2025 Commitment to People Recipient Larry Ryback: Leading with Purpose, Growing with Heart

When Larry Ryback became CEO of Jim ‘N Nick’s Community BBQ five years ago, he didn’t arrive with sweeping changes. He arrived with curiosity. He listened. He asked questions. He learned what made the company’s culture so deeply rooted—and how it could grow without losing its soul.

This respectful, people-first approach has become a hallmark of Larry’s leadership, and it’s still shaping every corner of the organization.

“Two things set us apart: passionate team members and authentic food.”

This clear, consistent message from Larry isn’t just a catchphrase; it’s a true north that connects every team member to the brand’s purpose. His belief in doing the basics with excellence, paying attention to the details, and staying consistent over time has helped build a culture that’s both high-performing and deeply rooted in Southern hospitality and scratch-made food.

“We don’t have expenses. We have investments.”

Larry’s long-term vision has also guided strategic investments in people and infrastructure. Under Larry’s leadership, the Training Department has grown from a single person to a team of eight, reflecting his belief in developing skills at every level.

Another example is the Managing Partner program, which gives General Managers the chance to become business partners with a long-term stake in the company’s success. He has made calculated investments in other strategic positions, bringing in or promoting key talent needed to support the growth trajectory.

In 2024 alone:

• 92 managers were hired
• 26 team members were promoted to management roles
• 6 Chefs became General Managers
• 5 Kitchen Managers were elevated to Chef positions 

And, team tenure numbers are even more impressive:

• 128 team members with 10+ years (nearly 4% of base)
• 126 with 7-10 years (3.5% of base)
• 94 with 5-6 years (2.5% of base) 

Behind those numbers are stories—of potential spotted, confidence built, and careers elevated.

“Do it every day, or it goes away.”

This patient approach to building operational excellence before accelerating growth demonstrates his commitment to sustainable success. Larry often says, "We took our time to build rigor. Now we have it, and can ramp up because the business is ready to have unit growth in a healthy manner."

Whether Larry is visiting restaurants, participating in training sessions, or leading operational reviews, he uses each interaction as a chance to coach, encourage, and reinforce the company’s values.

“Keep the base healthy.”

Larry’s care for people extends well beyond the restaurant floor. The BBQ U Family Fund supports team members through unexpected hardships, creating a true sense of family within the company. It’s another example of how he removes barriers and creates pathways for people to thrive—not just at work, but in life.

“Shine and be people's heroes."

At Jim ‘N Nick’s, guest recovery is more than fixing a problem—it’s encouragement to create a special moment that shines. Larry empowers team members to be heroes in those situations, turning challenges into chances for connection.

Larry’s long career leading respected hospitality brands has taught him that growth is never just about numbers. But the numbers are really, really good! Jim ‘N Nick’s opened seven new restaurants last year, boasts an impressive 20% year-over-year growth, and cares for a thriving team of over 3,500 team members across 53 restaurants.

As the company prepares to open eight new restaurants in 2025, Larry’s strategy is clear: don’t grow for growth’s sake. Grow because the team is ready. Grow because the foundation is strong. Grow because people are at the center.

CHART is proud to honor Larry Ryback with the 2025 Commitment to People Award—a leader who shows, day after day, that the best way to build a business is to support and grow the people who work there.

Larry will be honored at CHART's Hospitality Training Conference in Redondo Beach at the Commitment to People dinner on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.