Leadership Overview
Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial planning, brand growth, and human capital management.
Committed to authentic Southern hospitality and scratch-made culinary traditions, Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q maintains a rigorous no-freezer policy while expanding its footprint across seven states to deliver high-quality barbecue experiences.
Committed to authentic Southern hospitality and scratch-made culinary traditions, Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q maintains a rigorous no-freezer policy while expanding its footprint across seven states to deliver high-quality barbecue experiences.
Leadership Roles at Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q
Larry Ryback - Chief Executive Officer
Larry Ryback, the Chief Executive Officer at Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q, directs the overarching strategic vision for the restaurant chain. Overseeing the expansion across seven states, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every location adheres to the core no-freezer policy and scratch-made culinary standards. Ryback manages the relationship with Roark Capital Group to secure long-term growth while maintaining the brand's Southern identity. By coordinating with the executive team, the Chief Executive Officer aligns operational goals with the mission of providing authentic hickory smoked barbecue. Larry Ryback monitors market trends to identify new opportunities for the brand, ensuring that the company remains a leader in the competitive hospitality sector. Through consistent focus on operational excellence and community engagement, the Chief Executive Officer drives the organization toward sustained profitability and market relevance while upholding the traditions established in Birmingham.
Ryan Simms - Chief Financial Officer
Ryan Simms, the Chief Financial Officer at Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation for the entire restaurant network. Overseeing financial reporting and budgeting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains the resources necessary to support fresh, daily kitchen operations. Simms analyzes revenue streams from dine-in, to-go, drive-thru, and catering channels to optimize profitability across all 41 locations. By collaborating with the executive leadership, the Chief Financial Officer develops long-term financial strategies that support regional expansion and infrastructure investment. Ryan Simms monitors cost structures to protect the integrity of the no-freezer policy, ensuring that quality ingredients remain the priority despite market fluctuations. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of the online store's financial performance, balancing e-commerce growth with the core restaurant business to secure the financial future of the organization.
Brad Jacobus - Chief Marketing Officer
Brad Jacobus, the Chief Marketing Officer at Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q, architects the brand identity and customer engagement strategies for the Southern institution. Overseeing national marketing campaigns and local community outreach, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the company's reputation for hospitality remains central to the guest experience. Jacobus manages the promotion of the signature hickory smoked barbecue and scratch-made menu items across diverse service channels. By driving digital marketing initiatives and managing the online store, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the reach of the brand beyond physical restaurant locations. Brad Jacobus coordinates with regional managers to ensure that local marketing efforts reflect the specific needs of each community while maintaining a unified brand voice. This leadership role involves analyzing consumer behavior to refine promotional tactics, ultimately increasing brand loyalty and driving traffic to the restaurants through authentic storytelling and community-focused initiatives.
Joleen Goronkin - Interim Chief People Officer
Joleen Goronkin, the Interim Chief People Officer at Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q, directs human capital strategy and organizational culture across the entire restaurant chain. Overseeing talent acquisition and employee development, the Interim Chief People Officer ensures that every pitmaster and kitchen staff member receives training in traditional recipes and Southern hospitality standards. Goronkin manages internal communications to foster a supportive environment that reflects the company's commitment to staff well-being. By collaborating with the executive team, the Interim Chief People Officer aligns workforce planning with the company's expansion goals, ensuring that each new location maintains the high service quality expected of the brand. Joleen Goronkin implements programs that emphasize community involvement and professional growth, reinforcing the company's status as a premier employer in the hospitality industry. This leadership role involves cultivating a culture of care that directly impacts the guest experience and operational consistency.
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