RISE Southern Biscuits and Righteous Chicken Franchise

Rise opened in Durham, North Carolina, in 2012. Founder Tom Ferguson trained at the Culinary Institute of America, and the original concept was known as Rise Biscuits & Donuts. His culinary background is part of the brand’s history, rather than evidence that franchise owners train at that school.

A brand revamp beginning in spring 2019 placed biscuits and Righteous Chicken at the center of the menu. In its account of that transition, franchise development partner Fransmart described Ferguson visiting locations to review products, equipment and workflow. Delivery and to-go services were implemented in February 2020.

The menu has continued to evolve. A July 2025 account featuring chief operating officer Brian Wiles described replacing doughnuts with beignets made from biscuit dough. The same account discussed online ordering, self-service kiosks, a rewards app and heated pickup lockers. These developments illustrate changes in both the food offering and the way customers collect orders.

Fransmart’s current Rise franchise page describes assistance with site selection, store build-out and construction, vendor and equipment selection, marketing and restaurant operations. Training and support are offered before and after opening, with both on-site and online delivery.

The published materials establish those support areas but do not provide a detailed current franchise-owner curriculum or training schedule. The founder’s culinary education should not be confused with the location or provider of franchise training. Exact attendance requirements, course content and costs remain matters for the current disclosure and franchise team.

Rise may interest a restaurant operator who wants a recognizable Southern-inspired food concept with breakfast and lunch appeal. Biscuits, chicken sandwiches and sides provide a focused identity for customers, while variations and seasonal items allow the menu to change over time.

The published operating model emphasizes takeout, digital ordering and pickup technology. For an owner who enjoys food preparation, team coordination and managing order flow, that combination offers a concrete way to evaluate the business. Site, equipment and operational assistance can support preparation, while local execution remains central to the customer experience.

Use our food franchise buyer guide to compare restaurant formats, site requirements, staffing and the full opening budget before building your shortlist.