Let’s face it, the South loves their Biscuits. The fact that Southerners have found so many creative ways to enjoy biscuits only proves its rightful place alongside other staples on Southern tables such as sweet tea, fried okra, and cornbread. But let’s be clear about what kind of biscuits we’re talking about here. We’re talking biscuits that are made from scratch, with real ingredients and real hands. And if you’re a restaurant, cafe or diner with the word “Biscuit” in your name, that better be the kind of biscuits you make.

After seeing a post on Facebook about the future opening of a Maple Street Biscuit Company in Florida (which is where the company calls home and now has 11 locations), we decided to venture to our own here in Chattanooga. We have two locations in Gig City, and we chose the one downtown at 407 Broad Street.

We had heard a lot of buzz about Main Street Biscuits. Though we arrived well after the time most people eat breakfast, there was a considerable line of eager customers and a fairly full dining room. Definitely a good sign. But the line moved quickly and was the first example of the great customer service that was to come.

The atmosphere and decor are rustic, warm and simple. Maple Street does not consider itself a franchise or chain, but a “community store”. A visit to the About Us page on their website further explains this vision. But it’s most notable in the seating. There are a number of tables specifically set up so you could be eating alongside a stranger, with the goal of them not being a stranger for long.

WHAT WE ATE
The Ralphie  |  Biscuit covered in house-made sausage gravy  ($5)
Hashbrown Cake  |  A fried hashbrown mixed with smoked Gouda cheese, topped with chives  ($4)
Sunshine in the Garden  |  Cooked tomatoes, shallots and green peppers; topped with Feta cheese, fresh basil, two sunny-side-up eggs w/ choice of regular or veggie biscuit    ($12)
Sausage Balls  |  Three house-made maple sausage balls  ($2.50)
Fried Chicken Strip  |  On the side ($2.50)

Total Bill (including two coffees, an orange juice, the chicken, and 9.75% TN Sales Tax): $37.00

What is not included in the final price tag is the $3.00 it would have cost for Apple Butter and Blueberry-Blackberry jam ($1.50 ea.). We did not pay close enough attention to the menu callout as to the extra charge for these items to enhance our biscuit experience. It seems like a hefty upcharge for what probably equates to no more than a tablespoon of product. It was explained that because the items are hand-made, there is an upcharge for them. But the person at the front counter wished me a “happy Fall” and gave them to us for free.

So. The biscuits. Were they good? Yes, they were good. And Maple Street is worthy of having the word biscuit in their name. The Sausage gravy was authentic and Southern but came out cold. The added “kick” as mentioned in the item’s description on the menu (we’re assuming it’s Cayenne pepper) was rather off-putting. It’s sausage gravy. When it’s authentic and made correctly, it doesn’t need a kick.  Sausage, gravy, salt, and pepper. That’s a proven combination that is best left alone. We know that there will be those that will be fans. But we’re not two of them. And the side of fried chicken breast was tasty albeit with pretty much the same flavor and quality you get from Chik-Fil-A.

Before providing critique on the Sunshine In The Garden, it must be said that we did not inquire as to how this dish was constructed. As the item was read, it all sounded like a tasty (and somewhat healthy, given that the other items certainly were not) combination of flavors. And it was. But it comes as a sort of stew with the eggs on top. And so for these diners, it fell short of our expectations. It was reminiscent of that old Raisin Bran commercial showing that sad little child running out of fruit in his cereal; except substitute two eggs for the bananas. It also contained that “kick” that was in the sausage gravy. Again – not welcomed. The accompanying sausage balls were an enigma. On the one hand, the maple glaze on the sausage was delightful and lip-smackin’ good. On the other, the texture of the sausage itself was somewhat mealy. If you’ve ever had a burger or meatloaf where the beef inside seemed to have no texture (as a result of over-working with the hands), then you know what we’re talking about.

CONCLUSION
There are some very interesting food pairings on the menu, with the biscuits taking center-stage. Maple Street has also come up with a unique way of selling salads. But why would a customer consider going to a biscuit company to eat a salad, you might ask? Here’s why. Under the heading “Field to Fork”, the salads come constructed upside down in a glass jar. So when you dump it out on your plate, what does it look like? Ta-da! A salad. All dressings are hand-made, as well. Though keep in mind, this salad essential is going to cost you $1.50 for every tablespoon (our estimate) you need. That could be a huge pain point to those of you who like a lot of dressing.

As for the customer service, it was top notch. The three staff members we directly interacted with were friendly and accommodating. However, the one significant downside is that upon finishing your meal, you’re expected to clear off your own table, and then your dishes into the trash. Call us lazy, but part of the enjoyment of eating out is not having to clean up. And before you say it, it’s not the same as eating at a Subway or McDonald’s. True, it is essentially cafeteria style eating. But even Cici’s Pizza comes around and picks up your dirty plates for you.

But to be honest, we feel like our money would have been better spent at Cracker Barrel.  And the extra cost of jam (and dressing if we were to have a salad) is hard to accept. The rationale of these items being hand-made doesn’t hold water. Many a restaurant and cafe in Chattanooga take pride in hand-made accouterments without charging the customer. Maple Street Biscuit company has used all the right words in all the right places. The overall success of this business ultimately lies in its marketing. And so far, it all seems to be working. But buyers beware. If you jump on that train, what you end up spending on your meal at Maple Street Biscuit Company might leave you a little less than satisfied.