuits, Facebook at ViciousBiscuit1, and TikTok @viciousbiscuitchs to stay in the loop as we continue making big moves and bold biscuit creations.
