SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Eggs Up Grill, a rapidly expanding breakfast, brunch and lunch concept restaurant, started serving the most important meal of the day in Athens on Monday, Jan. 6.

Located at 22031 U.S. Highway 72, at the Eastside Junction, this is just the second Eggs Up Grill for husband-and-wife duo Alex and Kris McLellan — and it is only the third location in the state of Alabama. The couple also owns the Eggs Up Grill in Madison, located at 300 Hughes Road.

The McLellans relocated to the area from the Northeast United States in 2019. Alex is the current owner of Nutty Scientists of Rocket City and Kris operates the Eggs Up Grill business.

The couple said that the response to their Madison restaurant had been overwhelmingly positive, and oftentimes guests scrambled all the way from Athens to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch with them.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to serve a broader audience and open in our hometown of Athens,” Kris McLellan said. “We are serving up smiles to our neighbors and invite everyone to join us for the best breakfast, brunch and lunch in town.”

With indoor seating for 128 guests and outdoor patio for eight more, the 4,200 square-foot restaurant is designed to make breakfast food enjoyers feel right at home in a light, bright and cheery atmosphere. The restaurant also has a 20-seat private dining room available for larger groups or community gatherings called “The Coop.”

The restaurant will serve guests seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., with dine-in, online ordering, takeout, catering and delivery options currently available. Eggs Up Grill serves its full menu open to close.

Signature menu items include the founder’s recipe corned beef hash with potatoes, onions and special spices, as well as made-to-order omelets, buttery, grilled blueberry muffins, classic breakfast dishes, croissant-style donuts and lunch selections including burgers, melts, salads and more.

Next month, locals can expect an official grand opening event. For more information, follow @eggsupgrillathens on Facebook and Instagram.

Eggs Up Grill also caters events big or small, with a menu featuring breakfast favorites like eggs, grits, home fries, biscuits and gravy and muffins. Salads and sandwiches are available for catered lunch.

With locations across the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Texas and Mississippi, Eggs Up Grill offers a rewarding experience for guests and franchise partners alike.

Eggs Up Grill is also known for its uniquely friendly service and compelling value. There are more than 100 Eggs Up Grills under development or committed to open over the next decade. Eggs Up Grill is quickly becoming the largest franchised, full-service better breakfast concept in the U.S. marketplace.

The Eggs Up Grill brand is all about neighbors serving neighbors. The McLellans will continue to  support first responders and veterans, which includes a 10 percent discount at both restaurants, as well as fundraising for youth sports programs.

The Athens restaurant is still hiring all positions. Those interested can apply at EggsUpGrill.com. For more information, follow @eggsupgrillathens on Facebook and Instagram.