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

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to authentic Southern barbecue, Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q maintains a no-freezer policy and scratch-made kitchens, ensuring fresh, high-quality cuisine across its extensive restaurant chain while fostering community involvement and hospitality.

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 full-service restaurant chain. Ryback guides the company's expansion initiatives across seven states, ensuring adherence to the core principles of authentic hickory smoked barbecue and Southern-inspired cuisine. Overseeing a network of over 41 restaurants, Ryback champions the 'no-freezer' policy and the commitment to scratch-made kitchens, reinforcing the brand's dedication to freshness and quality. This leadership role involves fostering strong relationships with Roark Capital Group, the company's financial backer, and ensuring alignment with long-term growth objectives. By focusing on operational excellence and maintaining the integrity of traditional recipes, Lawrence Ryback drives the company's market position as a Southern institution. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to cultivating the unique culture of community involvement and Southern hospitality that defines the Jim 'N Nick's experience for both guests and staff.
    Lawrence Ryback

    Ryan Simms - Chief Financial Officer

    Ryan Simms, the Chief Financial Officer at Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy for the expanding restaurant chain. Simms oversees budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring the fiscal health and stability of over 41 locations across seven states. This critical role involves analyzing financial performance, identifying opportunities for cost optimization, and supporting strategic investment decisions to fuel continued growth. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with leadership to secure funding and manage relationships with financial partners like Roark Capital Group. By maintaining rigorous financial controls and providing insightful analysis, Ryan Simms enables informed decision-making across the organization. The financial oversight extends to evaluating the profitability of various service channels, including dine-in, to-go, drive-thru, and catering, ensuring each contributes effectively to the company's revenue streams. Simms's expertise is vital in navigating the financial complexities of a growing enterprise rooted in authentic Southern barbecue traditions.

    Brad Jacobus - Chief Marketing Officer

    Brad Jacobus, the Chief Marketing Officer at Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q, spearheads brand strategy and market expansion initiatives for the renowned barbecue chain. Jacobus directs all marketing efforts, focusing on amplifying the brand's commitment to authentic, scratch-made Southern cuisine and its unique community-centric hospitality. This leadership position involves developing and executing campaigns that highlight the quality of hickory smoked meats, the 'no-freezer' policy, and the diverse service channels, including dine-in, to-go, drive-thru, and catering. The Chief Marketing Officer also oversees the online store, driving sales of sauces, spice blends, and branded merchandise. By fostering a strong brand identity and engaging consumers across multiple platforms, Brad Jacobus enhances customer loyalty and attracts new patrons to the over 41 locations. Jacobus's strategic vision ensures the brand resonates with its Southern roots while pursuing continued expansion and market penetration.
    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 talent management for the growing restaurant organization. Goronkin focuses on cultivating a supportive and engaging work environment that reflects the company's values of Southern hospitality and community involvement. This role involves overseeing recruitment, employee relations, training, and development programs designed to empower staff and pitmasters across more than 41 locations. The Interim Chief People Officer ensures that traditional recipes and techniques are effectively passed down, maintaining consistency while honoring Southern barbecue traditions. Goronkin's efforts are crucial in supporting the company's expansion by attracting and retaining skilled team members who embody the brand's commitment to quality and friendly service. By prioritizing the well-being and professional growth of employees, Joleen Goronkin strengthens the organizational culture and operational effectiveness, ensuring the Jim 'N Nick's experience is consistently positive for both guests and staff.

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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.