Who Owns Jim N Nick’s BBQ 2026

When it comes to Southern-style barbecue, few names are as beloved as Jim N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q. Known for its slow-smoked meats, scratch-made sides, and iconic cheese biscuits, Jim N Nick’s has grown from a small Birmingham, Alabama restaurant into a regional powerhouse with 40+ locations.

But one question comes up often: “Who owns Jim N Nick’s BBQ today?”

In this guide, we’ll cover:

The current owner of Jim N Nick’s BBQ
The history of its ownership
How ownership has shaped the brand
Jim N Nick’s menu highlights, nutrition, and allergen info
A detailed FAQ section with 15+ questions and answers

Who Owns Jim N Nick’s BBQ?

As of 2025, Jim N Nick’s BBQ is owned by Roark Capital Group, a private equity firm based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Roark is a powerhouse in the restaurant industry, with ownership stakes in brands like Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, and Cinnabon.

This ownership provides financial strength, expansion opportunities, and operational expertise while keeping Jim N Nick’s Southern BBQ identity intact.

The Ownership Journey of Jim N Nick’s

1. Family Beginnings (1985–2017)

Founded by Jim and Nick Pihakis in Birmingham, Alabama.
Started as a family-run BBQ restaurant.
Expanded across Alabama and into surrounding states.

2. Acquisition by Roark Capital (2017–Present)

In 2017, Roark Capital acquired Jim N Nick’s.
Since then, the chain has grown steadily to 40–45 locations.
Focus remains on community, scratch-made food, and authentic BBQ traditions.

Why Roark Capital Owns Jim N Nick’s

Roark Capital specializes in franchise-driven and food-service businesses. By acquiring Jim N Nick’s, Roark aimed to:

Strengthen the brand’s financial stability.
Support growth across the Southeast and beyond.
Provide resources for marketing, technology, and supply chain improvements.
Keep the family-style, community-first philosophy alive.

Jim N Nick’s Menu Snapshot (Calories, Ingredients & Allergens)

Since many readers search ownership while planning a visit, here’s a nutrition overview of popular menu items.

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Nutrition	Value
Calories	~720
Protein	45g
Carbs	40g
Fat	36g

Ingredients: Pulled pork, BBQ sauce, bun, pickles.
Allergens: Wheat, soy.

Beef Brisket Plate

Nutrition	Value
Calories	~850
Protein	52g
Carbs	28g
Fat	47g

Ingredients: Brisket, BBQ rub, sauce.
Allergens: Soy.

Smoked Chicken Plate

Nutrition	Value
Calories	~640
Protein	58g
Carbs	22g
Fat	32g

Ingredients: Chicken, seasoning, sauce.
Allergens: Possible soy in sauce.

Mac & Cheese

Nutrition	Value
Calories	~420
Protein	12g
Carbs	38g
Fat	24g

Ingredients: Pasta, cheddar cheese, cream, butter.
Allergens: Dairy, wheat.

BBQ Ribs

Nutrition	Value
Calories	~780
Protein	49g
Carbs	32g
Fat	42g

Ingredients: Pork ribs, BBQ sauce, rub.
Allergens: Soy, gluten (sauce).

Key Takeaways

Jim N Nick’s BBQ is owned by Roark Capital Group (since 2017).
Founded in Birmingham, Alabama (1985) by Jim & Nick Pihakis.
Ownership transition gave it growth opportunities without losing its scratch-made authenticity.
Today, the brand operates 40–45 restaurants across the Southeast and Colorado.

FAQ – Who Owns Jim N Nick’s BBQ?

Here are the most common questions and answers:

1. Who owns Jim N Nick’s BBQ today?

Roark Capital Group.

2. When did Roark Capital acquire Jim N Nick’s?

In 2017.

3. Who originally founded Jim N Nick’s?

Jim and Nick Pihakis in 1985.

4. Is Jim N Nick’s still family-owned?

No, it is now owned by Roark Capital.

5. Where did Jim N Nick’s start?

In Birmingham, Alabama.

6. How many Jim N Nick’s BBQ locations are there?

Around 40–45 as of 2025.

7. Does ownership affect the menu?

No, it still serves authentic BBQ, scratch-made sides, and cheese biscuits.

8. What other restaurants does Roark Capital own?

Arby’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s, and more.

9. Does every Jim N Nick’s serve the same food?

Yes, though regional variations may exist.

10. Does ownership mean Jim N Nick’s will expand nationwide?

Expansion is possible, but the brand focuses on Southeastern BBQ culture.

11. Did the original founders leave the company?

Nick Pihakis remained active for years but stepped back after acquisition.

12. Is Jim N Nick’s still community-focused under Roark?

Yes, they still sponsor schools, local events, and charities.

13. Does Roark Capital franchise Jim N Nick’s?

Most locations are company-owned, though franchising may increase.

14. Is Jim N Nick’s owned by Inspire Brands?

Indirectly—Roark owns Inspire Brands, which manages many restaurant brands.

15. Why did Roark buy Jim N Nick’s?

To support its growth, finances, and expansion strategy.

16. Will the menu change under Roark ownership?

No, the focus remains on Southern BBQ traditions.

17. Does Jim N Nick’s BBQ have the same ownership as Arby’s?

Yes, both are backed by Roark Capital.

Final Thoughts

So, who owns Jim N Nick’s BBQ? The answer is: Roark Capital Group, since 2017.

What started in 1985 in Birmingham, Alabama as a father-son BBQ shop is now a 40+ location chain with strong financial backing. Yet, even under new ownership, Jim N Nick’s remains committed to its scratch-made sides, slow-smoked meats, and Southern hospitality.

Ownership has brought stability, resources, and expansion, ensuring that Jim N Nick’s BBQ continues to thrive while staying true to its roots.