Nation’s Restaurant News: Roark Capital group acquires Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q

Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private-equity firm, is buying Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q. According to a recent article in Nation’s Restaurant News, the 37-unit franchise will be the PE firm’s 20th restaurant brand.

Founded in 1985 in Birmingham by the father and son duo Jim and Nick Pihakis, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q is a full-service restaurant concept that specializes in barbecue and Southern-inspired food. Right now, the brand has locations up and running in seven states, which all serve a selection of pulled pork, brisket, sausage, ham, turkey and ribs in addition to other sandwiches and salads.

“It was important for us to find a private-equity partner that’s aligned with our commitment to high quality, fresh barbecue and Southern cuisine,” said Nick Pihakis in a statement quoted by Nation’s Restaurant News. “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.”

Roark Capital’s acquisition of Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q is its first restaurant investment since Jimmy John’s in 2016. The PE firm also boasts Arby’s, CKE Restaurants, Focus Brands, Corner Bakery and Naf Naf Grill in its portfolio. The exact terms of the Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q deal were not disclosed.

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