For biscuit and gravy lovers out there, Maple Street Biscuit Company needs to be a definite bucket list must. With a menu that boasts several different uniquely made breakfast items, this biscuit company chain is located in several parts of the country – but you may not even realize it…
The Rise
According to certain sources associated with the highly successful restaurant chain, Maple Street Biscuit Company first got its start in 2012.
“Maple Street was started by Scott Moore and Gus Evans, and they built it in Jacksonville, Florida. They opened their doors on November 8, 2012 to a community with open arms and hungry tummies,” says Zoe, a proud and very eager associate of the company.
They may have already been around for 10 years, but the location I had the opportunity to visit only recently opened in May of 2020.
So what is the story behind Maple Street Biscuit Company and who are they exactly? Zoe goes on with her description of the deliciousness that is Maple Street’s background.
“We often get asked if we are a franchise or a chain. The answer is no. With more locations than one, and with the same delicious offerings as each one, what are we? Well, to be honest, we made up our own word as to what we are. We refer to it as a group of community stores. We did not set out to sell a concept and make a profit. We wanted to make a difference in people’s lives that are a part of the communities we serve.
Every store is named after the community it is a part of. We have a mission and a few core principles that guide each store. That’s how we do growth; we find people to live out that mission and those values. Those fine people are our community leaders. What is the mission and those values? Essentially, it is us saying we want to do for others what the Lord has already done for us.”
An encouraging final statement and thought in today’s world. With so many people rushing to serve the almighty dollar, few set out to serve the Almighty. This could be why Maple Street has been as successful has they have been in the past decade – putting their trust in God, and not in the secular world that so many businesses do. And with owner Scott never having worked in the restaurant or business-type industry before, the sheer fact alone that the entire company was based on a few ideas and concepts could be construed as divine intervention in and of itself.
With plans to open more stores in the near future, Maple Street Biscuit Company has a goal to serve 15 more communities this year (2022), and other even loftier ideas. Not only do they have their own projections set in sight for this new year, but are always looking for feedback from guests and outsiders as well to provide ideas and suggestions.
The Amazing Food
For those of you who just can’t live without the classic biscuits and gravy, Maple Street gives a whole new take on the classic dish. With a dozen or more versions and concotions which emulate and are inspired by the famous Southern classic, there are several things you need to try here before leaving this earth.
The restaurant’s signature dish is also their most popular, The Five & Dime. Followed closely by the Squawking Goat, they are both a scrumptous delight to enjoy while dining inside the industrial-style restaurant. Flaky homemade biscuits, amazing homemade gravy smothered over fried chicken breast – um, what more could you ask for? The Squaking Goat perhaps? This biscuit sandwich was actually featured on the Food Network and is probably not what you’re expecting. Fried chicken breast sandwiched between their amazingly flaky and soft biscuits, with homemade pepper jelly – this sandwich tastes like Southern cuisine meets Asian takeaway. With a sweet and sour type of texture and flavor to that peppered jelly, it’s a little bit of everything in every bite.
But neither of these were my favorite off the menu. Mine were two that you simply cannot leave Maple Street without trying. Make that three, actually. I will list them in order:
3. Potatoes O’Reily. The most amazing Potatoes O’Reily I have ever had in my life. These little bites of flavor will transport you into a hypnotic trance of delight.
2. The Sweet Grace Waffles. Chocolate chip Belgian-style waffles, I had not had waffles this good since I can’t even remember when.
1. Three-Layer Cake. Fried hashbrown cake, mixed with smoked Gouda cheese, topped with chives, fried egg and house made sausage gravy. This is the most incredible breakfast dish possibly ever. You absolutely cannot leave the restaurant without trying it. Even the presentation is unmatched and you won’t regret ordering it.
And if it’s food you’re not after, but rather beverages, Maple Street has an endless array of coffees and hot chocolates to choose from. Even signature mimosas!
Needless to say, even for someone like me who has never been a fan of biscuits and gravy, you will undoubtedly have your mind changed on that once you’ve eaten here. In fact, I’m ready to go back to Birmingham just to have me some of that fine grub!
And don’t worry, Maple Street Biscuit Company is not just limited to the great state of Alabama. In total, they have 46 locations, which includes 39 community stores, and 7 charter stores.
So with so many places to choose from, you’re bound to find a location somewhere in your general vicinity.
Want some merch while you’re there? I know I did! With t-shirts, mugs, coffee, and even maple syrup to take home with you, there’s a little something for everyone to take home as a nice souvenir from the fine establishment we all want to visit more than once in our lifetime.
So what are you waiting for? You know you want some waffles, and amazing biscuit sandwiches with that southern fried chicken we all know and love. Why not stop in today to Maple Street Biscuit Company? Just make sure that when you do, you let them know that Lisa sent you!
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