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

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, brand growth, financial oversight, 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 premium hickory-smoked barbecue experiences.

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

  • Chief Executive Officer - Larry Ryback
  • Chief Financial Officer - Ryan Simms
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Brad Jacobus
  • Interim Chief People Officer - Joleen Goronkin
  • 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 of the brand across seven states, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every location adheres to the core no-freezer policy and scratch-made culinary standards. Ryback coordinates with the Board and private equity partners to drive long-term growth while preserving the Southern heritage of the business. By optimizing operational efficiency across all service channels, including dine-in and catering, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the competitive edge of the company in the hospitality sector. Larry Ryback fosters a culture of community involvement and hospitality that defines the brand identity. Through consistent leadership, the Chief Executive Officer secures the market position of the organization as a premier provider of hickory-smoked barbecue, ensuring that the operational scale remains aligned with the founding principles of quality and tradition.
    Larry Ryback

    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 restaurant chain. Overseeing financial planning, reporting, and budgeting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains the resources necessary to support its no-freezer policy and scratch-made kitchen operations. Simms monitors the profitability of all 41 locations, providing the data-driven insights required for strategic decision-making. By coordinating with the executive team, the Chief Financial Officer aligns capital investments with the expansion goals of the business. Ryan Simms evaluates the performance of various service channels, such as catering and drive-thru, to maximize revenue streams and operational efficiency. This leadership role involves maintaining rigorous financial controls while supporting the long-term sustainability of the brand. Through disciplined fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial stability of the organization, enabling the continued delivery of high-quality Southern barbecue to guests across the regional footprint.

    Brad Jacobus - Chief Marketing Officer

    Brad Jacobus, the Chief Marketing Officer at Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q, architects the brand strategy and customer engagement initiatives. Overseeing the promotion of the restaurant chain, the Chief Marketing Officer drives awareness for the diverse menu offerings, including pulled pork, beef brisket, and signature barbecue sauces. Jacobus manages the digital presence and the online store, ensuring that the brand message resonates with guests across the Southern market. By analyzing consumer trends and market data, the Chief Marketing Officer optimizes promotional campaigns to increase traffic across dine-in, to-go, and drive-thru channels. Brad Jacobus collaborates with regional teams to highlight the commitment to fresh, scratch-made food and community-focused hospitality. This leadership role involves strengthening the connection between the brand and local organizations, thereby reinforcing the reputation of the company as a Southern institution. Through innovative marketing tactics, the Chief Marketing Officer sustains brand loyalty and supports the broader growth objectives of the organization.
    Brad Jacobus

    Joleen Goronkin - Interim Chief People Officer

    Joleen Goronkin, the Interim Chief People Officer at Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q, directs the human capital strategy and organizational development for the restaurant chain. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee training, and retention, the Interim Chief People Officer ensures that every pitmaster and kitchen staff member upholds the traditional recipes and hospitality standards of the company. Goronkin fosters a workplace culture that emphasizes care for staff and guests, reflecting the core values of the brand. By implementing professional development programs, the Interim Chief People Officer supports the growth of the workforce as the company expands its presence across seven states. Joleen Goronkin collaborates with leadership to align personnel policies with the operational needs of the scratch-made kitchens. This leadership role involves managing the complexities of a large, distributed team while maintaining consistency in service quality. Through effective human resources management, the Interim Chief People Officer strengthens the organizational foundation, ensuring that the commitment to Southern hospitality remains central to the daily operations of the business.

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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 Larry 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 Larry 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.