Jacksonville

Big Jake’s BBQ Targeting May Debut in Jacksonville

This fast-casual restaurant will serve barbecue favorites like ribs, chicken, and homestyle sides from a pit-cooked menu.

Photo courtesy of Big Jake's BBQ.

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Big Jake’s BBQ to open in the former Mr. K’s BBQ Space is targeting a May 1 at 4906 Soutel Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32208, owner Robert Rukab told Business Debut. The new concept from Rukab and his partner Zee will bring a fast-casual barbecue operation with a drive-thru to a location long known for smoked meats.

What to Expect

Big Jake’s BBQ will operate as a fast-casual restaurant with a drive-thru and limited indoor seating for about 12 guests. The restaurant will focus primarily on takeout and quick service.

Guests can expect a menu centered around pit-cooked barbecue, including chicken, ribs, and a range of classic sides such as macaroni and cheese, beans, potato salad, and coleslaw. “Everything will be cooked on a pit,” Rukab told Business Debut.

Rukab said the concept has been in development for some time, with Chef Pi leading the kitchen as pitmaster. “We brought on some experienced BBQ chefs… and he’s going to be in charge of the food,” he told Business Debut.

Rukab highlighted the chicken and ribs as standout items. “The ribs are going to be fall off the bone… and the homemade macaroni is going to be to die for,” he told Business Debut.

The opening also marks Rukab’s first dedicated barbecue concept after decades in the restaurant industry. He previously operated multiple Big Jake’s restaurants in Jacksonville and has spent about 40 years in the business. “I had as many as seven at one time,” he told Business Debut.

After stepping away into real estate in 2014, Rukab partnered with Zee, who has 25 years of restaurant experience and currently operates a restaurant in Jacksonville. “This is our first venture into the barbecue,” he said.

Rukab noted the significance of the location, which previously housed a longtime local staple. “The building… for many years was called Mr. K’s Barbecue,” he told Business Debut.

He added that community demand played a role in the concept. “The community really wanted another barbecue place so that’s what we decided to do,” he said.