Whyinvest?
As a Big Whiskey’s restaurant franchise partner you can proudly own a dining destination that features multiple ways to welcome your guests — and multiple ways to build your bottom line. Best of all, you can do it with confidence, backed by a founding team that is committed to the support of its’ franchisees.
We celebrate sports but we’re not just a sports bar. We celebrate our excellent bar products, but we’re not just a bar. We’re a restaurant that does all that with a strong EBITDAR percentage that outperforms many competitors.
You’re intrigued? Download our Investment Deck or reach out and let’s chat about why Big Whiskey’s is growing – and looking for you! Give us a call or drop us an email…we’d love to chat: 417-581-5008.
leadership Team
austin herschend
President
Austin joined the Big Whiskey’s family in 2013 after completing his Masters Degree at Missouri State University and working in education for several years. His background in finance, marketing, and education helped complete the Big Whiskey’s ownership group and start the brand on its path towards franchising. Austin’s executive experience is extensive; he serves on the Herschend Family Entertainment Board, is acting Chair of Covenant Capital (Investing board), and serves on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Board for South Central Missouri. When he’s not chatting up potential Big Whiskey’s franchise owners, you can find him on the golf course or spending time with his wife and daughter.
Next: Paul Sundy, Co-Founder, Senior VP of Operation >
paul sundy
Co-Founder, Senior VP of Operation
Paul started his entrepreneurial career in 2003 in downtown Springfield and has opened and operated 16 different eating/drinking establishments over the last 15 years. In 2006 Paul, along with two friends and partners, opened the first Big Whiskey’s on Park Central East. Exclusively doing everything themselves, including building the bar by hand and creating their own recipes, Paul had a vision early on for the potential in Big Whiskey’s. His vision led the way for the restaurant to begin franchising efforts in 2015. Married to his wife of 15 years, with two kids, Paul spends most of his free time either at the lake or on the soccer fields with his Big Whiskey’s to-go box in hand.
Next: Matt Caetano, Vice President of Operations >
matt caetano
Vice President of Operations
With over 30 years, (30 YEARS!) of restaurant experience, Matt spent his early years as a master bartender, corporate trainer and new store manager for TGI Fridays. Needless to say, he’s our in-house operations guru and resident bar flair aficionado. Matt has been with Big Whiskey’s since the beginning, coming on board in 2006 prior to the first restaurant location opening. He facilitates all of our menu and recipe development and executes all Big Whiskey’s corporate and franchise management training. Known for his hilarious jokes and catchy bar tricks, Matt’s philosophy of building a regular every day is the cornerstone of our restaurant culture. When he’s not on-location, Matt enjoys hanging out with his wife of 14 years and their teenage daughter.
Latestnews
BIG WHISKEY’S SELECTS SITE FOR FIRST HOME IN ALABAMA
April 4, 2019 • springfield, mo
Photo Credit: broadmetro.com The site for the first of two locations has been confirmed for Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar in a new retail and entertainment development in the Birmingham, Alabama area. Big Whiskey’s will be in good company at Stadium Trace Village, a mixed-use property that will also be home to Duluth Trading, […]
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