While others may claim to have the meats or be meat experts, WE MAKE THE MEATS! Every Billy Sims location has one thing in common: an on-site smoker where we smoke our meats that have been seasoned with our special blend of Billy Sims seasoning for up to 14 hours. It takes a special crew to make sure your meats are perfectly seasoned, dry-rubbed, aged and smoked for that one-of-a-kind Billy Sims flavor. Smells are always free and we look forward to seeing you at one of our locations soon!

BILLY’S FOOTBALL CAREER

Outside of football, Sims also has a passion for barbecue. In the early 2000s, Sims met current business partner, entrepreneur and retail expert, Jeff Jackson. They met while jointly working on marketing campaigns for major retail apparel brands. Both Sims and Jackson are from regions known for great barbecue. With Sims, from Hooks, Texas, and Jackson, from Kansas City, Kansas, it was only natural that the two would combine their passions into a barbecue-based business.

In 2004, Sims and Jackson opened the first Billy Sims Barbecue location in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the landmark Farm Shopping Center.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Billy Sims is an accomplished athlete and successful entrepreneur whose career highlights include numerous high school, collegiate and professional records that still stand today. Sims’ athletic career began at Hooks, Texas where Sims’ high school football performance gained national attention. It was here that Sims’ talent as a running back began to materialize. Sims was highly recruited by many universities, but Sims would ultimately choose the University of Oklahoma.

Under the guidance of Coach Barry Switzer at the University of Oklahoma, Sims was the national leading rusher and scorer and was also the recipient of the coveted Heisman Trophy. Sims entered the NFL draft in 1980 and was the number one overall draft pick going to the Detroit Lions. He was named NFL Rookie of the Year and contributed to a winning 9-7 season for the Lions versus a 2-14 season the year prior. After becoming injured, Sims ultimately retired from professional football in 1985.

Seeing how much Sims enjoyed visiting with and serving his fans, Jackson knew the two had to work together on a joint venture. Both Sims and Jackson are from regions known for great barbecue. Sims, from Hooks, Texas and Jackson from Kansas City, Kansas it was only natural that the two would combine their passions into a barbecue based business. After a few successful creative meetings honing their recipes and procedures, Sims and Jackson opened the first Billy Sims Barbecue location in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the Farm Shopping Center.

FRANCHISE GROWTH

Celebrating its 14th year, Billy Sims Barbecue is a 50+ unit, Tulsa-based fast casual concept serving premium barbecue and traditional sides. Billy Sims Barbecue is one of the top fast casual barbecue restaurants in the U.S. Operating in six states, the Billy Sims Barbecue franchise system continues to grow at a steady pace and is actively seeking franchises for multi-unit deals in states throughout the country. 

Today, Jackson leads the Billy Sims Barbecue management team as CEO and Sims maintains an active role within the company. Sims enjoys visiting the locations, meeting with fans and greeting guests. It is not uncommon to visit a Billy Sims Barbecue location and meet Sims in the dining area.

TOOLS FOR SUCCESS

At Billy Sims Barbecue, we know the recipe that has made us successful involves more than just great food and service. We incorporate proven systems, time-tested, effective business practices, and operational support for franchisees. We are here to help you succeed and that is why we offer support at every level.

SITE SELECTION

One of the most important parts of any franchise is location. When it comes to selecting your site, we assist in reviewing key standards that are important in the success and survival of your franchise. We recommend utilizing a real estate broker for selecting a suitable site location and will assist in the process of reviewing leases and contracts.

STORE DEVELOPMENT

We will provide the franchisee with architectural assistance for drawings and specifications. Together, we will negotiate with construction contractors and suppliers to make sure your build out is cost effective.

PURCHASING

A benefit of being in the Billy Sims Barbecue franchise system is inclusion in our unified purchasing program. Our continued growth and success has given us the opportunity to develop key relationships with vendors and suppliers. We negotiate system wide pricing structures for the entire Billy Sims Barbecue franchise system and continually monitor market inventories and prices.

TRAINING

We offer a comprehensive four-week training program at our corporate location in Tulsa, Oklahoma that shows you, your managers and employees the intricate parts of running a successful Billy Sims Barbecue Franchise. We also provide continued field support with our operations team along with quarterly meetings, best practices and operating manuals.

MARKETING

Our marketing team will assist you with all marketing and advertising activities. We help negotiate print, radio, and television advertising rates in your local market. Our marketing team will provide you with all necessary tools to effectively market your location.