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From Donuts to Beignets: How Rise is Driving Sales While Lowering Costs

By Samantha Miller
April 8, 2025

In 2019, Rise Biscuits and Donuts made a bold and strategic move. The company rebranded as Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken—a decision that went far beyond a simple name change. This rebrand focused on operational efficiency, streamlined processes, and long-term growth for both franchisees and the brand.

But what sparked this transformation? And how has Rise used its adaptability to create a thriving franchise model? Let’s explore the key reasons behind the rebrand and how Rise continues to grow through strategic innovation and smart investments.

Why Rise Moved from Donuts to Beignets

The shift away from donuts wasn’t just about simplifying the menu. It was a calculated move to streamline operationsand improve both staff experience and customer satisfaction.

While donuts are a fan favorite, they require a labor-intensive process, take up valuable kitchen space, and often result in food waste. These operational challenges created friction for staff and added complexity for franchise operators.

To solve this, Rise introduced beignets—a sweet treat made from the same biscuit dough already in use. With just a sprinkle of flavored sugar, beignets deliver Southern charm without additional labor or overhead. This simple switch reduced prep time, cut food and labor costs, and enhanced efficiency across all locations.

Investing in Restaurant Technology and Automation

The rebrand was only the beginning. Rise continued to innovate by investing in restaurant technology and automation to further optimize its operations.

Key additions include:

  • Self-ordering kiosks
  • Food lockers for easy pickup
  • A fully cashless payment system

These upgrades not only reduced labor costs but also improved speed of service, order accuracy, and overall customer experience. By embracing a tech-forward model, Rise empowers franchisees with tools to run their restaurants efficiently, regardless of size or location.

This commitment to automation and efficiency helps Rise stand out in the competitive quick-service restaurant market.

Why the Rise Franchise Model Works

Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken has struck a unique balance between tradition and innovation. The result is a franchise model that is both scalable and sustainable.

The updated menu, featuring biscuits, beignets, and righteous chicken, is easier to manage and faster to prepare. Meanwhile, the use of smart technology streamlines day-to-day operations, making it easier for franchisees to scale up and maintain quality across multiple locations.

Franchise owners benefit from:

  • Lower labor requirements
  • Simplified kitchen operations
  • Increased customer satisfaction
  • A future-focused, proven business model

 

What’s Next for Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken?

As Rise continues to expand, its focus remains the same: quality, consistency, and smart operational decisions. The brand’s ability to adapt while staying rooted in its Southern-inspired identity makes it a standout opportunity in the franchise world.

Future franchisees can expect to join a brand that is:

  • Committed to innovation
  • Backed by real operational success
  • Built for long-term, scalable growth

The strategic rebrand, combined with smart tech and operational upgrades, has positioned Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken for ongoing success—regardless of what challenges lie ahead.

Join the future of QSRs and take advantage of a proven, scalable business model that’s set to thrive in the evolving restaurant industry.

Visit https://fransmart.com/brand/rise-biscuits-chicken/ 

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