Huntsville, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Birmingham-based barbecue chain Jim ‘N Nick’s has opened a new restaurant in Huntsville at 2001 Cecil Ashburn Drive SE. This marks their third location in the metro area and 58th nationwide. The restaurant hired 87 staff members and donated $2,500 to Free2Teach to support local teachers. The location’s success reflects community interest in quality dining options, and it solidifies the company’s ambition to grow further in the Southeastern U.S.
Huntsville
Birmingham-based barbecue chain Jim ‘N Nick’s opened its latest location in the Huntsville area on Wednesday, marking the chain’s third restaurant in the Huntsville metro area and its 58th location overall. The new restaurant is situated at 2001 Cecil Ashburn Drive SE, Huntsville, AL 35802, occupying a prime corner at Cecil Ashburn Drive and Carl T. Jones Drive in Jones Valley.
The decision to open in Jones Valley was seen as a “no-brainer” by Jim ‘N Nick’s president Brian Lyman. After nearly three years of searching for a suitable South Huntsville location, the company faced significant challenges in finding the right spot, according to Standridge. The restaurant has already hired 87 staff members and continues to seek additional employees.
The new location officially opened at 11 AM and filled to capacity by 11:30 AM. In an effort to support the local community, Jim ‘N Nick’s presented a check for $2,500 to Free2Teach, a nonprofit organization providing free resources to teachers in Madison and Limestone counties.
Founded in Birmingham in 1985 by father and son duo Jim and Nick Pihakis, Jim ‘N Nick’s has grown significantly since its inception. The chain now operates more than 50 locations across several states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Background Context
Jim ‘N Nick’s has built a reputation for its commitment to quality barbecue. The restaurant specializes in a variety of dishes that emphasize slow-smoked meats, homemade sides, and fresh baked goods, appealing to barbecue enthusiasts across the Southeastern United States. The opening in Jones Valley is part of a broader strategy to enhance their presence in markets where they see potential for growth.
The decision to locate in Jones Valley underscores the area’s appeal to businesses, given its demographic and economic characteristics. The local population has shown strong interest in dining options that provide quality food in a welcoming atmosphere, which has contributed to the successful opening of the new restaurant.
Key Features of the New Location
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 2001 Cecil Ashburn Drive SE, Huntsville, AL 35802 |
| Opening Date | Wednesday |
| Staff Hired | 87 employees and seeking more |
| Community Support | Donation of $2,500 to Free2Teach |
| Total Locations | 58 locations nationwide |
FAQ
Where is Jim ‘N Nick’s new location in Huntsville?
The new restaurant is located at 2001 Cecil Ashburn Drive SE, Huntsville, AL 35802.
The new restaurant is located at 2001 Cecil Ashburn Drive SE, Huntsville, AL 35802.
What time did the restaurant open?
The restaurant officially opened at 11 AM.
The restaurant officially opened at 11 AM.
How many staff members has the restaurant hired?
The restaurant has hired 87 staff members so far and is still seeking additional employees.
The restaurant has hired 87 staff members so far and is still seeking additional employees.
What community initiative did Jim ‘N Nick’s participate in during the opening?
They presented a check for $2,500 to Free2Teach, a nonprofit providing free resources to teachers in Madison and Limestone counties.
They presented a check for $2,500 to Free2Teach, a nonprofit providing free resources to teachers in Madison and Limestone counties.
How many locations does Jim ‘N Nick’s have total?
Jim ‘N Nick’s has a total of 58 locations nationwide.
Jim ‘N Nick’s has a total of 58 locations nationwide.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Axios: Jim ‘N Nick’s Opens in Jones Valley
- Wikipedia: Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q
- Hville Blast: New Jim ‘N Nick’s Now Open in Jones Valley
- Google Search: Jim N Nicks
- WAAY TV: Madison County Restaurant Inspection Scores
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue
- AL.com: Construction Begins on Huntsville Hospital Expansion
- Google News: Huntsville AL
- Hville Blast: Downtown Rescue Mission New Building Permits
- Google Scholar: Huntsville Community Support
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
