About J. Wild’s

Folsom’s Best Barbecue & Burger Restaurant

We are a husband and wife team running the restaurant as second generation owners with a 20 year presence on Sutter Street. We specialize in quality smoked meats featuring slow smoked brisket, delicious smoked tri tip, juicy half chickens and succulent pork ribs. Our burgers are the highest quality 100% natural Durham ranch beef patties that you can get. All of our recipes are developed in house with love using the freshest ingredients. We also have over 15 HD screens and a great selection of fine whiskeys and affordable cocktails, plus the best service in Folsom. Bring the family for your next night out and enjoy the J Wild’s experience!

Meet Sammy & James

Husband and Wife Owner Operators

Sammy and James met when Sammy, while working as the marketing director and beer buyer for her father’s Chicago Fire restaurants, hosted a pint night featuring local craft brewery, Solid Ground Brewing.  James was the outside sales manager, and the two of them instantly bonded over local craft beer, family owned business, and a love for laughter.

Sammy had grown up working in her father’s Chicago style pizza restaurants, working every position in the front of the house, before leaving to go to school in New Orleans.  While there, she fell in love with southern food, oysters, fish tacos, whiskey, rum, and cocktails. Some of her most memorable New Orleans experiences were conducting the meat inspection at the famed Hogs for the Cause BBQ festival, as well as serving up her own homemade Orange Pearl ice cream on campus at Loyola University New Orleans. Upon returning to Sacramento, Sammy continued her involvement in the hospitality industry by becoming a minority owner of Icing on the Cupcake. She also started a New Orleans inspired beignet pop up out of a hand built mobile food cart called Beignyay!. Today, Sammy works to infuse the menu at J Wild’s with creative recipes inspired by the variety of culinary scenes she has experienced and bring joy to the community of Folsom through delicious food and barbecue.

James grew up with parents who also successfully owned and operated their own business, American Cycling Inc, spanning three decades. This inspired him to have entrepreneurial fantasies while working as an engineer after attending college at Gonzaga University in Spokane. In his mid twenties, James spent a year in Australia, and worked both in kitchens, as well as a server and bartender.  From what he remembers, he loved working the the front of house and getting to meet people from all walks of life, sharing stories and making new friends. After returning home, James found a passion for craft beer and began working for Solid Ground Brewing. His love of craft beer has expanded to include cider, whiskeys, rum, and tequila. He’s also currently dabbling in scotch. James is a natural people person and strives to make everyone he meets feel welcome and understood. He is the face of the restaurant, and a graceful host who loves to ensure that all guests coming through J Wild’s have the most incredible experience possible.

Today, Sammy and James continue the foundation laid down by Sammy’s father, Eric Schnetz.  We strive to provide the best quality at affordable prices, scratch made food, and unbeatable BBQ.  With a dog friendly patio, over a dozen large screen TV’s for sports, a curated bar featuring local spirits and brews, plus over 60 whiskeys to choose from, J Wild’s is the perfect place to bring a family. Put your team up here, and remember, it’s all about the meat!

Our Location

Barbecue and Sports with Family Ambience and Great Service in Folsom

Located on the bustling corner of Sutter Street and Riley in Historic Folsom, J. Wild’s is just a ten minute drive from Highway 50 off of East Bidwell or Folsom Blvd.

J Wild’s takes its name from the first commercial use of its building, going all the way back to 1902, when John Wild opened J Wild’s Livery and Feed store.  Homage is paid with a hand-painted mural on one wall depicting the street as it looked when J Wild’s (the original) was opened. Today, J Wild’s offers a different type of feed to its customers, and provides a rustic yet charming atmosphere for those looking to enjoy a night out with delicious food and drink.

Community Involvement

Dedicated to Championing the Folsom Community

As locals of the Sacramento area, J. Wild’s owners are committed to giving back to the community. We have supported numerous local schools, non-profits, and organizations that are helping to make Folsom a better place. We believe in the power of local business to help support activities and causes for a healthy and thriving community.

Do you have an event  in mind or donation request? Reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll be in touch.

Past community donations and partners: