When Cynthia Jolly moved from New York City to Owensboro, she brought with her an entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for food, and a desire to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Her restaurant, Boujie Biscuit, specializes in gourmet buttermilk biscuit meals, bringing something different to Owensboro’s culinary scene.
Jolly first introduced her concept to Owensboro in the fall of 2023 as a carryout-only business offering biscuit meals, French sodas, and a selection of boutique retail items. However, feedback from customers made her realize there was a demand for a dine-in experience. When a coffee shop vacated a nearby space, Jolly seized the opportunity, moving into her current location at the end of August 2024.
“I wanted to simplify my concept while still offering something new — something you couldn’t find anywhere else locally,” Jolly said. “When people came from other cities or states, they’d ask, ‘Where am I supposed to sit and eat?’ I knew I needed a space that matched the vibe I originally envisioned.”
Boujie Biscuit’s menu is centered on hearty biscuit meals inspired by flavors from around the globe. Jolly crafts large, square biscuits and tops them with a variety of ingredients, transforming them into dishes that are eaten with a fork. From savory to sweet, she said the menu reflects her artistic approach to cooking.
“I take inspiration from all different continents and use the biscuits as a canvas for those flavors,” she said. “It’s comfort food, but it’s also a way for me to introduce people to something new.”
Jolly’s journey to Owensboro was anything but ordinary. A native of New York City, she lived in Europe for several years before eventually settling in the Midwest. A singer-songwriter and artist at heart, Jolly views food as her latest form of artistic expression.
“I’ve always tried to balance my corporate life with my artist life,” Jolly said. “Food became a way for me to express myself and connect with people. I’m a foodie at my core, and I love talking to my customers about flavors— even if it’s not my food.”
While building Boujie Biscuit, Jolly said she has embraced Owensboro’s small-town feel and strong sense of community. She’s focused on building relationships with her customers and learning what the local community values.
“I love hearing the stories and backgrounds of the people who come through here,” Jolly said. “Families bring their kids, and they love our kids’ corner up front. I want this to be a family-friendly environment where people can enjoy good food and feel like they’ve stepped into another place.”
For now, Jolly is keeping her focus on the restaurant, but she’s also active on social media, including Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, where she shares glimpses of her personality and her love for singing.
Boujie Biscuit is located at 217 Williamsburg Square in Owensboro.
For Jolly, it’s all about creating a welcoming space where the community can gather and share in her passion for food.
“I want people to come in and feel like they’ve found something special,” she said.
