Vicious Biscuit Names Industry Veteran Mike Stevens Chief Development Officer and Promotes Kate Byrd

Why It Matters

The leadership reshuffle equips Vicious Biscuit with seasoned operational expertise needed to execute a disciplined, nationwide franchise rollout, boosting growth potential and unit economics. It signals the brand’s commitment to scaling responsibly in a competitive fast‑casual breakfast market.

Key Takeaways

• Mike Stevens joins as chief development officer, overseeing franchise growth.
• Stevens brings 30+ years experience scaling restaurant brands to 100+ locations.
• Kate Byrd promoted to franchise liaison, managing onboarding and support.
• Company aims for 50‑75 new units in five years, 40 in pipeline.

Pulse Analysis

Vicious Biscuit has emerged as a standout fast‑casual breakfast brand, leveraging Southern hospitality and bold flavor profiles to capture a niche in the crowded quick‑service sector. Since its 2017 launch, the chain has earned accolades such as Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers and Nation’s Restaurant News Breakout Brand, while expanding to seven corporate stores and four franchised locations. The brand’s strong unit economics and loyal customer base provide a solid foundation for the aggressive multi‑unit growth strategy it now pursues.

The appointment of Mike Stevens as chief development officer and director of supply chain marks a strategic inflection point. With a three‑decade track record of scaling concepts like Tilted Kilt to over 100 sites, Stevens brings a rare blend of franchise development acumen and supply‑chain optimization. His focus on disciplined pipeline management and cost‑effective sourcing is expected to streamline new‑store rollouts and protect margins as the brand adds locations. Simultaneously, promoting Kate Byrd to franchise liaison ensures franchisees receive dedicated support throughout the development lifecycle, reducing time‑to‑open and enhancing operational consistency.

Looking ahead, Vicious Biscuit’s target of 50‑75 new units within five years positions it among the fastest‑growing breakfast concepts. The company’s active search for experienced multi‑unit operators reflects a broader industry trend where capital‑intensive franchisors seek partners capable of rapid execution. If the leadership team can marry brand appeal with operational rigor, Vicious Biscuit could capture significant market share from incumbents like Dunkin’ and emerging players such as Crumbl. The moves also underscore the importance of seasoned executive talent in navigating the complexities of national franchise expansion.