#givetogain

To help celebrate Women’s History Month and highlight the theme for International Women’s Day 2026, Biscuitville is proud to recognize three of our team members who’ve truly stood out in their support of other women in the workplace. We asked each of them to share their experiences in empowering and “lifting up” the women around them at Biscuitville, as well as how other women have supported their growth—whether professionally, personally, or both.

BISCUITVILLE OPERATOR | GRAHAM, NC

Pearl Greenway is a Biscuitville Operator in Graham, NC, who grew up in Burlington. She loves that she gets to help mentor younger team members. “On paper I’m serving biscuits, but I’m actually getting to develop people and watch high school kids grow.” Pearl believes it’s important that women empower one another. She points out that she was fortunate enough to have a strong mentor when she was just starting out. Teresa Atkins, now a Biscuitville Area Director, was then an Operator in Eden, NC, who inspired Pearl. “When I became an Operator, I watched and paid attention to how she was running her business…she’s what you’d call a powerhouse woman…a great role model.”

And what “pearls” of wisdom might Pearl offer up to other women in the workplace? “Make sure you’re being direct, understanding, and compassionate at the same time…be sure you stand out and show up for people, and just be who you can be.”

I try to give other women every tool I’ve been given in my career.

~ Pearl Greenway ~

BISCUITVILLE OPERATOR | KERNERSVILLE, NC

Patti Carithers is the Operator at our Kernersville location. She joined Biscuitville two years ago, drawn to the company’s strong women leaders. Reflecting on her career, Patti notes, “The ‘90s really brought on big changes for women in the workplace: how we were treated, how we were paid, how we were looked at.” Patti is all about lifting others up. “With each woman who works for me, I see potential; I try to let them know their value, their worth.”

Patti credits her first boss in the early ’90s, Rannah Smith-Marshall, for seeing her potential beyond bartending and waiting tables. “She taught me not just about the job, but about me. She’d say, ‘You’re not my employee, you’re my sister.’” Today, Patti still passes along that same, powerful message to her team at Biscuitville.

Yet, Patti’s passion for lifting up other women isn’t just limited to work. Several years ago, when her daughter was going through difficult times, Patti left her restaurant job and started working at a women’s shelter in High Point, NC—and later with a rehab group. Her takeaway from it all? “They taught me things about myself.” Patti is also happy to report that her daughter is now a proud mom with a successful career of her own.

Don’t be in competition… lift each other up.

~ Patti Carithers ~

BISCUITVILLE SHIFT LEADER | HICKORY, NC

Amnee Grant is a Shift Leader at our Hickory restaurant and a New Unit Growth (NUG) Team Manager who helps train teams at new restaurant openings. Anyone who meets Amnee can tell you she’s an absolute ball of positive energy who inspires everyone around her. At just 23, she’s already assisted with four new Biscuitville openings. Amnee is a big believer in transparency in the workplace: “It has to do with integrity.” And she’s quick to give credit to others for her advancement: “Delmy Estrada was there when I did my first Biscuitville opening…she was really helpful, showing me the ins and outs and helping me set everything up…I love her so much.”

It’s obvious that Amnee embraces this year’s theme of “Give to Gain.” She tells the story of a fellow trainer who was grieving over the recent loss of her grandmother. With empathy, Amnee phoned her own grandmother who then drove to the trainer’s restaurant simply because Amnee thought her coworker could use “a hug from another grandmother.” A year later, they’re all still in touch with each other. Taken in by her grandparents at just 3 years old, Amnee was raised as their own child. She’s quick to add, “My Nana literally saved my life.” Clearly, strong women often come from other strong women.

#givetogain

JOHN BRITTAIN​

Vice President, Information Technology​

John Brittain was promoted to Vice President of Information Technology in 2024 after serving as Senior IT Director of Vendor Management since 2021. He helps shape the company’s IT strategy and technology initiatives in support of growth and innovation. Brittain previously held roles with the Greensboro Housing Authority and AT&T. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

KATHIE NIVEN​

President, Chief Executive Officer​

Kathie Niven joined Biscuitville in 2011 and led the brand’s transformation to its FRESH SOUTHERN® identity. She became President in 2018 and CEO in 2021, guiding the company’s growth to more than 85 restaurants across the Carolinas and Virginia while strengthening its people-first culture. Under her leadership, Biscuitville has earned national recognition, including being named USA Today Readers’ Choice Best Fast Food Breakfast in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Niven previously held executive roles with Quiznos, Arby’s, Burger King and Krispy Kreme. A graduate of Elon University, she also completed advanced leadership training through the Center for Creative Leadership, UNC Kenan-Flagler and Harvard University.

KEVIN BENNETT​

Chief Financial Officer

Kevin Bennett joined Biscuitville in 2016 as Chief Financial Officer and oversees the company’s financial strategy and planning in support of long-term growth. He leads teams responsible for accounting, finance, development, facilities, supply chain, risk and compensation-support services, providing insights that guide business performance. Prior to Biscuitville, Bennett held leadership roles with Circle K Stores, The Pantry/Kangaroo Express and Deloitte. He earned a B.S. in Accountancy from Villanova University and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

BELINDA KYLE

Chief People Officer

Belinda Kyle joined Biscuitville in 2022 as Chief People Officer, bringing more than 30 years of hospitality operations and human resources experience. Her career includes leadership roles with Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Romano’s Macaroni Grill and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Kyle holds a degree in human resource management from the University of Phoenix and is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional.

BLAKE JENNINGS​

Chief Development Officer

Blake Jennings became Biscuitville’s Chief Development Officer in 2023 and oversees real estate development, construction, facilities and IT. Since joining the company in 2018, he has played a key role in building the development pipeline supporting Biscuitville’s accelerated growth. Jennings previously worked in mixed-use and multifamily development with Kane Realty Corporation and held finance and asset management roles at First Potomac Realty Trust. He earned a finance degree from Wake Forest University’s School of Business.

JIM MCCURLEY

Chief Restaurant Excellence Officer

Jim McCurley was named Chief Restaurant Excellence Officer in 2023 after joining Biscuitville in 2019 as Vice President of Culinary Operations. In his current role, McCurley leads enterprise-wide functions across Operations, Culinary, Strategic Planning and Concept Development to deliver measurable impacts on sales, profitability and guest experience. McCurley holds a B.S. in restaurant/food services management and an MBA from Johnson & Wales University and is Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt and Scrum Master certified.

KRISTIE MITCHELL

Chief Marketing Officer

Kristie Mitchell became Chief Marketing Officer in 2023 after leading Brand and Marketing since 2018. She oversees Biscuitville’s brand strategy, marketing, creative direction, customer experience initiatives, and traffic growth efforts. Since joining the leadership team, she has helped guide the company’s comprehensive rebrand, launched signature initiatives including “Life After 2®” and “The Flavor of Local®,” and played a key role in establishing the company’s Accessibility Committee and Project Management Office. Her leadership has helped strengthen Biscuitville’s brand presence and community impact across the Southeast. Mitchell was recognized as a 2024 Triad Business Journal Outstanding Woman in Business and named to Lunchbox’s 2026 Top 30 Women in Food list.

LARRY WILLIAMS​

Chief Supply Chain Officer​

Larry Williams joined Biscuitville in 1989 and today serves as Chief Supply Chain Officer, overseeing distribution center operations, procurement, transportation and warehouse technology. His leadership has helped build a reliable internal distribution system that supports the company’s multistate growth.

KIM AVERY

Vice President of Operations​

Kim Avery was promoted to Vice President of Operations in 2024 and oversees all Biscuitville restaurants across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Since joining the company in 2020, she has advanced through roles including Area Director, Region Director and Region Vice President. In her spare time, she is an award-winning mixed-media artist who supports charitable causes through donated artwork.

BURNEY JENNINGS

Executive Chair

In 1996, Burney took over the reins of the family business from his father, Maurice, as President and CEO. Today he continues to serve as Executive Chair of Biscuitville Fresh Southern®, a company that’s grown under his leadership into an $80 million business with over 70 locations (and counting). A graduate of Elon University, Burney serves on its Board of Trustees and has received its “Young Alumnus of the Year” award, as well as its “Legends of Business” award. He’s also active with the Greensboro Rotary, Greensboro Sports Council, and Greensboro Partnership. Triad Business Journal named Burney one of its “2016 Most Admired CEOs in the Triad.” He and his wife Dina, also an Elon grad, have four children: Blake, Bailey, Mary Frances, and John. In his free time, Burney likes spending time with his family in the mountains of North Carolina and also enjoys running, hiking, and golf.

Biscuitville

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