Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, finance, and human resources.

Driven by a commitment to authentic Southern barbecue, Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q upholds a leadership philosophy centered on tradition, community, and scratch-made quality, solidifying its position as a Southern institution.

Leadership Roles at Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q

  • Chief Executive Officer - Lawrence Ryback
  • Chief Financial Officer - Ryan Simms
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Brad Jacobus
  • Interim Chief People Officer - Joleen Goronkin
  • Lawrence Ryback - Chief Executive Officer

    Lawrence Ryback, the Chief Executive Officer at Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the restaurant chain. Ryback oversees the expansion initiatives and ensures adherence to the company's core principles of authentic barbecue and scratch-made kitchens across all 41 locations. This leadership role involves guiding the executive team to maintain the brand's identity as a Southern institution while pursuing growth opportunities. Ryback's focus includes optimizing service channels, such as dine-in, to-go, drive-thru, and catering, to meet diverse customer needs. By fostering a culture of community involvement and Southern hospitality, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that each restaurant reflects a genuine care for both guests and staff. Lawrence Ryback drives the company's commitment to a no-freezer policy, reinforcing the dedication to fresh, daily preparation of all menu items, from pulled pork to beef brisket. This strategic oversight ensures consistent quality and reinforces the brand's reputation for traditional Southern barbecue techniques passed down through generations of local owners and pitmasters. The Chief Executive Officer's leadership ensures the continued success and expansion of Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q in the competitive hospitality market.
    Lawrence Ryback

    Ryan Simms - Chief Financial Officer

    Ryan Simms, the Chief Financial Officer at Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Simms oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring the fiscal stability necessary for expansion across seven states. This role involves analyzing financial performance to support operational decisions and investment strategies, particularly concerning the growth of over 41 restaurants. The Chief Financial Officer plays a critical part in managing relationships with financial partners, including Roark Capital Group, and securing resources for continued development. Simms's responsibilities extend to optimizing cost structures while maintaining the company's commitment to scratch-made food and a no-freezer policy, ensuring profitability without compromising quality. Ryan Simms directs financial strategies that support the brand's emphasis on authentic Southern barbecue and hospitality. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital in navigating the financial complexities of the restaurant industry and driving sustainable growth for Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q. This leadership ensures the company's financial infrastructure supports its operational excellence and market expansion objectives.

    Brad Jacobus - Chief Marketing Officer

    Brad Jacobus, the Chief Marketing Officer at Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q, architects and executes comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. Jacobus drives initiatives that highlight the company's specialization in hickory smoked barbecue and Southern-inspired cuisine, emphasizing the scratch-made, no-freezer policy across its seven-state presence. This role involves developing campaigns that communicate the authentic barbecue offerings, including pulled pork, beef brisket, and hot links, alongside the variety of house-made sauces. The Chief Marketing Officer oversees the promotion of multiple service channels, ensuring effective outreach for dine-in, to-go, drive-thru, and catering services. Jacobus also leads efforts to promote the online store, featuring sauces, spice blends, and branded merchandise, expanding the brand's reach beyond physical locations. By focusing on community involvement and Southern hospitality, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures marketing messages resonate with the brand's core values. Brad Jacobus's strategic direction supports the company's expansion goals by reinforcing its identity as a Southern institution rooted in tradition and quality. The Chief Marketing Officer's efforts are crucial in maintaining customer loyalty and attracting new patrons to the over 41 restaurants.
    Brad Jacobus

    Joleen Goronkin - Interim Chief People Officer

    Joleen Goronkin, the Interim Chief People Officer at Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q, leads human resources strategy and operations to support the company's workforce across its 41 locations. Goronkin focuses on cultivating a positive and productive work environment that embodies the brand's commitment to Southern hospitality and community involvement. This role involves overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and retention initiatives, ensuring that cooks and pitmasters are trained in traditional recipes and techniques. The Interim Chief People Officer champions initiatives that reinforce the company's no-freezer policy and scratch-made kitchen ethos by fostering a culture of dedication among staff. Goronkin's leadership ensures alignment between human capital management and the company's strategic goals, including expansion into new markets. Joleen Goronkin drives programs that support employee well-being and professional growth, reflecting the company's care for its team members. The Interim Chief People Officer plays a key part in maintaining the consistent quality and friendly service that defines Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q, ensuring the people strategy supports the brand's reputation as a Southern institution.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q?
    Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q is led by Lawrence Ryback (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ryan Simms (Chief Financial Officer) and Brad Jacobus (Chief Marketing Officer).
    Who is part of Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q’s executive team?
    The executive team of Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q includes leaders such as Lawrence Ryback (Chief Executive Officer), Ryan Simms (Chief Financial Officer), Brad Jacobus (Chief Marketing Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q have?
    Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Interim Chief People Officer.