Ryan McElroy and Brian Batch
Bird Bird Biscuit | Austin
NOVEMBER 2023
Brian Batch would often help out around the house by cooking dinner for his family, but he didn’t think about pursuing a career in hospitality until he joined the team at Thunderbird Coffee in 2008. Working as a barista, he met owner Ryan McElroy, and the two hit it off. Batch grew to a management position, and he and McElroy joined forces to grow the business. Always traveling around and working together, the duo were constantly exposing themselves to new flavors and cuisines, formulating ideas and recipes for potential concepts down the line.
McElroy is no stranger to running a business. Born and raised in Austin, he and his brother, Wade McElroy, saw that their neighborhood, Brentwood, was missing a coffee shop, and decided to fill that gap. Thunderbird Coffee opened in 2006, with McElroy going on to open their second location in Cherrywood. With Batch’s culinary skills and McElroy’s understanding of business operations and creating a strong company culture, the two felt ready to open up their own spot.
Originally, they planned to open a juice bar, but when the duo started popping up around Austin serving biscuit sandwiches, they were pleasantly surprised with the demand they were seeing. So, Batch and McElroy changed directions and dove into that concept, collaborating with a chef friend of theirs to nail down their recipes and menu. They opened Bird Bird Biscuit in 2018, and their flaky, buttery biscuits paired with tender and crispy-golden chicken were a hit. They opened their second location in 2021 in the original Thunderbird Coffee space, and the next year, launched the catering arm of the business. For Batch and McElroy, consistency is the key to success, ensuring every sandwich is up to standards and prioritizing a healthy work environment for their staff.
