Beware: This story is a bit flaky
The co-founder of the Twisters restaurant chain is getting ready to launch a patriotic-themed biscuit enterprise in the old Thai Jasmine restaurant. Located at 5701 Gibson Blvd. SE, longtime restaurateur Gary Hines, who sold Twisters three years ago, is baking up a new concept called Stripes Biscuit Co. The breakfast and lunch spot will open for business next Wednesday.
“I’m officially coming out of retirement,” Hines said in a recent interview with the Journal as he rushed to get the new business open. With a three-year non-compete agreement with Twisters’ current owners now concluding, Hines was eager to return to work. He bought the empty storefront a year ago and considered several different culinary concepts. He thought an eatery with good home cooking, in the vein of diners and drive-ins, would resonate with consumers. The upshot: A restaurant that’s dedicated to the South’s favorite flaky baked good — biscuits.
“We must have tried 100 recipes” before landing on the scratch-made favorite that is the centerpiece of the
menu, said Hines.
Stripes’ menu offers a variety of buttermilk biscuit sandwiches, all under 10 bucks, including fried chicken smothered with mushroom gravy: fried catfish with house coleslaw and a sriracha tartar sauce; 12-hour pulled pork and fried onions; and a Creole-style meatloaf topped with mashed red potatoes.
“Come hungry. Leave full,” said Hines of the generously portioned lunch offerings, which rise about six inches high.
Breakfast features biscuit plates with corned beef hash, eggs benedict and a two-egg special with house-made sausage patty. But don’t ask for toast. The carb of choice at this place is the biscuit. Even on the french toast.
Rounding out the menu are salads, which come with a side of biscuit and house honey butter. Dessert includes a classic strawberry biscuit shortcake.
From the red white and blue exterior to the photos of local veterans hanging on the walls, Hines has made it a goal to honor those who served in the armed forces. Once the restaurant is up and running, 15 percent of the profits will be donated to the Veterans Administration Hospital down the street.