Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm focused on consumer brands and multi-unit businesses, announced today that its affiliate has acquired a majority stake in Birmingham, Alabama-based Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q is a full-service restaurant brand specializing in authentic, made-from-scratch
barbecue and Southern inspired cuisine prepared with high-quality, fresh ingredients. The investment is
Roark’s 60th multi-unit company and 20th restaurant brand.
Founded in 1985 in Birmingham, AL, by father and son Jim and Nick Pihakis, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q today has 37 locations in seven states, including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Jim ‘N Nick’s specializes in authentic barbecued and smoked meat offerings of beef, chicken, pork and turkey, which can be paired with a variety of barbeque sauces, and is widely known for its signature cheese biscuits. The menu features traditional Southern favorite dishes freshly prepared using locally-sourced ingredients. With its unique combination of dine-in service, drive-thru and catering, Jim ‘N Nick’s offers consumers and their families a convenient, high-quality meal at an
affordable price.
“It was important for us to find a private equity partner that is aligned with our commitment to high
quality, fresh barbecue and Southern cuisine,” said Nick Pihakis. “Roark is a highly-respected PE firm,
with a strong track record of investing in restaurant brands to position them for sustainable long-term
growth. They are an ideal partner for us to reach our expansion goals, while remaining true to our
extremely high quality standards.”
Brian Lyman, Chief Operating Officer of Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and 12-year veteran of the brand, has
been promoted to President. In connection with the transaction, 35-year restaurant industry veteran
Phil Hickey will become Chairman of Jim ‘N Nick’s. Hickey’s experience includes former Chief Executive
Officer of RARE Hospitality, and he is currently the Chairman of Miller’s Ale House, another Roark
portfolio company.
Geoff Hill, Principal at Roark Capital Group, added, “Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q is highly differentiated,
offering authentic, scratch-made cooking to guests choosing to dine-in, carry-out, drive-thru or cater
and has a tremendous regional following and strong growth potential. The food is craveable and is
served with wonderful Southern hospitality. We look forward to working closely with Phil, Brian, Nick,
and the rest of the passionate and talented team members at Jim ‘N Nick’s.”
July 11, 2017