Valdosta residents can anticipate a new breakfast and brunch option with the arrival of Vicious Biscuit, expected to open in spring 2027. The Charleston-born fast-casual restaurant has partnered with veteran local operators Doug Puryear and Brian Smith, who signed a franchise agreement to bring the brand to South Georgia. This new establishment represents an expansion of local business offerings and an investment in the community's dining scene.
The future Vicious Biscuit restaurant will be located at 3259 Inner Perimeter Road, Suite G, within the North Oak Square Shopping Center. This location will place it adjacent to one of Puryear and Smith's existing Surcheros restaurants. The facility is planned to span approximately 4,000 square feet and is expected to provide seating for 80 to 90 guests.
Puryear and Smith, operating their restaurant group as SAP Saint Simons, bring a combined three decades of experience in the restaurant industry. Puryear has ten years of experience, while Smith has twenty years, which includes a decade owning two Hardee’s locations. Together, they previously managed two Huddle House restaurants for ten years. They currently own and operate nine Surcheros restaurants, with their Valdosta and Brunswick locations consistently ranking as top performers within the Surcheros brand.
Their interest in Vicious Biscuit began after Puryear visited the brand’s flagship restaurant in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Impressed by the food and the overall guest experience, Puryear encouraged Smith to also visit. Following Smith’s firsthand experience with the concept and meetings with Vicious Biscuit’s leadership, the partners decided to incorporate the brand into their existing restaurant portfolio.
Doug Puryear stated that the food initially garnered their attention, but their interest grew as they learned more about the brand. Puryear highlighted that Vicious Biscuit's operational, technological, and support systems “really stood out,” noting the strong foundation built by the company. The partners were also drawn to Vicious Biscuit’s focused single-daypart operating model, which concentrates on breakfast and brunch. This approach was appealing given their past experiences operating 24-hour restaurants, offering a more streamlined approach to staffing and daily operations.
Brian Smith added that Vicious Biscuit’s leadership team demonstrates an understanding of franchisee needs and has developed robust support systems. He emphasized that the combination of the brand’s food and hospitality distinguishes it, making it an important addition for their business group. George McLaughlin, co-founder and CEO of Vicious Biscuit, expressed confidence in the new partners, citing Puryear and Smith’s proven track record, active involvement in their businesses, market understanding, and shared commitment to quality food and hospitality.
Vicious Biscuit, described as the original home of bold biscuits, is actively expanding its presence across the Southeast and Midwest. The brand currently operates thirteen restaurants, comprising seven corporate and six franchise locations. Additionally, eight new franchise units are signed and under development, with another 33 restaurants committed under existing franchise agreements, pending securing leases. The company continues to invest in franchise training, operational systems, and technology to support its growth model.
