Episode 80: Hannah McClain with Biscuit Belly

Hannah McClain is director of culinary and training for Louisville, KY-based Biscuit Belly, a fast-casual regional franchise in the U.S. South, Midwest, and Southeast. McClain has been promoting the company’s motto “Grab Life By The Biscuit!” since 2019. The rapidly expanding counter-service concept offers a wide variety of creative Southern-style biscuit meals such as the Boozy Bird, Biscuit Beenie, Belly Board, and the Love Shack.

"I just knew cooking would be my future,” says McClain, adding, “I started cooking with my uncles and grandmother as a child and haven’t stopped."

McClain discusses Biscuit Belly’s expansion and its franchisee selection, training, and development. She also explains:

• Why menu development requires creative staff training practices to ensure consistent operations.
• Why customer value is defined by staying true to quality ingredients, consistent portions, and creative presentations.
• Why it takes the right people with the right products and following the right processes to be profitable today. (She notes that a recent franchisee opening attracted more than 200 applicants for 35 positions).
• Why franchisee selection is like adding family members at the dinner table. (“Closeness and compatibility are what’s most important,” says McClain).
• Why franchise field services are more about teamwork and support than supervision and evaluation.