Vicious Biscuit, the original home of unapologetically bold biscuits, has signed a second Mississippi location with franchise operators Cliff and Hunter Russum. The new location is slated to open in early Q4 2026 near Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS.
This Starkville restaurant marks the second Vicious Biscuit for the Russum brothers as part of a previously signed three-unit franchise development agreement for Mississippi. The expansion comes less than two years after the operators introduced the brand to the Magnolia State with the opening of Vicious Biscuit Hattiesburg, reinforcing their confidence in the concept and the market.
Located at 87-1 Cotton Mill Drive in Starkville’s Cotton Mill Marketplace, the nearly 3,300-square-foot restaurant will replace a former Salsarita’s Mexican Grill space and feature seating for approximately 120 guests, along with a small outdoor patio area. Positioned near the intersection of Highway 12 and Spring Street, the location sits steps from Mississippi State University and within walking distance of major athletic venues and high-traffic retail corridors. The restaurant is currently in the design and permitting phase ahead of its anticipated opening.
“We’ve been incredibly encouraged by the response in Hattiesburg, and Starkville is the right mix of university traffic, community growth and operational opportunity for the brand,” said Cliff Russum. “We believe Vicious Biscuit’s model, atmosphere and bold menu offerings will resonate really well in this market.”
The location near Mississippi State University aligns with the brand’s strategy of targeting energetic community hubs with strong daytime traffic patterns. Its proximity to campus and athletic facilities positions the restaurant to benefit from year-round student activity, community engagement and game-day demand. The location is expected to create approximately 30 to 35 jobs.
As consumer demand for elevated breakfast and brunch experiences continues to grow, Vicious Biscuit has carved out a niche within the fast-casual segment by combining chef-inspired menu offerings with an operational model designed for speed, guest throughput and hospitality-focused service.
“The Russum brothers continue to show us they are exceptional partners for our brand,” said George McLaughlin, co-founder and CEO of Vicious Biscuit. “Breakfast and brunch remain one of the most dynamic growth categories in the restaurant industry, and operators like Cliff and Hunter understand how to build strong community-driven restaurants around that demand. Their success in Hattiesburg reinforced what we believed about the Mississippi market and the long-term scalability of the Vicious Biscuit model.”
McLaughlin continued, “We’ve also been very intentional about our growth strategy and the operators we partner with. Cliff and Hunter embody the kind of franchise partners we look for: experienced restaurateurs who understand hospitality, operations and community engagement. That alignment has been critical to building the brand the right way.”
Longtime restaurant operators, the Russum’s also own multiple Mugshots Grill & Bar franchise locations throughout Mississippi. After discovering Vicious Biscuit through social media and visiting one of the brand’s South Carolina locations, they became some of the concept’s earliest franchise partners.
Founded in Charleston, South Carolina, Vicious Biscuit has developed a loyal following with its fork-and-knife biscuit creations, scratch-made menu offerings and energetic brunch atmosphere. Signature menu items include The Vicious, The Fat Boy, The Flame Thrower and Hen Solo, alongside Southern-inspired favorites like Sweet Puppies, Vicious Beignets and Fried Green ‘Maters. The brand is also known for its signature jams and house-made butters, fresh-squeezed orange juice mimosas and broad appeal for breakfast and brunch occasions.
The Starkville announcement continues a period of accelerated franchise growth for Vicious Biscuit as the brand expands its footprint across the Southeast and Midwest. The emerging breakfast brand currently operates seven corporate locations and four franchise restaurants, with more than 40 additional franchise locations in development nationwide.
Vicious Biscuit is seeking multi-unit 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.
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