Mount Pleasant, S.C. — Vicious Biscuit, a fast-growing Southern brunch brand known for its bold flavors and genuine hospitality, has named Mike Ball as vice president of franchise operations. Ball, who previously served as vice president of operations, will now lead a newly defined, franchise-dedicated role focused exclusively on franchise partner success as the brand prepares for accelerated national expansion.
The appointment comes as Vicious Biscuit enters its next stage of growth, with an expanding pipeline of franchise openings and a growing roster of multi-unit operators entering the system. The move reflects the brand’s commitment to investing ahead of growth by building the leadership, infrastructure and field support required to responsibly scale.
“Our brand has reached an important inflection point,” says Amanda Kahalehoe, chief operating officer of Vicious Biscuit. “As we grow into new markets and welcome more sophisticated franchise partners, it became essential to have one senior leader fully accountable for franchise execution and success. Mike has been instrumental in building the operating foundation of our corporate restaurants, and with more than 30 years in the industry, he brings the credibility, experience and leadership needed to translate that foundation into a high-performing franchise ecosystem.”
In his new role, Ball will oversee all aspects of the franchise journey, from onboarding and training to unit-level performance and long term growth. He will build and lead scalable systems for franchisee training and certification while strengthening restaurant performance through structured coaching and operational discipline. Ball will also serve as the primary liaison between franchisees and home office support, protecting brand consistency while supporting sustainable profitability.
The role marks a shift from Ball’s previous focus on corporate restaurant operations to a position that is 100% franchise-dedicated. By centralizing franchise accountability under one executive leader, Vicious Biscuit aims to deliver greater clarity, consistency and responsiveness across the system.
“This move signals that Vicious Biscuit is building a franchise organization designed for long term legacy success,” Kahalehoe says. “We’re transitioning from an emerging brand into a mature franchise platform with disciplined systems, dedicated leadership and the operational backbone needed to responsibly double in size.”
Ball brings more than 30 years of restaurant operations and leadership experience to the role. He began his career with McAlister’s Deli, advancing from hourly roles into multi-unit leadership and supporting the development of 17 locations across South Carolina. Prior to joining Vicious Biscuit in 2020, Ball held leadership roles with Cracker Barrel, Liberty Taproom & Grill and Chick-fil-A, where he strengthened his focus on hospitality-driven execution, leadership development and scalable operating systems.
Vicious Biscuit is a trailblazing fast-casual breakfast brand born in 2017 from the visionary mind of veteran restaurateur George McLaughlin. Rooted in the heart of the South where biscuits are king, the brand serves creatively handcrafted comfort meals with a fierce commitment to fresh, quality ingredients and unparalleled Southern hospitality. The brand currently operates seven corporate locations across South Carolina, North Carolina and Florida and includes four franchise locations in Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi and Ohio with continued expansion underway nationwide. For more information, visit www.viciousbiscuit.com/vicious-biscuit-franchise.
SOURCE: Vicious Biscuit