WHO DOESN’T WANT TO
OPEN THEIR OWN BAR?

Our Story

Billy Jack’s Shack was created by Aaron Ludwig and Mike Sabin, two best friends who grew up skiing, skateboarding, and collecting beer cans in their early years. Different paths eventually led Aaron to Virginia and Mike to Florida, but they always managed to stay in touch. Aaron started his professional career by opening a ski and snowboard shop after college, while Mike dove into the South Florida restaurant scene.

They had mutual appreciation for each other’s profession and always shared their war stories, but never thought they would work together. After one especially bad day at work at the ski shop, Aaron started to feel a change might be in order. As he had done many times, he reached out to his buddy Mike for input and advice. After a long conversation, eventually they agreed, “Screw it, let’s just open a bar together!”
Billy Jack's Harrisonburg exterior

Original Billy Jack’s location, Harrisonburg, VA

That first bar opened in 2009 in Aaron’s home town of Harrisonburg, Virginia: Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint. It’s a simple concept that sells beers, burgers and fried Oreos.

After a couple years of success there, Aaron and Mike enjoyed what they were doing. They enjoyed it so much, they decided to open up another concept right next door. Although beer and burgers are still one of their favorite things, they wanted to offer more. They wanted to offer a wider draft selection, a diverse menu, a wild brunch and cocktails, but still served in a creative and fun bar atmosphere. This is how Billy Jack’s Shack was born.

It took a while for Aaron and Mike to nail it down, but they kept after it, and Billy Jack’s opened in 2011. Billy Jack’s is a laid back spot serving up creative comfort food, craft beer, and specialty cocktails.

biscuits and gravy
cook in the kitchen

Through the years, Aaron and Mike have amassed a dedicated staff who love their work and bring energy and positivity to all the Jack Brown’s and Billy Jack’s locations. Aaron and Mike believe in supporting their staff through employee retreats and celebrations, generous pay and benefits, and a focus on work-life balance. They always say, “A happy customer is a byproduct of a happy employee.”

We hope you come out and try a new craft beer, enjoy a comforting meal, and make some memories with us. Let the Billy Jack’s family show you a good time!

Through the years, Aaron and Mike have amassed a dedicated staff who love their work and bring energy and positivity to all the Jack Brown’s and Billy Jack’s locations. Aaron and Mike believe in supporting their staff through employee retreats and celebrations, generous pay and benefits, and a focus on work-life balance. They always say, “A happy customer is a byproduct of a happy employee.”

We hope you come out and try a new craft beer, enjoy a comforting meal, and make some memories with us. Let the Billy Jack’s family show you a good time!

cook in the kitchen