John Cassimus, a Birmingham-based serial entrepreneur, initially made his mark in the culinary world by expanding his family’s fast-casual restaurant, Zoë’s Kitchen, which was started by his parents. Under his guidance, Zoë’s Kitchen grew significantly, eventually being sold to Brentwood Associates of Los Angeles in 2007. The Cassimus family has one original location that remains family-owned in Mountain Brook, Alabama. Beyond Zoë’s Kitchen, John founded Jinsei Sushi Bar and Lounge and Maki Fresh, both of which he later sold. His entrepreneurial spirit has since steered him towards new ventures such as Bidding Kings, Alabama’s first and largest online liquidation company, and his latest restaurant project, Marky’s Kitchen, in Heights Village. Launched in May, Marky’s Kitchen is a testament to John’s ongoing commitment to the food industry and his ability to resonate with the local community.
How was Marky’s Kitchen conceptualized?
Marky’s was created by myself, my mother and father. “Marky” is my father’s nickname. The first concept we launched was Zoe’s Kitchen, and we honored my mother with the naming. This go-around we honored my father, Marcus. We serve family favorites similar to our previous concept with the addition of new menu items such as the smash burger and fries, which have been a huge hit. We chose Heights Village because we wanted to be near The Summit to service that trade area, Liberty Park and Mountain Brook. I also grew up a mile away from the Heights Village, so I was completely comfortable with the location and the residents. Businesses have welcomed us with open arms.
What is your favorite item on the menu?
Fresh, tasty, healthy and unique are words to describe our menu. As far as a favorite, I love the chicken salad, the grilled chicken roll up and the smash burger.
What fan-favorite items do you recommend to newcomers?
The chicken salad–it’s addictive. I’d also recommend the smash burger, spinach quesadilla, grilled chicken roll up and the chicken kabobs.
How does the cooking process and the ingredients distinguish Marky’s Kitchen as a go-to eatery in the community?
We make everything from scratch, daily. We buy lean proteins and produce and make everything fresh daily, too. We have several vegetarian options such as the spinach quesadilla and Greek salad as well.
What would you like to say to the customers at Marky’s Kitchen, and overall, the Cahaba Heights community?
We are super excited to be open in Cahaba Heights. I spent the first 23 years of my life a mile or so from Heights Village and have great memories riding my bicycle there as a kid. We plan to be there indefinitely, serving all of our fan-favorite menu items.
Marky’s Kitchen is located at 3134 Cahaba Heights Road in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. It is open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information or to order online, visit markyskitchen.com.
