Found gracing the tables of Sunday lunches across the South, on the menu for every meat-and-three in town and now popping up with their own specific restaurants, the biscuit is the staple that Southerners simply can’t do without. Carrie Morey is the woman we trust for our biscuits — and you might not know that it’s her, not Callie, behind Callie’s Charleston Biscuits and Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit. Carrie learned at a young age what goes into perfecting this flaky delicacy, and we’re glad she’s sharing her expertise with the world. She founded Callie’s Charleston Biscuits in 2005 and today, she serves handmade biscuits far beyond Charleston and certainly beyond the South. A woman with one very delicious biscuit recipe, inspiring drive and talent, and the Southern charm and grace you’d expect, we’re elated to introduce Carrie Morey as our newest FACE of the South!
Tell us a little bit about Callie’s Charleston Biscuits and Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit.
I started Callie’s Charleston Biscuits in 2005 to revive the dying art of hand-making biscuits in the South and to make them accessible across the country. Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit is our grab-and-go eatery with locations in Charleston, Atlanta and soon to be Charlotte.
Where did the idea for Callie’s Charleston Biscuits come from? The name?
Callie is my mother, and she has always made the best biscuits by hand since I was a young girl. She had a small catering company, and I was always the server of the biscuits so I knew how popular they were. I told her they were too good not to share with the world!
What has the path of the business looked like since you launched?
The path was a slow start as I was also raising our three very young daughters when we began. It was slow and steady wins the race until our youngest went to kindergarten. Once that happened, my schedule was freer, and I was able to think seriously about how to grow it — still slow and steady with family first always being on my mind. In addition, we are all handmade, so I had to make sure we could keep up with the growth.
Have there been any special influences or inspirations for your business?
Oh, so many … But mainly the people I surround myself with, like my father, husband, children and close friends. Also, my staff has inspired me to continue to grow as well as our fans who have been so loyal!
What’s next for Callie’s? Do you have more shops in the works?
We are hoping to open a Charlotte location by the end of summer, and we have a vintage food truck coming out as well. The goal is to continue to grow slow and steady where it makes sense!
You love to cook, too. What is your go-to weeknight recipe?
I do love to cook, and I try to feed my family homemade meals every weeknight at least. I would say the idea of comfort food for me is always an herb-roasted garlicky chicken with rice and gravy, butter beans or whatever the season offers, along with buttermilk biscuits and loads of butter. No matter what kind of day we’ve had, it’s so important for me to sit down as a family and have a meal. Something about it just sets everything back into alignment — that and lots of sleep!
What’s your best tip for biscuit baking?
Always use your hands. Not only is the end result better with handmade, but once you know the feel of the dough, you don’t need a recipe. Biscuits break all the baking rules, and I think that’s why I gravitate towards them.
Can you choose a favorite biscuit? What’s your usual at Hot Little Biscuit (HLB)?
My favorite HLB is a buttermilk with savory thyme butter, but for breakfast biscuit sammies, I always splurge on the sausage, egg and fiery pimento!
You live in Charleston, one of our favorite Southern cities. Do you have any under-the-radar recommendations for dining or exploring?
I love a carriage tour, as touristy as it seems, especially in October. We do them at least once a year as a family, and I always learn something new even though I’m from Charleston. I also love seeing Charleston by boat. Pack a picnic for the boat or be progressive along the way, stopping at our waterfront spots for a cocktail and nibbles. Our view from the water is stunning, and it’s where you can find us most weekends!
Your family is so precious! Do your kids like to cook and bake the way that you do?
Thank you! Our girls love to bake, and I can get them to help me with supper often. It depends on how interested they are in the meal. They go in phases of interest. So whenever I can get them to help, I take it! My husband loves to cook, too. It’s safe to say our house revolves around the kitchen, even when we are entertaining. You know you are an entertaining family when your children ask on the regular, “Mom, is anyone coming for supper tonight!?” On a Tuesday! I love it!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received and from whom?
Treat people how you want to be treated. My father has told me that from as early as I can remember.
Aside from faith, family and friends, what are three things you cannot live without?
Exercise, sleep and a toss-up between vodka and tequila
Thank you so much, Carrie, for sharing your talents and your mom’s recipe for us all to enjoy! And thanks to Kim Graham of Kim Graham Photography for these beautiful photos.
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Dr. Tracy Callister has dedicated his life’s work to caring for patients with heart disease. Get to know this revered local physician, our newest FACE of TriStar. Click HERE.
