Bio
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’s entrepreneurial ventures have since expanded beyond the restaurant industry. He founded Maki Fresh and Jinsei Sushi, two successful sushi chains, before selling them to focus on other ventures. He later entered the retail liquidation business by acquiring a franchise of Mike’s Merchandise in Pelham and launching Crazy Cazboy’s, a discount store offering a unique liquidation model that quickly became a local favorite. Building on this success, he further disrupted the industry by creating Bidding Kings, an online weekly mega-sale platform operating 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.
Transformative Entrepreneur and Visionary Leader
John Cassimus is a visionary entrepreneur and innovator known for transforming ideas into successful brands, most notably growing Zoë’s Kitchen into a public company. With a deep expertise in sales, business strategy, and brand development, he has founded multiple successful restaurant concepts and rapidly expanded ventures in the liquidation industry.
John Cassimus at a Glance
A professional bowhunter, pilot, and media personality, John is also a dedicated mentor and consultant, helping others avoid common entrepreneurial pitfalls while achieving lasting success.
Professional Airplane Pilot
Trophy Bow Hunter
Professional Helicopter Pilot
Chef
Outdoor Enthusiast
Motivational Business Speaker
Media Personality
Driving Success Across Industries
Media Savvy
Featured on CNBC’s Mad Money and Squawk Box as an expert in business strategy and entrepreneurship.
Startup Help
John provides consulting services for startups and businesses, focusing on avoiding common pitfalls in entrepreneurship.
Consulting Expertise
Mentorship
Philanthrophy
Sawtooth Plantation
Alabama's finest and most luxurious hunting destination.