Food and Beverage
Now We’re Baking: Vicious Biscuit Revolutionizes Breakfast/Brunch Franchising
Fast-Casual Phenom Opens First Franchise and Reveals Second Quarter Successes
CHARLESTON, S.C. /PRNewswire/ — Vicious Biscuit, the hottest fast-casual biscuit franchise, is excited to share its remarkable growth and achievements in the second quarter of 2024.
In a significant expansion move, Vicious Biscuit opened its first franchise location in Akron, Ohio, marking a major step forward in its national franchise strategy. “Opening our first franchise location is a milestone that sets the tone for our expansion strategy. Much hard work and planning brought us to this point. We waited until we had the right team, the right systems, and the best partners to ensure that each franchisee has the tools they need for success,” said George McLaughlin, CEO and co-founder of Vicious Biscuit. “Launching our Akron location marks the exciting start of our franchise rollout which will bring Vicious Biscuit’s unique dining experience, bold flavors and southern hospitality to new communities nationwide.”
Since launching its franchising program in early 2023, in partnership with Pivotal Growth Partners, Vicious Biscuit is on track to reach 75 locations within the next five years in key markets across the United States, including South Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Utah.
The brand continues to build a solid foundation for its franchisees with the opening of its seventh corporate location in Columbia, South Carolina. “Having corporate locations lets us test and perfect our processes and customer service. This way, when we bring franchisees onboard, they’re entering a business that’s already set up for success,” said Amanda Kahalehoe, Chief Operating Officer for Vicious Biscuit.
Awards and Recognition
Vicious Biscuit has been recognized on the 2024 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers and Shakers list for the first time, ranking at #74. This distinction honors the brand’s innovative approach to menu development and technology integration in the fast-casual sector.
The brand was also named to The 40/40 List for 2024: America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals and won “Best Biscuits in Charleston” for the fifth consecutive year.
Leadership and Innovation
- Doinita Leahu, Director of Training at Vicious Biscuit, was named to QSR’s 28 Young Leaders to Watch list for 2024. Leahu, native of Romania, quickly moved up through the ranks at Chick-fil-A before joining Vicious Biscuit. She has been instrumental in maintaining high training standards and supporting the opening of new stores.
- Amanda Kahalehoe, featured in Franchise Update’s article “Female Mentors: Leading the Next Gen to the C-Suite,” continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s marketing strategies.
- George McLaughlin, Vicious Biscuit’s CEO and co-founder, was featured on the Emerging Brands Podcast. He discussed the strategic vision behind the brand’s growth.
Vicious Biscuit: Still to Come
As Vicious Biscuit moves forward, the focus remains on supporting the recently signed franchisees through the site selection process and ensuring the successful opening of upcoming locations in Gonzales, LA; Fishers, IN; and Hattiesburg, MS.
Vicious Biscuit is seeking single- and multi-unit operators to join the ranks of its breakfast revolutionaries and help spread its Vicious hospitality across the U.S. For more information on franchise opportunities, visit www.viciousbiscuitfranchise.com.
About Vicious Biscuit
Born from the visionary minds of veteran restaurateur George McLaughlin and biscuit innovator Michael Greeley in 2018, this trailblazing fast-casual franchise breakfast brand and biscuits are anything but ordinary. Vicious Biscuit serves up a menu that’s as unapologetically bold as it is delicious. Our locations, rooted in Southern tradition, offer a warm welcome and embody our commitment to unparalleled hospitality. Our award-winning biscuits have garnered numerous “Best Biscuit” accolades, and our fierce flavor combinations are featured on The Cooking Channel’s “Food Paradise.” To learn more about the Vicious Biscuit franchising opportunity, visit www.viciousbiscuitfranchise.com.
About Pivotal Growth Partners
With a combined 50+ years of experience, Pivotal Growth Partners (PGP) has led emerging brands to position themselves for accelerated growth, maximizing brand and shareholder value. As a full-service growth and development consultant firm, PGP’s team of experts builds on a brand’s strengths through the development of systems, processes, people, and culture to collectively drive sustainable growth within the organization. In 2022, PGP was recognized in Inc. magazine’s Inaugural 2022 Power Partner Awards, honoring B2B organizations across the globe with a proven track record for supporting entrepreneurs and helping startups grow. For more information, visit www.pivotalgrowthpartners.com.
SOURCE Vicious Biscuit
recipes
Where Heritage Meets Health: Connecting Culture and Nutrition to Fight Diabetes
Meals served at home can carry significant meaning, including community and connection centered around flavorful dishes. They can also represent an opportunity to encourage good nutrition, particularly for those at heightened risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes. Classic avocado flavor can enhance some of the most delicious, diabetes-friendly dishes on your menu, such as chef Pati Jinich’s Lime-Rubbed Chicken Avocado Tacos with Corn Guacamole.
Last Updated on May 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Feature Impact) Meals served at home can carry significant meaning, including community and connection centered around flavorful dishes. They can also represent an opportunity to encourage good nutrition, particularly for those at heightened risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes.
With Hispanic adults 66% more likely to have diagnosed diabetes than non-Hispanic white adults, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Avocados From Mexico is committed to providing culturally relevant, empowering resources. In collaboration with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and chef Pati Jinich, the No. 1-selling avocado brand in the U.S. is showcasing the vibrant intersection of nutritious food and rich family traditions with a special collection of recipes.
“I grew up in a Mexican household where food was our love language – but there was also stigma and very little guidance around diabetes,” Jinich said. “When my aunt, and later my mom, were diagnosed, it took time to understand what healthy eating could look like for them. That’s why this partnership means so much to me. Our culture and our food are not the problem – they’re part of the solution. Traditional ingredients like avocados can deliver both flavor and wellness, while giving families the resources mine didn’t have. That’s incredibly meaningful.”
Classic avocado flavor can enhance some of the most delicious, diabetes-friendly dishes on your menu, such as Jinich’s Lime-Rubbed Chicken Avocado Tacos with Corn Guacamole. Created to help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in the Hispanic community, this recipe is powered by the good fats and zero-sugar goodness of Avocados From Mexico.
While honoring heritage and health, you don’t have to sacrifice the flavors your family loves. The heart of Hispanic culture – its food – can also be the key to a healthier future.
To take the 60-second Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test and find more diabetes-friendly recipes, which each meet the nutritional guidelines of the ADA, visit avocadosfrommexico.com/health.
Lime-Rubbed Chicken Avocado Tacos with Corn Guacamole
Recipe courtesy of Pati Jinich on behalf of Avocados From Mexico
Servings: 8
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, or 1/4 teaspoon dried
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- corn or safflower oil
Corn Guacamole:
- 1 jalapeno chile, roasted and chopped, or to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, skin on
- 2 large ripe Avocados From Mexico, halved, pitted and diced
- 3/4 cup corn kernels shaved from corn, or cooked from thawed
- 3/4 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lime juice
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, or to taste
Tacos:
- 16 corn tortillas
- To make chicken: In bowl, mix lime juice with olive oil, salt, ground pepper and rosemary. Pour on top of chicken in container. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.
- Heat medium-sized saute or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add corn or safflower oil; once hot but not smoking, add chicken. Saute until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pan; place on chopping board to cool. When cool enough to handle, slice into diagonal strips about 1/2-inch wide.
- To make corn guacamole: Place jalapeno and garlic cloves in small baking dish under broiler 6-9 minutes, or until completely cooked through, soft and skin is charred. Once cool enough to handle, peel garlic and mince along with chiles.
- Place diced avocado in mixing bowl. Add charred and minced garlic and jalapenos, gently tossing together. Incorporate corn and tomatoes. Squeeze lime juice on top and sprinkle with salt. Mix together.
- To assemble tacos: In hot skillet or comal set over medium-low heat, heat tortillas about 1 minute per side.
- Place tortillas in tortilla warmer or wrap in clean kitchen towel or cloth napkin. Serve with guacamole and chicken.
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At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
recipes
An At-Home Solution with the Taste of Takeout
Taste of Takeout: If you’re cozying up at home but takeout cravings are calling, it may just be time for a pantry refresh that brings bold flavors straight to your kitchen. To ensure convenience and flavor is on your menu, consider these Spicy Tuna Sushi Rice Cups as an easy way to enjoy the taste of takeout from the comfort of your own kitchen.

An At-Home Solution with the Taste of Takeout
(Feature Impact) If you’re cozying up at home but takeout cravings are calling, it may just be time for a pantry refresh that brings bold flavors straight to your kitchen. No matter what kind of cook you are – Bumble Bee Snackers are your new secret snack-section solution.
For unbeatable convenience and flavor, consider Bumble Bee Snackers for an at-home recipe enhancement. They’re shaking up the tuna aisle in single-serve cans with a variety of bold flavors that are perfect for snacking or light lunches, including zesty Lemon Pepper, rich and savory Hickory Smoke, tastebud-tingling Sweet Heat, spicy-sweet Thai Chili and nostalgic Tuna Salad. If you’re more of a traditionalist, classic Chunk Light Tuna is an ideal complement for crackers or veggies.
The premixed 3-ounce cans can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other favorites like celery sticks, carrots, cucumber, crackers or tortilla chips.
Snack menu shakeups are sweeping the country; in fact, 50% of Americans agree it’s hard to find snacks that meets all their needs, according to a survey conducted by Bumble Bee Seafoods and FleishmanHillard’s TRUE Global Intelligence. The survey also found hungry families are looking for more “bang for their buck,” affordability, protein and ease for eating on the go.
While value and convenience are important, great taste still tops the list – flavor remains the single biggest driver of snacking decisions. To ensure convenience and flavor is on your menu, consider these Spicy Tuna Sushi Rice Cups as an easy way to enjoy the taste of takeout from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Visit BumbleBee.com to discover more ways to shake up snacking at home.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Spicy Tuna Sushi Rice Cups
Recipe courtesy of @amateur_husband on behalf of Bumble Bee Seafoods
Sushi Rice:
- 2 cups sushi rice, cooked
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Tuna Mixture:
- 1 can (5 ounces) Bumble Bee Snackers Lemon Pepper
- 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon wasabi (optional)
Assembly:
- nori (seaweed sheets)
- furikake seasoning
- spicy mayo or Sriracha, for topping
- wonton crisps, for topping
- Heat oven to 375 F.
- To make sushi rice: Mix cooked rice with rice vinegar, sugar and salt. Let cool slightly.
- To make tuna mixture: In bowl, combine tuna (no draining needed), mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce and wasabi, if desired. Mix well.
- To assemble: Cut nori sheets into squares and press into cups of muffin tin to line them.
- Fill each nori-lined cup with sushi rice, pressing gently to form small nest shape.
- Sprinkle furikake over rice then top with spoonful of tuna mixture.
- Bake 8-10 minutes until heated through and edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove cups from muffin tin, drizzle with spicy mayo or Sriracha and top with wonton crisps.

SOURCE:
Bumble Bee Tuna
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
Beverages
Heidi Klum Fronts GREY GOOSE “Devil Wears Prada 2” Push Featuring The Devil’s Roast Cocktail
GREY GOOSE is stepping into the spotlight with a new collaboration tied to 20th Century Studios’ “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” arriving exclusively in theaters May 1. The French vodka brand is rolling out a multi-platform campaign that blends fashion, film, and cocktail cultureand it’s led by supermodel and Emmy-winning television personality Heidi Klum.

The partnership includes celeb-forward social content, immersive pop-ups, in-theater cocktail activations, and limited-edition packaging inspired by the highly anticipated sequelwhich returns more than 20 years after the original film became a defining pop-culture moment.
Klum stars in an original content piece created with BBH USA, set inside the world of “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” The spot spotlights The Devil’s Roast, a GREY GOOSE twist on Miranda Priestly’s iconic coffee order from the first film, reimagined as an espresso martini-style cocktail. Klum draws a line between Runway Magazine’s exacting standards and the craftsmanship behind the collaboration.
The Devil’s Roast is positioned as the campaign’s signature serve: made with GREY GOOSE vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, a pinch of salt, and finished with three gold-dusted coffee beans. Fans can try it at GREY GOOSE Devil’s Roast pop-ups in New York City on April 14, 21, and 23 at Zuccotti Park and Manhattan West Plaza, paired with gold-dusted popcorn. Select theaters nationwide will also feature specialty GREY GOOSE cocktails when the film opens.
Additional U.S. elements include New York City out-of-home billboards and a limited-edition GREY GOOSE specialty box available starting April 1 at retailers nationwide.
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Source: GREY GOOSE (PRNewswire, Mar 17, 2026)
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Discover what’s fresh, flavorful, and worth talking about in STM Daily News’ Food and Drink section. From restaurant openings and beverage trends to seasonal recipes and culinary events, this section brings readers a lively mix of food culture, community stories, and delicious inspiration. Whether you’re looking for the latest industry buzz or your next great bite, Food and Drink is your go-to source for stories that satisfy.
