By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
These days, “corporate culture” is a buzz word in the business world, and it is usually associated with “values, vision, mission statement” kinds of things—all good, to be sure. However, I laughed with delight when I spoke with Kris McLellan and she used the term, “The Eggs Up DNA.” That term refers to hospitality so well done, whether it is the food, the service, the ambiance, or any other aspect of running a franchise made-to-order restaurant that one can honestly say, “That is, (or is not) part of our DNA.” And, that standard just exists without apology or compromise. “We want every person to be seen and valued, whether it’s the customer, the delivery person, or the staff,” said Kris. As important as fresh and tasty food is, there is so much more involved in making a restaurant experience into something that creates raving fan customers. The proof is that Eggs Up Grill, which started out as one restaurant, is expanding, and very shortly will reach 100 stores. That is no small feat in an uncertain economy.
In Athens and Madison, both Eggs Up shops are owned by Kris and her husband Alex. Alex is a Navy vet who spent his career in the nuclear power program, and they moved here at the behest of TVA. Since retiring from Browns Ferry, he is making science fun for all ages as The Nutty Scientist of Rocket City. Alex gave Kris his full support when she came to him with what seemed at the time like an audacious ambition: becoming a restaurant owner. He was all for it, and it was actually their “date day” experience that inspired looking into Eggs Up. “We are not night people, so we would always go out for breakfast or brunch for our dates,” said Kris, and added, “There was not a lot to choose from, so something like Eggs Up was a logical choice.” Kris did a lot of research and found that she liked everything about the Eggs Up culture. Two shops later, she knows she is doing what she was made to do. And, because more than anything she wanted to make a difference, everything about Eggs Up Grill has empowered her to do just that.
Here is a bit of what Eggs Up Grill has to say about themselves:
Eggs Up Grill is home for the whole neighborhood – a place to sit down, relax, and catch up with friends and family, all while enjoying delicious meals, prepared with love, and served by team members who care.
Every time you enter your local Eggs Up Grill, you can experience a solid sense of community, where the sweet aroma of blueberry pancakes, that first bite of your favorite omelet, and the crunch of crispy bacon make you feel right at home. When you’re here, the hectic pace of the day fades away into the sounds of laughter as folks make up for lost time. At Eggs Up Grill, we are neighbors serving neighbors, where everyone who walks through the door is warmly welcomed and greeted with a smile!
The menu ranges from traditional breakfast fare such as omelets, waffles, biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, pancakes, and burritos. Eggs can be prepared as the center piece or sides. In addition, there are sandwiches, melts, bowls, burgers, salads, wraps, and that’s just the beginning! Each Eggs Up Grill also offers catering services, and at the recent Washington Update breakfast held at Athens State University, Eggs Up Grill provided us with truly “great grub.” The catering menu features a buffet that can be from basic to more elaborate, and if it is lunch time, there are platters of wraps, sandwiches, “boxed brunches,” with several choices of additions and beverages, depending on your budget.
Kris told me that one of the things she appreciates the most is that the corporate culture is the “real deal.” She has gotten handwritten thank you notes from the CEO, Ricky Richardson, and franchise owners are encouraged to mentor other would-be franchisees. I told Kris about my own experience at Eggs Up Grill, which involved celebrating the completion of a complicated project with a teenager, and everything from the food to the service to the cheerful décor made the day extra special. Let Kris and her crew show you what I am talking about, and let Eggs Up Grill demonstrate what it means to have excellence be their 7-days-a-week “DNA.”
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
May 16, 2025
