Author name: The Bulldog Beat

By DJ Humphreys Located inside the Food Hub in downtown Athens, Tenn. Biscuit Envy, also branded as “Biskit NV” at its downtown location, is more than just a place to grab breakfast. It is a family-driven restaurant built on tradition, community and a simple mission: bring people together. Biscuit Envy is located inside the Food Hub in downtown Athens, a shared space that can be easy to miss without knowing where to look. The Food Hub is a shared space in downtown Athens designed to support local businesses by providing kitchen and storefront access in one location. Owner Natasha Burson said the idea behind Biscuit Envy started long before the doors opened. “We are a family-operated business,” Burson said. “My inspiration is my family — my mom, my aunts and my grandma. Everyone was always cooking and showing hospitality.” As a second-generation restaurant, Biscuit Envy carries those traditions forward while creating a space where customers feel at home. “Our mission is to serve good food, but also to be a place where the community can come, gather around the table, talk and fellowship,” Burson said. Located inside the Food Hub near campus, the restaurant benefits from a shared kitchen space that helps keep costs manageable. However, Burson said the location also presents challenges. “Most of the action takes place on the other side of town,” she said. “We have to advertise and get the word out, so people know to come downtown.” Despite those challenges, the business continues to grow while staying rooted in family. Staffing has largely relied on relatives, especially during the transition from their previous Cleveland location. Burson said she hopes to eventually hire more college students but encourages young people to stay patient in their career paths. “Don’t get discouraged if you don’t start where your dream is,” she said. “I worked in corporate America for almost 20 years before I was able to do this.” That message is already shaping the next generation within the business. Jay Welcome, 14, has been working with his family since 2021 and said the experience has helped him grow both personally and professionally. “Probably getting to enjoy my family and learning recipes,” Welcome said. “It’s also helped me be more social and have a kind face to people.” Looking ahead, Welcome said he is interested in the business side of food, including bringing family recipes to a larger market. “Maybe not my own kitchen, but making it more commercialized, like putting recipes in grocery stores,” he said. He also shared ideas for growing the business’ reach, especially among younger audiences. “Maybe creating a food hub for younger generations,” Welcome said. “There should be more outlets for kids to express themselves.” As for the food itself, Welcome didn’t hesitate when asked about his favorite. “Everything’s pretty good,” he said. “But my favorite is probably the Mr. V’s.” The menu reflects those family traditions, with hearty biscuit sandwiches and comfort-style meals drawing in customers. Biscuit Envy is typically open on Saturdays, though hours and availability may vary. Customers can check the restaurant’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on offerings and hours. From family recipes to future ambitions, Biscuit Envy continues to build more than a menu. Located inside the Food Hub, the restaurant continues to grow its presence in downtown Athens while staying rooted in family and community. Photos by Roni Bailey

By: Emarie Bailey Tennessee Wesleyan University will be presenting the musical Fiddler on the Roof in Townsend Auditorium on:  This free production is directed by Jamey Owen, Assistant Professor of Music, and it is choreographed by Ashley Copeland, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies.   While this musical is free to watch, any donations will go towards supporting the Tennessee Wesleyan University Theatre department.   Anticipation for opening night has been rising for the students, faculty and community members participating in the musical.   “What I’m looking forward to about the show is that musical theatre brings such a synergy between people, and the energy when people are on stage together is so electric,” Director Jamey Owen expressed her excitement for bringing this show to the community. “I’m looking forward to sharing that feeling with the audience and sharing all the friendships that have been made here – the palpable feeling of those friendships, sharing that with the community, and inspiring people with this beautiful story.” The actors have been hard at work in order to make this production the best it can be. With extensive rehearsals and attention to detail, this production is on its way to bringing the same excitement to the audience.   “Seeing it come to life has been an amazing experience,” said Sadie Goodin, starring as Golde. “And not only that, doing this alongside my best friends has been the honor of a lifetime.”   Come see Fiddler on the Roof from Friday to Sunday this week at the Townsend Auditorium on Tennessee Wesleyan University’s Athens campus. 

By Dakota Caldwell Your free sandwich deal from McAlister’s Deli is right in front of you. Except, you have to be one of the first 100 people in line for the grand opening in Athens, Tennessee. We’re here to give you three tips on how to be one of these lucky individuals who will win free club sandwiches for a year. The event takes place on March 30 at 10:30 AM, which means there’s no time to waste! Tip #1: Bring a group – No one wants to go into war alone. This is exactly why you need a couple of friends to go with you in this endeavor. Everyone knows bathroom breaks are inevitable, but if you’ve got a friend to hold your place in line, all is well. This opens the door for a friend to be able to walk to McDonald’s to get the whole group fresh McGriddles for breakfast. This could possibly be a long night of waiting; therefore, having friends with you to keep the vibes up is mandatory. Tip #2: Come supplied – This could be the worst night of your life if you don’t come prepared. A Walmart trip is a necessity to stay comfortable. Valuable materials such as a folding chair, sleeping bag, and heated blankets will come in handy. The current forecast is calling for temperatures as low as 44 degrees Fahrenheit. The more layers, the better for those looking to survive. Tip #3: Remember what’s at stake – College students are balling on a budget. We can’t afford to miss free food for a year. Cafeteria fatigue is inevitable, and outside food is what we need. Remember how enjoyable a free sandwich for a year will taste while you’re waiting in line. We all know free food tastes better, especially from a new restaurant. Not to mention, the epic story this will give you for the rest of your life. Your grandchildren will love the nighttime fairytale of winning a free club sandwich at McAlister’s in the future. Do it for the glory. The community is very excited for this opportunity. We had the honor of interviewing one customer on the matter. “I’m excited about it [McAllister’s opening]. It’s a new place to eat in Athens, and the sandwiches are delicious, and it’s just something different,” said McAlister’s patron Jerry A. “The [Drip Kitchen and Coffee] kind of reminds me of McAllister’s, and I can’t wait till this [location] opens up. It’s a great location with the shopping center and all.”   Make sure to stay tuned for the grand opening of McAllister’s on March 30 at 10:30 AM. Start preparing now for the greatest opportunity of your life!  Edited by Hunter Cookston

By Emarie Bailey The Athens Chamber of Commerce welcomed Pie Hound to downtown with an official ribbon cutting on November 13, 2025. “Our owner, Kit Housley, this is his first restaurant that he’s ever owned… He wanted his own restaurant in his hometown,” says Ansley Travis, the general manager of Pie Hound. Pie Hound, a new pizza restaurant, is located at 13 East Madison Avenue, Athens, Tennessee. It is in the heart of downtown, and very close to Tennessee Wesleyan University’s campus, making it a spot to hang out or get some food for college students. The exterior of Pie Hound seems unassuming; however, the interior is filled with life. The entrance doors are large, wooden and glass double doors that lead into the open concept restaurant. The brick interior gives a rustic look that is coupled with the industrial framework, creating an interesting aesthetic, especially for the small town of Athens, Tennessee. You might be wondering: “Why is this restaurant named Pie Hound?” The reason for that is due to the owner’s two Basset hounds, called Button and Rosie, whose names are honored on the menu. Button is also seen as the mascot for the restaurant. With a flavorful menu, Pie Hound offers a variety of appetizers, pizzas (including build your own pizzas), sandwiches, wings, salads, desserts, and drinks. The food options pair nicely with the aesthetic and vibe of the restaurant’s architecture. Pie Hound is dedicated to the Athens community, as portrayed on their website, and there is a possibility of offering Tennessee Wesleyan University students a place to come more often. “I think probably when it gets closer to finals, we might do some kind of student discount… I hope that more students start to come eat here,” Ansley Travis describes her wishes for the future of Pie Hound in our community. Photos by Ash Johnson and DJ HumphreysEdited by Ash JohnsonInterview by DJ Humphreys, Ash Johnson, and Bri Johnson