Exploring Life & Business with Chad Offerdahl of The Big Biscuit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad Offerdahl.

Hi Chad, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a second-generation restaurateur, so I grew up immersed in the business, seeing firsthand the energy, teamwork, and challenges that come with running restaurants. That early exposure sparked a passion in me, not just for great food, but for building strong teams and creating amazing guest experiences.

In 2010, by chance, we discovered the original The Big Biscuit location and immediately saw its potential. We fell in love with the concept and knew we could take it to the next level. After acquiring the brand from the founder, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work on refining operations, enhancing the menu, refreshing the brand, and expanding our footprint. In those early days, I did everything: programming the POS system, training staff, cooking, bussing, hosting, handling payroll, finances, hiring, truck orders, scheduling – you name it, I did it. There wasn’t a task too big or too small. That hands-on approach gave me a deep understanding of every aspect of the business, which has been invaluable as we’ve grown.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The restaurant industry is tough—there’s no way around it—but I love it. One of my biggest challenges early on was learning how to lead by influence rather than control. I quickly realized that if I wanted our team to grow, I had to grow even faster—both personally and professionally. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about empowering the right people, setting the vision, and building a culture of accountability and excellence.

COVID was another major test. The uncertainty, operational restrictions, and overall industry turmoil made it one of the most difficult times we’ve faced. But because of our strong, committed team and disciplined financial planning, we didn’t just survive—we grew. We opened three new locations during the pandemic, proving that resilience, adaptability, and a strong team can overcome even the toughest challenges.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Big Biscuit ?
At The Big Biscuit, we believe breakfast is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Since opening our doors in 2000, we’ve been serving up impossibly generous portions of all-American classics, like biscuits and gravy, plate-sized buttermilk pancakes, and hearty omelets, all with a side of genuine hometown hospitality. Now with 29 locations across Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, we’re proud to be celebrating 25 years of bringing friends and families together over the best breakfast in town. What truly makes us special, though, is our commitment to the communities we serve. Through our three core pillars—food insecurity, public education, and community—we regularly donate time and resources to local non-profits, partner with schools, and host events that give back in a big way. Through our brand-wide Stuff The Bus initiative in 2024, we donated hundreds of school supplies to over 20 school districts. We’re honored to be recognized as one of Franchise Times’ 5 Top Breakout Brands and a finalist in the Global Franchise Awards, but what we’re most proud of is the connection we’ve built with our Guests. Whether you’re stopping in for a stack of pancakes or sharing our signature Bonuts and laughter with loved ones, The Big Biscuit is your go-to breakfast spot!

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was always entrepreneurial. As a kid, I regularly set up lemonade stands, and once I was old enough, I started a lawn mowing business in my neighborhood. What began as a small side hustle quickly grew into a sizeable workload, including multiple lawns and even some homeowners association property. By high school, I was juggling two part-time jobs along with my lawn business, which taught me the value of hard work and time management at an early age.

Despite my drive and focus, leadership wasn’t something that came naturally to me. I’ve always been very introverted, and when I was younger, leading others wasn’t even on my radar. I had to intentionally develop my leadership skills over time, learning through experience how to communicate, inspire, and guide a team effectively.

One of the biggest personal challenges I overcame was my weight. For most of my childhood, I was overweight—at times even obese. But in my last two years of high school, I decided to change that. Through sheer determination, discipline, and consistency, I lost 55 pounds. That experience reinforced something about myself: when I set my mind to something, I don’t relent. I achieve what I set out to do. That mindset has carried over into everything I’ve pursued, from business to personal development.

I’ve always been naturally curious and loved figuring out how things work. As a kid, I was drawn to strategy games, building things, and problem-solving. That curiosity has stayed with me and continues to shape how I approach business and life today.
Most importantly, I grew up in a loving home with parents who fully supported me. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my ideas, take risks, and believe in what’s possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bigbiscuit.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.big.biscuit
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigBiscuitRestaurant
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-offerdahl/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebigbiscuit5139
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/chadofferdahl/

Image Credits
Chad Offerdahl – Lifted Logic, Team at KC Pet Project – The Big Biscuit, Loaded Sticky Biscuit – Pilsen Photo Co-op, Chad & David Offerdahl – Lifted Logic, Team Photo at The Big Biscuit Headquarters – Pilsen Photo Co-op, Chicken Biscuits – Pilsen Photo Co-op