First-year franchise owner honored for operational results, people-first leadership and local engagement

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (March 12, 2026) – Eggs Up Grill, the fastest-growing “better breakfast” restaurant franchise in the country, announces that franchisee Lori Hutson, who opened an Eggs Up Grill in Bluffton, South Carolina in 2024, has been named a Franchisee of Excellence Award winner in recognition of her performance, leadership and community involvement.

In less than one year of operation, Hutson has established one of the brand’s most impactful new locations. Her Bluffton restaurant earned both Rookie of the Year and Community Engagement awards at the Eggs Up Grill 2025 Owner Conference, marking a strong first year for a new franchisee. Along with the Bluffton location, Hutson’s plans to open an additional Eggs Up Grill later this year in South Carolina.

Hutson’s success is driven by disciplined operations, a strong guest focus and a commitment to team development. With more than 20 years of multi-unit retail leadership experience including roles with Famous Footwear and Dollar Tree, she has implemented systems that support consistent service, sales growth and employee advancement. She leads with a people-first approach grounded in mentorship and accountability, has built a female-led management team and measures success through both financial performance and employee development.

“Lori represents the best of our franchise system,” said Ricky Richardson, chief executive officer of Eggs Up Grill. “In her first year, she delivered strong operational results, built an engaged team and made a measurable impact in Bluffton. Her leadership reflects the standards we strive for across the brand.”

Her commitment to Bluffton extends beyond restaurant operations. Hutson has supported the Bluffton Township Fire District with a holiday turkey donation for first responders, partners with local schools through fundraisers and participates in toy and food drives. Prior to opening her restaurant, she spent 12 years coaching Little League cheerleading in her hometown.

“I chose Eggs Up Grill because of its genuine commitment to community and the way the brand makes guests feel at home,” said Lori Hutson. “When I discovered the concept, I immediately saw the opportunity to bring something special back to Bluffton. I am committed to upholding the brand’s standards, investing in my team and creating a place where relationships matter as much as results.”

Eggs Up Grill remains focused on delivering an affordable friendly daytime dining experience while supporting franchise partners through operational innovation. The brand is actively seeking growth-oriented franchise partners in Houston and across Texas. To learn more, visithttps://eggsupgrillfranchise.com.

For more information about Eggs Up Grill, visit https://eggsupgrill.com.

About Eggs Up Grill

Founded in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, Eggs Up Grill is a daytime restaurant franchise brand serving breakfast, brunch and lunch for more than 25 years. As “home to the whole neighborhood,” the brand operates more than 100 locations nationwide, with more than 90 additional units in development or committed to open. Eggs Up Grill has earned repeated recognition across leading franchise rankings, including designation as a Most Profitable Franchise by Franchise Business Review and inclusion on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500®.

Search