Our Team

John Cassimus is a multifaceted entrepreneur with a remarkable track record in business, philanthropy, and outdoor pursuits. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, his early years were marked by athletic excellence, earning him All-American and All-State honors in football and a scholarship to the University of Alabama, where he was a key player in the Crimson Tide’s 1989 SEC Championship.

John’s entrepreneurial journey began in his youth, selling lawn care services to neighbors. This early exposure to business laid the foundation for his future successes. After a brief stint in insurance, John launched his first business, J-Rag Inc., an apparel company that quickly attracted national clients like REI and Performance Bicycle. He later moved on to lead a consulting company to unprecedented growth before deciding to focus on his own ventures.

One of John’s most notable achievements is transforming Zoë’s Kitchen from a single restaurant into a thriving regional brand, eventually taking the company public on the NYSE in 2014. He also founded other successful restaurant concepts, including Jinsei Sushi and Maki Fresh.

In addition to his business ventures, John is an accomplished bowhunter, professional pilot, and philanthropist. He served as Entrepreneur in Residence at Samford University and held advisory roles at the University of Alabama and the University of Mississippi. His expertise in business strategy has made him a sought-after speaker, with appearances on CNBC’s Mad Money and Squawk Box.

John’s entrepreneurial spirit remains strong, as evidenced by his recent ventures, including Mike’s Merchandise in Pelham and Crazy Cazboys, which quickly became leaders in the liquidation industry. John then chose to shake up the liquidation industry again by opening Bidding Kings, an online weekly Mega Sale in Birmingham and Opelika, Alabama. Bidding Kings has rapidly grown, and John continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in business.

In 2023, John received a call offering him the chance to have the last remaining Zoë’s Kitchen be family-owned again. The once iconic, craveable brand is back and located in his hometown of Mountain Brook, Alabama. Returning to the restaurant world, alongside running two successful liquidation companies, created an opportunity to expand yet again with the launch of Marky’s Kitchen in May 2024. Zoë’s, named for his mom, and now Marky’s Kitchen, named for his dad, are both brought to you by the same Cassimus family and complement each other with time-honored family recipes and John’s signature entrepreneurial energy and success.

John’s ability to innovate across industries, combined with his hands-on approach to leadership, makes him a dynamic force in the business world.