{"id":210402,"date":"2026-03-29T07:59:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-29T07:59:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/210402\/"},"modified":"2026-03-29T07:59:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T07:59:16","slug":"big-jakes-bbq-targeting-may-debut-in-jacksonville","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/210402\/","title":{"rendered":"Big Jake\u2019s BBQ Targeting May Debut in Jacksonville"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jacksonville<\/a><\/p>\n

This fast-casual restaurant will serve barbecue favorites like ribs, chicken, and homestyle sides from a pit-cooked menu.<\/p>\n


\n \"Laura
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

\"Big
\n Photo courtesy of Big Jake’s BBQ.<\/p>\n

JACKSONVILLE, FL \u2014 Big Jake\u2019s BBQ to open in the former Mr. K\u2019s BBQ Space is targeting a May 1 at 4906 Soutel Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32208<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

What to Expect<\/p>\n

Big Jake\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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. \u201cEverything will be cooked on a pit,\u201d Rukab told Business Debut.<\/p>\n

Menu and Vision<\/p>\n

Rukab said the concept has been in development for some time, with Chef Pi leading the kitchen as pitmaster. \u201cWe brought on some experienced BBQ chefs\u2026 and he\u2019s going to be in charge of the food,\u201d he told Business Debut.<\/p>\n

Rukab highlighted the chicken and ribs as standout items. \u201cThe ribs are going to be fall off the bone\u2026 and the homemade macaroni is going to be to die for,\u201d he told Business Debut.<\/p>\n

The opening also marks Rukab\u2019s first dedicated barbecue concept after decades in the restaurant industry. He previously operated multiple Big Jake\u2019s restaurants in Jacksonville and has spent about 40 years in the business. \u201cI had as many as seven at one time,\u201d he told Business Debut.<\/p>\n

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. \u201cThis is our first venture into the barbecue,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Rukab noted the significance of the location, which previously housed a longtime local staple. \u201cThe building\u2026 for many years was called Mr. K\u2019s Barbecue,\u201d he told Business Debut.<\/p>\n

He added that community demand played a role in the concept. \u201cThe community really wanted another barbecue place so that\u2019s what we decided to do,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Opening Timeline<\/p>\n

The team is targeting a May 1 opening.<\/p>\n

Hours<\/p>\n

Big Jake\u2019s BBQ plans to operate from 10 a.m. \u2014 10 p.m., seven days a week.<\/p>\n

Follow for More<\/p>\n

A Website and Social media pages are to be announced.<\/p>\n

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