Visit Cumberland Biscuit Company for Calfkiller Coffee and unique dishes like the “The Billy Nelson” made with spicy sausage, cheese, veggies and poached eggs on an English muffin. Photo credit: Jeff Adkins

Morning comes early at Cumberland Biscuit Company, when head chef Nate Baker begins preparing for the day around 5 a.m. Over the course of several days, the restaurant serves more than 600 biscuits at its location in the heart of downtown McMinnville.

Guests are greeted by the smell of fresh brewed Calfkiller Coffee, with beans roasted in nearby Sparta, and big, fluffy biscuits served plain with a country breakfast, dressed up with Parmesan butter, or as a sweet treat with indulgent chocolate gravy.

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“Our kitchen takes the time to prepare it the way the guests want it,” says Matt Sands, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Anna. “Our selections are made to order. We want people to come in and grab some coffee, take in the sights and enjoy the experience.”

See more: What Hidden Wonders Lie Underground at Cumberland Caverns?

Other popular breakfast selections include variations of eggs Benedict, French Quarter beignets and specialties like “The Billy Nelson,” made with spicy sausage, smoked Gouda cheese, sweet potatoes, onion, bell peppers and poached eggs on a grilled English muffin.

The Sandses got started in the restaurant business with Topz Frozen Yogurt and Metro Deli, just two doors down. As their business grew, they wanted to expand their footprint in the growing McMinnville area and add a more upscale dining experience, which led to renovating the old building on Main Street. Cumberland Biscuit Company seats around 48 guests and has a contemporary but rustic vibe with barn metal, doors and gates.

Photo credit: Jeff Adkins

The restaurant draws visitors and regular customers from bigger cities like Nashville, Chattanooga and Murfreesboro, attracted by the warm, small-town atmosphere.

“McMinnville has a community feel. You go to Friday night football games and see your neighbors,” Sands says. “People are not just trying to get from one place to the next. They are genuine and really care for each other.”

See more: Enjoy a Waterfront Meal on the Cumberland River at Riverview Restaurant & Marina

The Biscuit Company is conveniently located within walking distance of the Park Theater, which brings guests across the street on Friday and Saturday evenings to enjoy the dinner menu. That includes fried green tomatoes, the Bamboshka burger, the pan-seared steak or the playfully named Voodoo Pasta, a mixture of cavatappi pasta, bacon, chicken, shrimp and andouille sausage.

While biscuits are the staple, Sands says the menu was built so that there is something to please every palate at every price point. He majored in philosophy and theology in college, and that influence and the Sandses’ faith have helped guide their business model, which is about more than serving great food: It’s about building relationships.

“Wherever we go, we try to share God’s love and treat people the way we want to be treated,” he says. “If we take care of the community, they’ll take care of us.”

Photo credit: Jeff Adkins