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A SOUTHERN LEGACY

In 1960, Jack’s fired up its very first grill in Homewood, Alabama. Our walk-up hamburger joint was an instant hit. Who could turn down our 10-cent sodas, 15-cent fries and 20-cent shakes? From the get-go, we had the best people serving up the best food you could find, and we treated our customers like family. As our community has grown larger over the years, we’ve remained committed to values that go beyond our food—like giving back. And while times have certainly changed, one thing remains the same: good food and good people make for a great time, and that’s what helps our customers step into our Southern story every time they stop by.
ABOUT US
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1960

FOUNDED

285+

LOCATIONS

6

SOUTHERN STATES

65+

YEARS SERVING THE SOUTH

OVER 65 YEARS IN THE MAKING

Jack’s will always be proud to call the South home. As we continue to expand and innovate our offerings, the Southern hospitality our guests cherish still serves as a compass guiding our decisions. With over 285 locations in Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas and Florida, it’s safe to say Jack’s truly is “All About the South.”

1960

The First Grill

Jack’s opens its first walk-up hamburger stand in Homewood, Alabama, serving 10-cent sodas, 15-cent fries, and 20-cent shakes.
eat at jacks logo
eat at jacks logo

1970s

Dine-In Era Begins
Walk-up stands converted to full dine-in restaurants. Jack’s grows its footprint across Alabama, bringing Southern hospitality indoors.

2000s

A Fresh Look

Jack’s refreshes its brand identity, modernizing the logo and expanding across new Southern states — Tennessee, Georgia, and Mississippi.
eat at jacks logo
eat at jacks logo

2019

New Chapter

AEA Investors acquires Jack’s, setting the stage for accelerated growth and a renewed commitment to Southern communities.

TODAY

285+ Locations Strong

Jack’s now operates over 285 locations across six Southern states — and we’re just getting started.
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all about the south slogan

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

At Jack’s, the South is more than where we started. It is the people, towns and traditions that continue to shape who we are. From familiar faces at the counter to neighbors gathering over a meal, every Jack’s is rooted in the communities we are proud to serve.

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A SOUTHERN STATE OF MIND

We’d be nowhere without our communities. That’s why giving back and going the extra mile to provide our Jack’s family with the comfort they deserve is so important to us. Whether it’s through a holiday parade or a simple charity donation, our presence goes far beyond our restaurant walls—and we like it that way.
DONATIONS & REQUESTS

MORE THAN JUST FOOD

At Jack’s, the South is more than where we started. It is the people, towns and traditions that continue to shape who we are. From familiar faces at the counter to neighbors gathering over a meal, every Jack’s is rooted in the communities we are proud to serve.

OUR LEADERSHIP

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Dana Taylor Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jack’s Family Restaurants

Dana Taylor joined Jack’s in 2021 and was named Chief Executive Officer in December 2025. Prior to this role, she held a series of leadership titles across Operations Services, Human Resources, and Operations, most recently serving as President & Chief Operating Officer. In her role as CEO, Dana is focused on strengthening Jack’s day-to-day operations while building a sustainable foundation that enables team members to grow, develop, and lead well into the future.

With more than 15 years of experience, Dana brings a unique blend of operational, financial, and strategic expertise to Jack’s. Prior to joining the company, she held leadership roles across finance, operations, innovation, and strategy at Panera Bread and Bain & Company. She earned her master’s degree from Harvard Business School and holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Texas.

Outside of work, Dana enjoys hiking and spending time at the beach with her husband, two daughters, and their dogs. While Jack’s famous biscuits are her personal favorite, her family rarely passes a Jack’s without stopping for a milkshake.

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Matthew Lallatin Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Jack’s Family Restaurants
Matt joined Jack’s in October, 2016, and serves as Jack’s Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Jack’s, Matt worked in a variety of industries and with companies ranging in size from start-ups to global Fortune 10. Most recently, Matt was the CFO of CHEP North America, a leading global supply chain solutions company based in Atlanta. Prior to that role, Matt held a variety of progressively senior financial positions at Mrs. Fields, Savoy Pharmaceuticals, Kmart, and DaimlerChrysler. Matt holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from the Brigham Young University Marriott School of Management in Provo, Utah. He is married with five children and loves living in the Birmingham area and eating a delicious Big Bacon burger when he has the chance.
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Billie Jo Waara Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Jack’s Family Restaurants
Billie Jo Waara, Chief Marketing Officer, joined Jack’s in January 2020. She is responsible for overall brand positioning, marketing, creative, media and culinary product development for this Southern company. Since joining the team, Billie Jo has launched several strategic initiatives including key technology-enabled Guest occasions such as online ordering and loyalty rewards. She has led innovative marketing initiatives for several industries including hospitality, quick service restaurants, travel, tourism and retail for the past 20 years.

Prior to joining Jack’s, Billie Jo served as the Chief Marketing Officer for other restaurant brands including Cicis Pizza and Taco John’s. Billie Jo’s previous experience includes advertising agency leadership, she was the Director of the South Dakota Office of Tourism and served as a locally elected official as the Minnehaha County Treasurer. Waara graduated from Augustana College with a double major in Business Administration and International Government, and received her MBA from the University of South Dakota.

Billie Jo and her family recently moved to Birmingham and are having fun exploring the area’s many hiking and biking trails–they usually stop by Jack’s for fried chicken, mashed potatoes and lemonade milkshakes on their way back home.
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Chris Incorvati Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Jack’s Family Restaurants
Chris joined Jack’s in August 2024 and serves at Chief Technology officer overseeing the Information Technology teams for Jack’s.

Chris has 30+ years of restaurant experience as an operator and information technology leader. He has led award-winning teams recognized for innovations in technology and customer engagement.

Prior to joining Jack’s, Chris led technology teams at Panera, Au Bon Pain, and Legal Sea Foods. While at Legal Sea Foods his team rolled out the first enterprise point of sale in the US and the first Ingenico pay at table devices in North America. Chris brings a unique perspective to information technology with a strong background in restaurant operations. He is passionate about restaurant technology working to simplify operator and guest experiences. He believes in the philosophy of “Unreasonable Hospitality”. Chris has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Westfield State University. Chris is an avid sports fan and is loving the college sport scene in Alabama. Chris’s favorite Jack’s items are the chicken fingers with comeback sauce and Jack’s famous biscuits.
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Melissa Johnston Chief People Officer (CPO), Jack’s Family Restaurants
Melissa Johnston leads with heart, and a belief that great restaurants start with great people. As Chief People Officer at Jack’s Family Restaurants, she guides our growing Southeastern brand known for its warm hospitality and community spirit. Since joining Jack’s, she’s focused on creating a people-first culture that supports team members at every level, from the restaurant to the support center.

With more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources across the retail and restaurant industries, Melissa brings a practical, collaborative approach to everything she does. She oversees HRIS, talent acquisition, field HR, leave of absence, and risk & safety, all while ensuring these areas support operational excellence. Under her guidance, Jack’s emphasizes simple, reliable systems, compliance done right, and a safe, welcoming environment for every team member and guest.

A champion for development and retention, Melissa and her team have built high-impact programs that strengthen career growth, reduce turnover, and make Jack’s an employer of choice across the Southeast.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Melissa earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and recently relocated with her family to Birmingham. She’s been busy exploring the local food scene and SEC football. Her favorite Jack’s food item is the Big Jack although when she has her kids with her, tack on a few milkshakes as well.
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Steve Lisner Chief Operating Officer (COO), Jack’s Family Restaurants
Jack’s COO, Steve Lisner joined Jack’s Family Restaurants in 2021, bringing a people-first leadership approach and a firm belief that great results begin with great teams.

During his five years as Vice President of Operations, Steve helped elevate performance across the brand while developing leaders who think boldly, act with ownership, and embrace new possibilities.

A restaurant industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, Steve has held leadership roles including Regional Vice President at Panera Bread and Area Director at Bennigan’s.

He brings deep expertise in multi-unit operations, business strategy, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

What truly defines Steve’s leadership is his ability to inspire and coach others—helping teams see potential, build confidence, and take pride in the work they do every day.

Outside the office, Steve enjoys the outdoors, traveling, and spending time at the beach with his wife and three daughters.

He’s an avid reader, a devoted dog dad, and firmly believes that a little fresh air, a good book, and a Jack’s Double Cheeseburger can solve just about anything.
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Brandon Weaver Vice President of Purchasing and Procurement, Jack’s Family Restaurants
Brandon Weaver joined Jack’s Family Restaurants in 1997 and has served in multiple roles across the organization before being named Vice President of Purchasing and Procurement in 2023. As an Alabama native and long-time member of the Jack’s family, his broad experience gives him a deep understanding of the company’s operations, culture, and commitment to the communities it serves.

In his role, Brandon leads purchasing strategy and supplier partnerships, ensuring every product meets the brand’s high standards. He is committed to protecting what makes Jack’s special and works closely with internal and external partners who share that focus on quality and consistency. Brandon sets high expectations and takes pride in upholding the standards that define the Jack’s experience. Having grown with Jack’s for nearly three decades, he is proud of the brand’s history, where it stands today, and excited to help shape its future.
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Jim Avery Vice President of Development, Jack’s Family Restaurants
Jim Avery is a seasoned restaurant development executive with more than 30 years of experience leading real estate, construction, and franchise growth initiatives for national brands. As Vice President of Development at Jack’s Family Restaurants, he oversees all real estate, construction (new builds, rebuilds, and remodels), architecture and engineering, property management, and sale/leaseback programs.

Prior to joining Jack’s, Jim held senior leadership roles with Pizza Hut and Yum! Brands, where he directed construction, facilities, franchise development, and franchise recruiting across multiple U.S. markets. He managed construction and facilities oversight for corporate restaurants, administered multi-million-dollar capital and repair budgets, and played a key role in franchise expansion, market planning, site selection, lease negotiation, and multi-unit operator development.
Todd photo
Todd Bartmess Executive Chairman of the Board, Jack’s Family Restaurant
Todd Bartmess isn’t a stereotypical leader. After serving as Chief Executive Officer of Jack’s for 10 years, Todd transitioned to the role of Executive Chairman of the Board, where he continues to provide strategic leadership and guidance for the brand.

Since joining Jack’s in 2015, Todd has immersed himself in every aspect of the business, from top-level operations to visiting individual restaurants and connecting directly with team members. He believes the company’s success is driven by the people who bring the brand to life every day and remains deeply passionate about developing strong leaders across the organization.

Todd brings more than 25 years of experience in the quick service restaurant industry. Prior to joining Jack’s, he served as President and CEO of Heartland Food LLC, the second-largest Burger King franchise operator in the world. His diverse career also includes leadership roles with Burger King, Dunkin’ Brands, Boston Market, and Taco Bell.

Outside of work, Todd enjoys staying active through hiking, biking, and running. He is committed to serving his community through volunteer work with his church and the Boy Scouts of America. Todd and his wife, Judy, have been married for 30 years and have two adult children, including his “awesome” granddaughter, Aurora. Depending on the day, his favorite Jack’s menu items include a double cheeseburger with extra pickles, chicken fingers with Comeback sauce, or a smoked sausage and egg biscuit.

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