Vicious Biscuit's mission is to boldly revolutionize brunch, one biscuit at a time. Amanda Kahalehoe, Chief Operating Officer, is one of the forces driving the business's growth.
Amanda and the Vicious Biscuit team have trusted Acrisure to support critical operational functions from insurance to risk management so they can focus on building a delicious empire. In this interview, Amanda shares insights into Vicious Biscuit’s rise and advice for women in business.
I grew up immersed in a family business, which offered me an early, intimate view of both the hardships and the deep fulfillment that come with building something from scratch. I watched my father pour his life into every decision, every challenge, and every small win—and that left a lasting impression on me.
From a young age, I wasn't just a bystander; I took part in everything from customer service to back-end operations, gaining a well-rounded, hands-on understanding of how a business truly runs. Those early experiences not only taught me persistence but also sparked a genuine love for business.
I came to realize that bringing an idea to life—shaping it, building it, and watching it grow—is where I felt most driven. That foundation has fueled my career ever since, and today, my passion lies in creating purpose-driven ventures, solving meaningful problems, and building teams that believe in what they're doing.
One of my favorite quotes about business is: "A pivot is a change in strategy without a change in vision."
That line perfectly captures the reality of building and growing a business, especially in the startup world. If you're not willing—or able—to pivot, and you're still clinging to the same plan you started with, then you're not truly operating like a startup. You're reacting, not leading.
The original vision for Vicious Biscuit predates me, but the strategy to grow it has evolved time and time again. That evolution hasn't been optional—it's been necessary. Running a business means constantly navigating a shifting landscape: economic disruptions, global pandemics, supply chain issues, changing consumer behavior, and unpredictable market conditions.
Each of these challenges has forced us to reassess, rethink, and rework our path forward. The plan we started with is not the plan we're following today—and that's not a failure. That's progress. Staying true to the core vision while being flexible with how we get there has been the key to our growth.
One of the biggest challenges in the small business space is the constant need to do more with less—less time, fewer resources, and tighter budgets. Unlike large corporations, small businesses don't always have the luxury of deep infrastructure or massive capital, so every decision carries weight. You have to be incredibly strategic about where to invest your energy, whether that's in hiring, marketing, or ideation.
Another major challenge is staying adaptable. Between shifts in consumer behavior, economic fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and the rise of digital competition, small businesses have to pivot quickly without losing sight of their long-term vision. That kind of agility takes discipline and clarity—two things that are easy to lose when you're in survival mode.
One of the most challenging aspects of our industry is building awareness and trust in an increasingly crowded and competitive marketplace. We're often up against brands with larger budgets, longer histories, and established customer bases, which means we have to work smarter, be more creative, and above all, stay authentic.
Connecting with your audience in a meaningful way takes time and consistency. Many businesses fold too soon, often just as they're on the brink of breaking through. They give up right before the momentum shifts, before the clouds clear.
Trust in your abilities, practice patience, remain a lifelong learner, and don't let the fear of imperfection prevent you from making confident and decisive choices.
My advice to any woman preparing to launch her business or enter the business world is to proactively recognize and address imposter syndrome. It's common to experience feelings of self-doubt or a sense of not belonging, especially in industries where women are underrepresented. However, these feelings do not define your true capabilities or potential—they are internal obstacles that can be overcome.
Instead of letting imposter syndrome undermine your confidence, acknowledge these doubts and confront them head-on. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and remind yourself that your success is the result of your skills, dedication, and hard work. Building a strong support network of mentors and peers who recognize and affirm your value can also provide invaluable encouragement.
The greatest lesson I have learned is that you don't need to have all the answers. Growth and expertise come through experience and continuous learning. Trust in your abilities, practice patience, remain a lifelong learner, and don't let the fear of imperfection prevent you from making confident and decisive choices.
As a small corporate operation, we don't always have the resources or bandwidth to build a full in-house team to manage every critical function, especially in complex areas like insurance and risk management. That's where Acrisure has truly made a difference.
Their team acts as a trusted extension of our business, offering expert guidance and personalized support that allows us to focus on growth without worrying about gaps in coverage or compliance.
Vicious Biscuit trusts Acrisure with solutions for Workers' Compensation and a Business Owner’s Policy that includes Commercial General Liability Insurance.
With solutions for businesses of all sizes and stages, from insurance to managed IT, cybersecurity, payroll, employee benefits, and risk management, Acrisure is here to help your business. Learn more about Acrisure’s business solutions.
Contact us today to get started or request a small business insurance quote online now.
Acrisure thanks Amanda Kahalehoe and Vicious Biscuit for their generosity in sharing these insights for small businesses and women in business.
Read insights from more women leaders who mean business:
Tina Madden, Chief Executive Officer, Meetings & Incentives Worldwide
Jane Kaplan Peck, Owner & Chief Operating Officer, Kaplan Construction
About Amanda Kahalehoe
Amanda Kahalehoe joined Vicious Biscuit in 2021 and serves as their Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Vicious Biscuit, Amanda worked in Operations in the accounting and security industries.
About Vicious Biscuit
Vicious Biscuit is a fast-casual restaurant rooted in the heart of the South, where biscuits are king. They are dedicated to serving irresistibly delicious, creatively crafted comfort meals that push boundaries with fresh, quality ingredients, all while ensuring an unforgettable dining experience rooted in genuine Southern hospitality. Visit Vicious Biscuit at https://viciousbiscuit.com. Follow on Instagram @viciousbiscuits, Facebook at ViciousBiscuit1, and TikTok @viciousbiscuitchs. Download the Vicious Biscuit Rewards app today through the App Store or Google Play.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Testimonials are based on unique experiences from current clients and are not necessarily representative of all client experiences. Neither Acrisure, LLC nor any of its affiliates compensates, directly or indirectly, for any testimonials provided.
