Big Whiskey's

What Big Whiskey's does

Big Whiskey's American Restaurant & Bar is a privately held franchise restaurant company founded in 2006 in Downtown Springfield, Missouri by Paul Sundy, currently co-led with CEO Austin Herschend. The chain operates a single integrated brand concept positioned as an upscale American sports bar: full-service casual dining menu (burgers, steaks, wings, pasta, brunch, kids menu), a 120+ whiskey selection with rare and allocated bottles, and 20+ craft cocktails, supported by 20+ HD TVs per location. As of mid-2024 the system comprised approximately 28 locations across Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas, with a multi-unit franchise development model anchored by the proprietary Big Whiskey's U training program (in-person plus online modular curriculum, 5-week pre-opening onsite team) and second-generation real estate conversions to reduce franchisee build-out cost. Revenue is diversified across dine-in food and beverage, online ordering (proprietary iOS/Android app and order.bigwhiskeys.com), catering (direct plus ezCater at select locations), gift cards, and franchise fees/royalties; the customer base skews to sports fans and gameday audiences (Pick 'Em and Win, Bracket Busters, NFL .99¢ wings), families (Kids Eat Free Tuesdays, weekend brunch), whiskey and cocktail enthusiasts, and corporate/private-event users via 25-54+ capacity private dining rooms. The chain runs a rotating LTO menu calendar (Whiskey's World Tour, Game On, Sweet Heat Wave, Flavor Fest, Big Saucey's Endless Sauceabilities) and is rolling out a new Whiskey's Yard outdoor eatertainment format (yard games, fire pit, walk-up bar, large screens) that contributed 19.5% of sales in its first prototype at Lebanon, MO; the brand was named to FSR Magazine's NextGen 25 in 2024. Tech stack comprises Toast POS (back-of-house), proprietary mobile apps for ordering and Legendary Loyalty, and a web-based training portal; no AI/ML capabilities are described. The company is privately held by its co-founders/co-CEOs with no institutional capital disclosed in the input data.

Name

Big Whiskey's

Legal name

Big Whiskey's American Restaurant & Bar

Website

https://bigwhiskeys.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Big Whiskey's is a franchise-operated American sports bar and restaurant chain founded in 2006, serving families, sports fans, and whiskey enthusiasts across roughly 28 locations in the South and Midwest.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Casual Dining Restaurants

NAICS

Full-Service Restaurants (722511), Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) (722410)

SIC

Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810), Retail-Eating Places (5812)

akta.pro primary industry

Sports Bars (CRANACAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Neighborhood Bars & Taverns (CRANACAA), Bars & Pubs (Non-Music) (MPAGAIAC)

Keywords

• Casual dining chain
• Sports bar franchise
• Whiskey bar restaurant
• Restaurant catering services
• American restaurant brand

Headquarters

HQ city

Ozark

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices24 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Dine-In Food and Beverage Sales: Core revenue from on-premises dining including appetizers, entrees, desserts, beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails. Includes limited-time seasonal menus (LTOs). Major value drivers include 120+ whiskey selection and craft cocktails. Operating across ~28+ franchise and corporate locations.
2. Online Ordering (Direct Pickup/Delivery): Direct online ordering through order.bigwhiskeys.com and native iOS/Android apps for pickup and delivery. Third-party delivery app orders excluded from loyalty point earning.
3. Catering: Corporate catering through boxed lunches, party trays, full spreads, and custom large-scale catering. Partnership with ezCater at select locations. Custom catering inquiries handled by catering specialist ([email protected]).
4. Gift Card Sales: Digital and physical gift cards sold through the website. E-gift cards delivered via email; physical cards available for IRL gifting. Gift card balance checking via myguestaccount.com.
5. Franchise Fees and Royalties: Revenue from franchisee agreements including initial franchise fees and ongoing royalty payments based on franchisee sales. Growth via multi-unit franchise deals (e.g., 3-location deals with Texas Cooks, Sims in Alabama/Huntsville).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Big Whiskey's is a multi-location American restaurant and sports bar chain serving a full food menu (burgers, steaks, pasta, wings, sandwiches), an extensive bar program featuring 120+ whiskeys and 20+ handcrafted cocktails, plus private dining rooms, outdoor eatertainment spaces, catering, and online ordering across franchise and corporate locations in the South and Midwest.

Product overview

Big Whiskey's American Restaurant & Bar is a multi-location restaurant chain operating as a single unified brand. The core offering centers on a full-service American sports bar and restaurant featuring a diverse food menu (burgers, steaks, pasta, wings, sandwiches), an extensive celebrated bar with 120+ whiskeys and craft cocktails, and online ordering for dine-in, pickup, and delivery. The product portfolio includes the Legendary Loyalty rewards program (earning 1 point per $1 spent), Whiskey's Yard outdoor eatertainment spaces (new prototype featuring games and fire pits), full catering services via ezCater partnership, and private dining rooms (Flag Room) available at most locations. The chain frequently introduces Limited Time Offerings (LTOs) including seasonal menus like Big Saucey's Endless Sauceabilities, Flavor Fest, Sweet Heat Wave, Game On, Whiskey's World Tour, and Buffalo Summer. Community engagement programs include Give Back Nights where local groups receive percentage donations from sales.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Whiskey's Yard: An inviting and reservable outdoor space perfect for hosting events and parties. Features fun outdoor games, a walk-up bar, and ample room for parties and sports viewing.

Products and services

• Full-Service Restaurant Dining (American Sports Bar) Full on-premises dining experience featuring a diverse American sports bar food menu and extensive beverage program (120+ whiskeys including rare/allocated bottles, 20+ handcrafted cocktails, beer and wine) served at 25+ franchise and corporate locations across Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and Kentucky.
• Catering Services Catering service for corporate and group occasions including boxed lunches, party trays, full spreads, and custom large-scale catering, offered both directly and through ezCater partnership at select locations.
• Whiskey's Yard Outdoor Eatertainment Reservable outdoor eatertainment space combining dining with yard games, large sports screens, fire pits, walk-up bars, and lounge seating, available at select locations including Lebanon MO, Hoover AL, and Madison AL for private events and general use.
• Private Dining & Event Rooms Bookable private event spaces (including signature Flag Room and other named rooms) at most locations for corporate events, birthday parties, holiday parties, fantasy drafts, and business meetings, with capacities ranging from 25 to 54+ guests and AV capabilities including HDMI-connected TVs.
• Online Ordering & Delivery Direct digital ordering service through proprietary website (order.bigwhiskeys.com) and native iOS/Android apps for food pickup and delivery from all participating Big Whiskey's locations.
• Gift Cards Digital and physical gift cards available for purchase through the Big Whiskey's website, redeemable at any participating location.

Quantifiable outcome

• Poplar Bluff location generated $100K+ in sales within first week of opening (in a market of ~16,000 people)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Tony and Mary Cook (Texas Franchisees)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 11 March 2025Tony and Mary Cook signed a three-location franchise deal for Texas, marking Big Whiskey's first venture into the Lone Star State. First location planned for Willis, TX (outside Houston on I-45) with expansion into The Woodlands and Conroe. Tony brings experience managing construction of 46 restaurant locations across Nevada in six years. Franchise inquiry via www.bigwhiskeysfranchise.com.
• ezCaterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Big Whiskey's partners with ezCater at select locations for corporate catering orders (boxed meals and party trays). If preferred location is not shown on ezCater, customers are directed to call the location directly for catering support.
• Alan and Lisa Lawrence (Owensboro Franchisees)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 June 2024Alan and Lisa Lawrence signed a franchise agreement to open a Big Whiskey's location in Owensboro, Kentucky. The franchisees researched multiple concepts and chose Big Whiskey's for its community commitment and brand fit. Working with Erin Detrick, Associate VP of Franchise at Big Whiskey's. Their location features an 80" TV with HDMI and USB-C connections.
• Radiant Investment / Amaan & Zunaid (Zee) Pobandarwala and Sajid Jalali and Nizar Batada (Hoover Franchisees)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 23 March 2024Radiant Investment franchise group led by Amaan & Zunaid (Zee) Pobandarwala and Sajid Jalali and Nizar Batada. Opened first Hoover, AL location during the pandemic and set franchise sales records in its first year. Second Hoover location on 280 opened 2024. Led Hoover to set all-time single-day sales record. Also developing Whiskey's Yard outdoor spaces.
• Boys and Girls Club of Northern AlabamaminorOthers · 17 January 2024Madison, AL location partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Alabama. Community Give Back Night donations collected during grand opening weekend to support the club's mission of empowering local youth.
• Alpha Real Estate and DeLine HoldingsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 October 2023Alpha Real Estate and DeLine Holdings partnered with Big Whiskey's for development of a prototype store in Columbia, MO near I-70 and 131 exit. Columbia location marked as flagship prototype store reflecting the brand's dedication to design and technology innovation. DeLine Holdings has opened multiple restaurants and developments.
• NOS Development / Whiskey's Florida LLC (Florida Franchisee)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 July 2023NOS Development, led by Steve Swanson, signed a three-store franchise deal (February 2022) through subsidiary Whiskey's Florida LLC. First location opened in Davie, FL (January 2025) at 4599 S University Drive. Steve Swanson brings experience owning and operating multiple restaurant concepts including 8 IHOP locations. Davie location: ~6,300 sq ft with 230 seats, bar area, large patio, private dining.
• Terry and Aimee Sims (Alabama/Huntsville Franchisees)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 June 2023Terry and Aimee Sims, existing franchisees with 13 QSR franchise locations, signed agreement for three Big Whiskey's locations in the Huntsville, AL metropolitan area. Currently operating Hoover location with Amaan & Zee's team. Signed for Madison, AL (opened October 2024), Alabaster, AL (opening 2024), and additional Huntsville-area locations.
• BLV Whiskey's LLC (Poplar Bluff Franchisee Group)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 November 2022BLV Whiskey's LLC, a partnership group of three Poplar Bluff, MO residents, signed franchise agreement (November 2022). Negotiated with Mayson Capital Partners of Cape Girardeau to occupy former Scotty's Brewhouse at 3115 Oak Grove Road. Location opened October 2023, generating $100K+ in first week. The group employs ~75 staff. Planning additional locations in Jonesboro and Cape Girardeau.
• Toast POScoreTechnology or IntegrationBack-of-house restaurant technology system used across locations. Toast streamlines kitchen communication and improves ticket times, enabling high-volume service with speed and consistency. Referenced as supporting Hoover location's record-breaking performance.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves16 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Twin Peaks: Sports-bar lodge-themed chain with a strong bar program (20–30 beers, extensive spirits) and 20+ TVs per location. Most directly comparable as a sports-bar franchise competitor with multi-state footprint and dine-in + catering model.
• Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux: Sports-themed casual-dining franchise with a strong Louisiana-inspired food menu and bar program. Comparable as a sports-bar franchise expanding nationally with similar target markets in the South.
• Hooters: Long-established sports-bar chain with strong wings, beer, and sports-viewing positioning. Comparable sports-bar experience and gameday promotions, though differentiated by its signature staff and broader national footprint.
• Glory Days Grill: Mid-Atlantic sports-bar and grill chain with gameday positioning and similar neighborhood casual-dining model. Comparable sports-bar franchise with similar target customer and unit format, though smaller and more regionally concentrated.

Broad incumbents

• Buffalo Wild Wings: National sports-bar chain owned by Inspire Brands. Overlaps heavily on the gameday, sports-viewing, and wings/craft-beer value proposition, but operates at significantly larger scale with broader menu and digital infrastructure.
• TGI Fridays: Legacy full-service casual-dining chain with significant bar program and happy-hour business. Comparable as a bar-and-grill operator with dine-in and catering, though its menu and brand positioning skew broader than Big Whiskey's whiskey-focused identity.
• Applebee's: National casual-dining franchise with neighborhood-bar positioning and broad bar/party catering business. Comparable full-service franchise model in similar mid-sized markets, though significantly larger and more value-positioned.
• Chili's Grill & Bar: Casual-dining chain with strong bar program and happy-hour positioning. Comparable as a bar-and-grill competitor, particularly on value-driven drink specials and gameday traffic, though operating at much larger scale.
• Yard House: Upscale casual sports-bar chain with extensive beer (and rotating spirits) selection and large-format locations. Comparable on the premium-bar-program and experiential positioning, though operating at higher price point and larger footprint.

Emerging players

• Dave & Buster's: Eatertainment concept combining dining, sports-bar, and arcade gaming. Comparable on the experiential/eatertainment positioning (particularly Whiskey's Yard), though targeting larger-format, higher-spend occasions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bigwhiskeys
• Facebookfacebook.com/BigWhiskeys
• Instagraminstagram.com/big.whiskeys

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Big Whiskey's