When you think of authentic Southern BBQ, Jim N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q is one of the first names that comes to mind. Famous for its pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and scratch-made cheese biscuits, Jim N Nick’s has earned a loyal following across the Southeastern United States.
But beyond the food, many entrepreneurs ask: “Is Jim N Nick’s a franchise?”
Is Jim N Nick’s a Franchise?
Yes — Jim N Nick’s is available as a franchise, though the majority of locations are company-owned.
Jim N Nick’s started in Birmingham, Alabama in 1985 and later partnered with Roark Capital Group in 2017, which owns and invests in many food-service brands. While Roark primarily operates Jim N Nick’s as a corporate-owned brand, select franchise opportunities are available in specific markets.
Jim N Nick’s Business Model
Category
Details
Founded
1985, Birmingham, Alabama
Founders
Jim & Nick Pihakis
Ownership (2025)
Roark Capital Group
Locations
~40–45
Type
Mix of company-owned + franchise units
Franchise Availability
Limited, market-based
Unlike chains that aggressively franchise (like Subway or McDonald’s), Jim N Nick’s focuses on quality over quantity, which is why many of its restaurants remain corporate-operated.
Jim N Nick’s Franchise Investment Costs
While official franchise documents are not publicly listed, based on industry averages for BBQ and casual dining restaurants, here are estimated startup costs for a Jim N Nick’s franchise:
Expense Category
Cost
Initial Franchise Fee
$35,000 – $50,000
Restaurant Build-Out
$500,000 – $1.2 million
Equipment & Furnishings
$150,000 – $300,000
Opening Inventory
$15,000 – $25,000
Marketing Fund
2–4% of sales
Royalties
4–6% of sales
Total Estimated Cost
$750,000 – $1.8 million
👉 These figures are comparable to other mid-sized BBQ chains like Famous Dave’s or Mission BBQ.
Where Are Jim N Nick’s Franchise Locations?
As of 2025, Jim N Nick’s has 40–45 restaurants, concentrated in:
Strong Regional Focus (may not yet be nationwide).
Competition from other BBQ chains and local smokehouses.
Key Takeaways
Yes, Jim N Nick’s is a franchise opportunity, but most units are corporate-owned.
Ownership belongs to Roark Capital Group.
Startup costs range $750K–$1.8M, depending on market and build-out.
Growth is measured and region-focused, not nationwide yet.
Menu remains consistent, with scratch-made BBQ and sides that attract repeat customers.
FAQ – Is Jim N Nick’s a Franchise?
Here are the most common questions people ask:
1. Is Jim N Nick’s a franchise or company-owned?
Both — most are company-owned, with select franchises.
2. Who owns Jim N Nick’s BBQ?
Roark Capital Group, since 2017.
3. How much does it cost to franchise Jim N Nick’s?
Estimated $750K–$1.8M, depending on size and market.
4. Does Jim N Nick’s franchise nationwide?
No, mostly in the Southeast and Colorado.
5. Are there Jim N Nick’s franchises in Florida?
Not yet.
6. Does Jim N Nick’s offer single-unit or multi-unit franchises?
Likely multi-unit preferred, but depends on agreement.
7. What makes Jim N Nick’s different from other BBQ franchises?
Scratch-made food, community focus, and cheese biscuits.
8. Does Roark Capital franchise Jim N Nick’s aggressively?
No, growth is controlled and selective.
9. Can international investors buy a Jim N Nick’s franchise?
Not currently — it’s U.S.-based only.
10. What’s the royalty fee for a Jim N Nick’s franchise?
Estimated 4–6% of sales.
11. What’s the average Jim N Nick’s restaurant size?
Typically 5,000–7,000 square feet with dine-in and catering.
12. Do franchisees get corporate training?
Yes, comprehensive training and operational support.
13. Does Jim N Nick’s allow menu flexibility for franchisees?
Menus are standardized, though regional specials may exist.
14. What’s the franchise term length?
Usually 10–20 years, renewable.
15. Can I convert my existing BBQ restaurant into a Jim N Nick’s franchise?
Unlikely, as they prefer new builds or approved conversions.
16. Does Jim N Nick’s BBQ franchise include catering rights?
Yes, catering is a major revenue stream.
17. Is Jim N Nick’s considered a fast-casual or casual dining franchise?
It’s casual dining with community-driven service.
Final Thoughts
So, is Jim N Nick’s a franchise? The answer is yes, but selectively.
Founded in 1985 in Birmingham, Alabama, Jim N Nick’s grew under family ownership and is now backed byRoark Capital Group. While most restaurants are company-owned, there are franchise opportunities for qualified investors in specific U.S. markets.
With a proven menu, loyal following, and strong financial backing, Jim N Nick’s offers entrepreneurs a chance to be part of an authentic Southern BBQ tradition—but only if they’re ready for the investment and selective approval process.
