If you’ve ever enjoyed the legendary scratch-made biscuits or smoky Southern-style barbecue at Jim ‘N Nick’s, you may have wondered: Who owns Jim ‘N Nick’s today?
The answer goes beyond just a name—it’s a story of humble beginnings, family roots, private equity ownership, and a brand transformation that still holds onto its Southern charm.
Table of Contents
The Origins of Jim ‘N Nick’s
Expansion Across the South
Who Owns Jim ‘N Nick’s Today?
About Roark Capital Group (Current Owner)
Leadership & Executive Team
Jim ‘N Nick’s Business Model & Growth Strategy
Menu Favorites: Calories, Allergens & Ingredients Table
Why Ownership Matters to Customers
Competitors vs. Jim ‘N Nick’s
FAQs (15+ Common Questions Answered)
Final Thoughts
1. The Origins of Jim ‘N Nick’s
Jim ‘N Nick’s was founded in 1985 in Birmingham, Alabama by Jim Pihakis and his son Nick.
The first location started in a converted pizza parlor.
They built their brand on fresh, scratch-made barbecue, Southern hospitality, and no freezers or microwaves.
Their famous cheddar biscuits became a customer favorite and remain a signature today.
The chain quickly became a regional institution, loved for its community involvement and authentic cooking.
2. Expansion Across the South
By the early 2000s, Jim ‘N Nick’s had expanded beyond Alabama into Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
By 2017, it had 37 restaurants across seven states.
The chain partnered briefly with Dinosaur Bar-B-Q under the Good Smoke umbrella for operational efficiency.
Despite its growth, the brand stayed true to its Southern roots and scratch-cooking philosophy.
3. Who Owns Jim ‘N Nick’s Today?
Today, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q is owned by Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm.
Acquisition Year: 2017
Previous Owners: The Pihakis family and private investors
Why Roark Bought It: To grow Jim ‘N Nick’s within their massive restaurant portfolio
This means Jim ‘N Nick’s is no longer family-owned, but still carries its founder’s philosophy of quality and authenticity.
4. About Roark Capital Group
Roark Capital Group is one of the largest private equity firms in the restaurant industry.
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
Portfolio: Includes Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic, Auntie Anne’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Carl’s Jr., and Focus Brands.
Specialty: Investing in franchised and multi-unit businesses.
By acquiring Jim ‘N Nick’s, Roark positioned it as part of its 20th restaurant brand acquisition.
5. Leadership & Executive Team
Ownership isn’t just about the firm—it’s also about who runs the day-to-day operations.
CEO: Larry Ryback (since 2019)
President: Brian Lyman
Chairman: Phil Hickey
Under their leadership, Jim ‘N Nick’s shifted to a fast-casual-plus model with drive-thrus, counter service, and off-premises dining, which now accounts for 60% of sales.
6. Jim ‘N Nick’s Business Model & Growth Strategy
Jim ‘N Nick’s operates on a hybrid restaurant model:
Yes, cheese biscuits are complimentary with meals.
13. Do they have drive-thrus?
Yes, many newer locations feature drive-thru service.
14. What percentage of sales are off-premises?
About 60%.
15. What’s the meaning behind “fast-casual-plus”?
It blends dine-in quality with quick-service convenience.
16. Is Jim ‘N Nick’s expanding?
Yes, with new smaller-format stores.
17. Do they serve alcohol?
Select locations offer beer, wine, and cocktails.
11. Final Thoughts
So, who owns Jim ‘N Nick’s? The answer is Roark Capital Group, but ownership is only part of the story. The soul of Jim ‘N Nick’s lies in its scratch-made barbecue, community focus, and Southern hospitality—values that continue to thrive under corporate backing.
If you’re craving authentic Southern barbecue, you can be sure Jim ‘N Nick’s delivers the same passion it started with back in 1985.
