Live Life Without Limits

John Cassimus is a renowned entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio across multiple industries, from fast-casual dining to retail liquidation. He first gained recognition by expanding his family’s restaurant, Zoë’s Kitchen, from a single location in Homewood, AL into a fast-casual powerhouse, eventually growing it into a regional brand with over 200 locations. In 2007, Cassimus sold a majority stake of Zoë’s Kitchen to Brentwood Associates, though recently his family retained ownership of one of the original locations in Crestline Village, Mountain Brook, Alabama, where it continues to serve its beloved Mediterranean-inspired menu.

Cassimus expanded beyond the restaurant industry, founding Maki Fresh and Jinsei Sushi before selling them to pursue new ventures. He then entered retail liquidation by acquiring a Mike’s Merchandise franchise in Pelham, AL. After gaining industry expertise, he launched Bidding Kings, an online weekly mega-sale platform in Birmingham and Opelika, Alabama.

In 2024, Cassimus returned to his restaurant roots with the launch of Marky’s Kitchen, named in honor of his father, in Cahaba Heights. The new venture complements the family’s Zoë’s Kitchen location, with both restaurants offering time-honored family recipes infused with Cassimus’s signature energy and innovation.

Cassimus’s ventures have garnered loyal followings across different sectors, from dining to liquidation. His ability to pivot between industries and build brands with a strong community presence reflects his dynamic leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. With a background that includes playing for the University of Alabama as a running back and punt returner, a stint as Samford University’s entrepreneur-in-residence, a noted motivational and educational speaker, and a continued presence in Birmingham’s business scene, John Cassimus remains a force in both local and regional markets.