James Holland Keet (born May 12, 1949), is an American restaurateur and politician in Little Rock, Arkansas, and a former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives and Arkansas Senate. Keet was the Republican nominee for governor of Arkansas in 2010, but lost the race in a landslide to incumbent Democrat Mike Beebe.

A proven leader in the state of Arkansas, Jim Keet attributes his success to working with and learning from his family and friends. After his move to Little Rock in 1975, Keet played a crucial role in the establishment of the Wendy’s fast-food franchise in the state the same year.

Jim Keet (b. May 12, 1949 Springfield, MO) was the 2010 Republican candidate for governor of Arkansas. He previously served in the Arkansas State Senate from 1992-1996 and the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1989-90.

2025年1月2日 · Jim Keet is a former member of the Arkansas General Assembly who served in both the House and the Senate. He also conducted two unsuccessful political campaigns, one for U.S. Congress and one for Arkansas governor. A prominent Arkansas businessman, he became a major developer in the regional restaurant and hospitality business.

In 2008, Jim, Tommy, and Jake Keet (collectively referred to as "The Keet Boys") formed JTJ Restaurants, LLC, and opened their first Taziki's location in Little Rock. Since then, the Keet family has built a restaurant group that spans from Arkansas to Oklahoma.

2022年2月17日 · Keet, an operator of some 50 years with 155 restaurants to his credit, is one of the most successful restaurateurs in Arkansas. Along the way, he’s launched family-run companies, JTJ Restaurants, Keet O’Gary Construction and Keet Management Company, which directly or indirectly employ thousands.

2023年1月17日 · The Keets — father Jim and sons Tommy and Jake — have been instrumental in bringing multiple chains and esteemed stand-alone restaurant concepts to the state. The family’s current holdings include Little Rock’s Petit & Keet; North Little Rock’s Waldo’s Chicken and Beer; and Count Porkula in Maumelle and just opened in Little Rock.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (February 9, 2021) – The Little Rock Advertising & Promotion Commission (A&P Commission) has re-appointed local businessman Jim Keet as its commission chair, and named hotelier Nick Roye finance committee chair and welcomed City of Little Rock Board Director Antwan Phillips as a new commissioner.

2024年1月17日 · Jim Keet’s career began at Steak ‘n’ Ale and Winegardner & Hammons while studying at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Showing dedication, he became one of the youngest innkeepers in the Holiday Inn system at age 22.