About Jake's

Jake's is more than just barbecue — it's a story of family, legacy, community, and resilience. Founded in 1998 as R&R Bar-B-Que, our name originally came from the partnership of Robert (Bob) Critz and Robert (Rob) Elmore, Jr., and also paid homage to the railroad ("RR") tracks near the first location in Kannapolis, NC.

From the very beginning, we've taken pride in serving authentic Eastern- style pork BBQ with heart and heritage. With locations that once spanned Harrisburg and Kannapolis, our Concord restaurant became the flagship — a community staple that still draws locals, travelers, and BBQ lovers alike.

Rob and Bob's friendship and mutual love for barbecue turned into a lifelong journey. From mastering the smoker to building a tight-knit team of staff (many of whom have been with us since day one), Jake's has always been about more than just food — it's about family.

When Concord opened in 2004, it became our home base. With consistent quality, hardworking staff, and loyal customers, we've stayed committed to doing things the right way: slow-cooked, made from scratch, and served with Southern hospitality.

This restaurant carries a name with deep meaning. Jake, Bob's son, worked here and became part of the R&R legacy. Despite battling addiction, Jake's heart was always with his family and the restaurant. In 2019, tragedy struck when fentanyl took his life at the age of 38, leaving behind three children and a community that loved him.

In his honor, we rebranded as Jake's — a name that serves as a daily reminder of the lives touched by addiction, the strength of family, and the hope that by sharing his story, we might help others along the way.

Today, Jake's remains a proud family-run business. Whether you're picking up lunch, catering an event, or just craving a plate of smoky pulled pork, we're here to serve with warmth and tradition. We've added outdoor dining and new touches — but our roots remain the same.

Jake's is built on passion, resilience, and flavor — and we're proud to be "All Aboard for a True Eastern NC Style Pork BBQ Experience."