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

May, 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 maintains a no-freezer policy and scratch-made kitchens, ensuring fresh, high-quality cuisine across its expanding restaurant chain. The company's leadership philosophy centers on community involvement, Southern hospitality, and upholding time-honored culinary traditions.

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 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, the Chief Executive Officer champions the 'no-freezer' policy and the commitment to scratch-made, daily prepared food offerings. This leadership role involves fostering the company's deep roots in community involvement and Southern hospitality, ensuring each location reflects care for both staff and guests. Ryback also collaborates with Roark Capital Group, driving growth initiatives while preserving the brand's legacy. The strategic direction under Lawrence Ryback ensures continued market presence and operational excellence in the competitive restaurant landscape.
    Lawrence Ryback

    Ryan Simms - Chief Financial Officer

    Ryan Simms, the Chief Financial Officer at Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q, oversees all financial operations, planning, and reporting for the restaurant chain. Simms manages fiscal strategies that support the company's growth and expansion across seven states, ensuring financial stability and profitability. This leadership position involves meticulous oversight of budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation across over 41 locations, all while maintaining the brand's commitment to scratch-made food and authentic barbecue traditions. The Chief Financial Officer plays a critical part in evaluating investment opportunities and managing relationships with financial partners, including Roark Capital Group. Ryan Simms ensures that financial decisions align with the company's long-term objectives, including maintaining operational excellence and upholding the high standards of Southern hospitality. The financial acumen provided by Simms underpins the continued success and market presence of Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q.

    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 authentic barbecued and smoked meats, including pulled pork, beef brisket, and hot links, alongside its Southern-inspired side dishes. Overseeing campaigns that promote the 'scratch-made, fresh daily' kitchens and the strict 'no-freezer' policy, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent brand messaging across all service channels: dine-in, to-go, drive-thru, and catering. Jacobus also manages the promotion of the online store, featuring sauces, spice blends, and branded merchandise. This role involves translating the company's commitment to community involvement and Southern hospitality into compelling market narratives. The marketing efforts directed by Brad Jacobus support the company's expansion goals and reinforce its status as a Southern institution.
    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 human resources strategy and operations, focusing on talent acquisition, development, and employee engagement. Goronkin ensures that the company's commitment to Southern hospitality and community involvement is reflected in its workplace culture and staff interactions. This role involves overseeing the training and development of cooks and pitmasters in each location, ensuring they are taught traditional recipes and techniques that maintain consistency and honor Southern barbecue traditions. The Interim Chief People Officer champions initiatives that support both staff and guests, fostering an environment of care and friendly service. Joleen Goronkin's leadership in human resources is vital for sustaining the company's operational integrity and its reputation as a Southern institution. The focus on people ensures that the core values of Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q are upheld across all restaurants.

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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.