The Big Biscuit is expanding its footprint in Missouri with a new restaurant planned for Columbia, marking another milestone for the growing breakfast franchise. Expected to open in late 2026, the location will be operated by the Umstattd family, experienced restaurant owners who have built one of the region's largest Sonic Drive-In portfolios. The move represents their first venture with The Big Biscuit and reflects continued confidence in the strength of the breakfast and lunch segment.
Leading the expansion is Kevin Umstattd, who has spent decades developing successful restaurant operations alongside his sons, Corbin and Miles. Together, the family has cultivated a management philosophy centered on investing in people, believing that engaged employees ultimately create stronger customer experiences. Under the new venture, Miles will oversee daily operations, training and team development, while Corbin will focus on marketing, human resources and community engagement. Their complementary leadership structure is designed to support long-term growth while maintaining a welcoming, neighborhood-oriented atmosphere.
The Big Biscuit's leadership views the partnership as a natural fit. Marita Swift, Vice President of Strategic Growth, said the Umstattds bring extensive operational knowledge along with a commitment to hospitality that closely aligns with the brand's values. Since opening its first restaurant in 2000, The Big Biscuit has expanded to 32 locations across Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas by focusing on generous portions, friendly service and community involvement. The Columbia restaurant continues that strategy while introducing the concept to a new customer base.
As franchise systems grow into new markets, ensuring that every location delivers the same level of service becomes increasingly important. Centralizing operating procedures, training resources and brand standards helps franchisees build consistency from the very beginning. Solutions such as Gorilla Dash support that process through a centralized Knowledge Base, giving franchise teams a practical way to access operational guidance, onboarding materials and standardized procedures as they scale.
The Columbia restaurant also demonstrates a broader trend within franchising: experienced multi-unit operators are increasingly diversifying into complementary restaurant concepts rather than remaining focused on a single brand. For the Umstattd family, the transition from quick-service burgers to a breakfast-focused concept reflects confidence in changing consumer dining habits and the continued demand for community-centered restaurants that combine quality food with personalized service.
When the doors open in late 2026, Columbia residents can expect more than another breakfast restaurant. They will be welcoming a franchise operated by a family with decades of restaurant experience and a reputation for investing in both employees and the communities they serve. For The Big Biscuit, the expansion represents another measured step in its regional growth strategy while reinforcing the people-first philosophy that continues to define the brand.
