This Georgia state senator is opening an Atlanta-based restaurant in Highside Market
Georgia state senator and Columbus native Jason Esteves is bringing an Atlanta-based breakfast and southern food chain to Highside Market late this summer.
The Flying Biscuit Cafe is a full-service restaurant that will be a good option for family, friends or business partners, Esteves said. Specializing in breakfast food, the chain has locations across Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas, Florida and Texas.
When Esteves, who represents District 6 in the Georgia State Senate, moved to Atlanta in 2007, the Flying Biscuit Cafe was one of the first places he went for breakfast. It soon became one of his favorite places to eat — so much so that he and his wife had the Flying Biscuit cater their wedding.
“It’s just something that we enjoy,” Esteves told the Ledger-Enquirer. “So, when we were thinking about expanding into the restaurant business and thinking about what food we loved. It was breakfast.”
As a franchisee of Flying Biscuit, Esteves is looking forward to bringing the restaurant to his hometown.
Esteves grew up in south Columbus and often returns to visit his family. His roots are in Columbus, Esteves said, and he remembers how abandoned the downtown area used to be. It has made him happy to see the growth Columbus has had over the years.
“It’s exciting for me to contribute to that growth,” he said. “And it’s also cool to add something new to Columbus.”
The Flying Biscuit Cafe will occupy 3,000 square feet in Highside Market, according to a news release. Because Highside Market is revitalizing an old building, the space used to be an old car dealership, Esteves said.
Big garage doors from the old dealership will still be a feature, he said, and the restaurant can open them on good weather days.
“I think that that is part of what makes the development really cool,” Esteves said. “They maintain the history of the neighborhood, but at the same time bring something fresh and new.”
Highside Market is currently under construction and is expected to open in late summer. Other businesses recently announced to be coming to the development include Club Pilates, Parlor Doughnuts and Mountain High Outfitters.
‘Southern through and through’
Many of Esteves’ friends and family have told him there’s a big need for breakfast spots in Columbus, he said, and he believes that the Flying Biscuit will offer something different than other breakfast restaurants.
“We are southern through and through,” Esteves said. “(We have) fresh food, fresh ingredients with a southern homemade twist.”
While the Flying Biscuit is known for its biscuits and pancakes, Esteves said, the restaurant’s grits are a fan favorite. During a preview event at Highside Market last week, one picky eater approached Esteves to give him their review.
“I just want you to know that I hate grits,” the person told him. “But I loved your grits.”
Esteves expects Columbus residents will enjoy the Flying Biscuit’s chicken and waffles and other standard breakfast items including omelets, scrambles and benedicts, as well. The restaurant will also offer a variety of sandwiches, burgers and wraps.
Flying Biscuit also offers gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options, Esteves said. Some of these items include the Beyond Burger, veggie scramble and vegan tofu scramble. Individuals who are focused on healthy eating will have options at the restaurant, he said.
“I was on a diet for several months last year,” Esteves said. “And I could eat at the Flying Biscuit and not break that diet. Of course, I would have to stay away from the biscuits, but there are plenty of options.”
The restaurant will offer full-service catering, he said, and is available for corporate or private events. Early risers will be able to get breakfast starting at around 7am, he said, and the restaurant will be open for late brunchers until 3 p.m.
“We have it all,” Esteves said. “And if you want to eat some good breakfast food in a nice atmosphere with great service, come on out to the Flying Biscuit.”
This story was originally published May 22, 2023 at 1:03 PM.
