Biscuit does the "Bert Show"

It was announced today that Jeff Dauler (Producer/ Co-host of Q100's "The Bert Show") bought into the Flying Biscuit franchise and he, along with his partners, are planning on opening multiple locations in the Atlanta area over the next two years. The first of his Biscuits will open next week on the corner of Northside Drive and West Paces Ferry. I was lucky enough to be in the studio with Jeff and the entire Bert Show crew this morning when the annoucement was made live on-air.
Also present was Rich Eldredge (reporter for the AJC's Peach Buzz). Rich wrote the following article that will appear in tomorrow's paper. This was a great PR move-- finally the Biscuit is being talked about in a positive light again, and I think Delia's quotes in the article below really show her motivations for "selling out", and her dedication to ensure that all of the new Biscuits have the same philosophy and feel as the originals.

It was cool to finally meet the cast of the Bert Show! I've listened to them on the radio for every morning for about 5 years! I met them all-- Bert Weiss, Jeff Dauler, Melissa Carter, Jenn Hobby, Jamie Massey, Jessica Dauler and Hoss! I asked if I could have my picture taken with them, and they said yes, but all of a sudden we found out that the conference room that I had set up their breakfast in was double booked and I had to leave quickly to move the food to another room. By the time I returned they were back on the air and busy. Hopefully some of them will be at the Grand Opening party and I'll get a photo-op then.

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Bert Show producer joins restaurant venture
By RICHARD L. ELDREDGE Thursday, May 3, 2007, 11:55 AM
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Q100 “Bert Show” producer Jeff Dauler may tense up the next time CBS 46 “Restaurant Report Card” reporter Adam Murphy pays a visit to the popular radio morning show.
On Thursday, Dauler announced on air that he’s entering into a partnership with Raving Brands (the folks who brought you Moe’s Southwest Grill, Mama Fu’s and Planet Smoothie Cafe) to open five new metro-area franchises of the Flying Biscuit Cafe.
Dauler is going into the restaurant business with Raving Brands and investors, including pal and Longhorn Steakhouse and Ted’s Montana Grill co-founder George McKerrow, Jr. and Slocum’s namesake John Slocum.
“[My wife] Jessica and I have established roots here, and this is a way for us expand on that,” Dauler explained. While the formerly nomadic radio personality is signed to remain with “The Bert Show” through the end of 2009, the Daulers wanted to cement another business venture here.
Dauler indicated that the deal had been in the works since February.
The next Flying Biscuit Cafe location is due to open May 15 at the West Paces Plaza shopping center at West Paces Ferry Road and I-75.
The eatery concept emphasizing a healthier and more whole foods and whole grains-centered approach to breakfast dishes was created by founder Delia Champion 15 years ago in Candler Park. A second location is now based in Midtown at Piedmont Avenue and 10th Street.
Champion was on hand (with a small mountain of biscuits, eggs, turkey bacon and potatoes) for the announcement.
“I’m starting to get a little old,” Champion cracked to Buzz off air. “I didn’t want the Biscuit to go away. Every neighborhood deserves a great restaurant. For years, I’ve been approached by people who either wanted to buy the Biscuit or expand it. Raving Brands were the first people who understood completely what the restaurant stands for and who didn’t want to change a thing.”
In addition to overseeing her two current locations, Champion is also spending this month training the West Paces location’s staff.
“We’ve always had a reputation for hiring a staff that might not fit in elsewhere,” she explained. “I’m terribly proud of that. I’m here to ensure that a corporate culture does not over ride the Flying Biscuit culture.”
Naturally, Dauler’s radio co-workers only had one remaining question for the budding restaurateur about the eateries that routinely attract busloads of waiting customers each weekend for brunch.
Asked co-host Jenn Hobby: “Does this mean we can now by-pass those lines?!”