Vicious Biscuit is opening its second Mississippi location, signed with franchise operators Cliff and Hunter Russum, near Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS. The restaurant is targeted for early Q4 2026.
Part of Vicious Biscuit’s broader expansion push — the brand (founded in Charleston, SC) currently has 7 corporate and 4 franchise locations, with 40+ more in development across the Southeast and Midwest.
This is the second location under the Russum brothers’ previously signed three-unit Mississippi development agreement, following their first restaurant in Hattiesburg less than two years ago.
Set at 87-1 Cotton Mill Drive in Starkville’s Cotton Mill Marketplace, the ~3,300-sq-ft space will replace a former Salsarita’s and seat about 120 guests, plus a small patio. It’s near the Highway 12/Spring Street intersection, close to Mississippi State’s campus and athletic venues. It’s currently in design and permitting, and is expected to create 30-35 jobs.
Cliff Russum cited strong university traffic, community growth and operational opportunity. The site fits Vicious Biscuit’s strategy of targeting high-traffic, daytime-population-driven hubs, with added upside from game-day demand.
The Russums also own multiple Mugshots Grill & Bar franchises in Mississippi. They discovered Vicious Biscuit on social media, visited a South Carolina location, and became early franchise partners.
Co-founder/CEO George McLaughlin praised the Russums as exceptional partners and pointed to breakfast/brunch as a strong growth category, reinforcing confidence in the Mississippi market.
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