2004
50
$169,200
$30,000
$433,100
No
Billy Sims Barbecue (BSB) is a fast-casual restaurant chain that offers a unique blend of authentic barbecue flavors and sports-themed dining experiences. Founded in 2004 by former Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims and his business partner Jeff Jackson, BSB has grown to over 50 locations across nine states, including Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Michigan, Arkansas, Iowa, Colorado, and Wisconsin.
The brand is renowned for its commitment to quality, offering nine types of meats smoked in-house daily over pecan wood, complemented by traditional sides like potato salad, smoked baked potatoes, smoked corn, coleslaw, and entrée-sized salads. BSB's menu and décor often reflect Sims' association with the Oklahoma Sooners and Detroit Lions, creating a nostalgic and engaging atmosphere for patrons.
BSB's franchise model emphasizes low overhead costs and a scalable system, making it an attractive opportunity for investors seeking a hands-on business in the thriving fast-casual dining sector.
Proven Business Model: With over 50 locations, BSB has demonstrated consistent growth and brand recognition in the competitive barbecue and fast-casual dining market.
Celebrity Endorsement: Founded by a Heisman Trophy winner, BSB leverages Sims' sports legacy to attract a loyal customer base and create a unique brand identity.
Quality Offerings: The brand's commitment to smoking meats in-house daily ensures a high-quality product that meets customer expectations.
Supportive Franchise System: BSB provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to franchisees, including assistance with site selection, store development, and marketing strategies.
Scalable Investment: The franchise model is designed to be scalable, offering opportunities for single-unit and multi-unit ownership, catering to various investment capacities.
Founded: 2004
Founders: Billy Sims (Heisman Trophy-winning football player) and Jeff Jackson (business partner and sports marketing professional)
Headquarters: Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
Company History & Brand Journey:
Billy Sims Barbecue (BSB) began as a single fast-casual barbecue restaurant in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Billy Sims, leveraging his sports fame and community influence, teamed up with Jeff Jackson to create a restaurant that combined authentic barbecue flavors with a sports-themed dining atmosphere. The goal was to offer high-quality smoked meats and classic barbecue sides in a welcoming environment that appealed to families, sports fans, and casual diners.
The brand’s franchise model launched around 2008, allowing rapid expansion across multiple states. From the first location, BSB focused on replicating its successful formula in other markets, emphasizing consistent food quality, operational efficiency, and a memorable dining experience. Over the years, the brand grew to over 50 franchise units across nine states: Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Michigan, Arkansas, Iowa, Colorado, and Wisconsin.
Ownership & Management:
BSB is privately owned by Legendary Q Brands, LLC, which manages the franchise operations and oversees the brand’s growth strategy. The company continues to operate under a franchise model, supporting individual franchise owners while maintaining brand standards and quality.
Market Positioning & Industry Category:
Billy Sims Barbecue operates in the fast-casual dining segment, specifically focusing on barbecue restaurants. Its market positioning is built on:
High-quality, in-house smoked meats
Affordable yet premium dining experience
Sports-themed décor, leveraging Billy Sims’ celebrity appeal
Strong customer loyalty and community engagement
Key Achievements & Highlights:
Over 50 locations successfully franchised in multiple states
Recognized for authentic, slow-smoked barbecue
Strong brand association with sports fans, especially in regions tied to Billy Sims’ football legacy
A scalable franchise model that allows for both single and multi-unit ownership
Summary:
Billy Sims Barbecue combines a beloved American cuisine—barbecue—with a strong brand story rooted in celebrity legacy, quality, and community connection. Its consistent growth, franchise support system, and market appeal make it a competitive player in the fast-casual BBQ industry in the USA.
BSB offers a robust support system to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiations, and store design to ensure optimal location and layout.
Training Programs: Comprehensive initial training covering operations, customer service, inventory management, and staff training.
Operational Support: Ongoing guidance in daily operations, including inventory control, quality assurance, and staff management.
Marketing Assistance: Support in local and national marketing campaigns, including promotional materials and digital marketing strategies.
Technology Integration: Utilization of tools like MeazureUp's AuditApp to ensure consistency and streamline franchise development
The ideal BSB franchisee is:
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Motivated individuals with a passion for the food industry and a desire to operate a customer-focused business.
Hands-On Management: Owners who are actively involved in daily operations, ensuring quality service and product consistency.
Financial Capability: Ability to meet the financial requirements, including liquid capital and net worth thresholds.
Community-Oriented: Individuals who are engaged in their local communities and can leverage local connections to drive business success.
Location Preferences: While BSB is not currently seeking international franchisees, opportunities are available across various states in the U.S
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $169,200 – $433,100 |
| Liquid Capital Required | $170,000 |
| Net Worth Requirement | $250,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Advertising / Marketing Fee | 1% of gross sales |
| Working Capital | $12,000 – $25,000 |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Included in total investment; varies by location, size, and design |
| Franchise Agreement Term | 10 years, with renewal options |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 18–24 months (may vary by market and location) |
| Expected ROI | 20–25% annually (varies by location and operational efficiency) |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in sales, take-out, catering services, and non-traditional units (stadiums, malls, events) |
