____________________________________________________________________ Jim

‘ N Nick’ s Community Bar-B-Q

Jim‘ N Nick’ s’ journey began in 1985 in an old, reclaimed pizza restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama, and was founded under one simple philosophy: to“ celebrate the heritage of revered bar-b-q masters, cut no corners on the menu, and serve the whole community like family”. Since then, the business has evolved from those humble roots to an icon in American BBQ, from closeknit community locations to private catering affairs. Today, Jim‘ N Nick proudly combines great value with delicious food to create a truly enjoyable and homely experience.

Old-school hospitality

Jim‘ N Nick’ s’ Chief Executive Officer, Larry Ryback, has led the company for over six years and, during his tenure, he’ s continued to drive home the core values and friendly, welcoming culture that have defined the business for four decades. With Jim‘ N Nick’ s surpassing its 40th anniversary milestone in 2025, Food Chain sits down with Larry to uncover the secrets behind the company’ s growth and success, and to learn why there truly is only one Jim‘ N Nick’ s. He begins our conversation by introducing the key pillars of the business.

“ We’ re a scratch-made BBQ chain in the Southeastern United States, and we’ ve just now opened our 61st store,” Larry says.“ The real pillars of our brand are centered around the fact that we do things the old-fashioned way. Nothing that comes through our doors is pre-made; not one of our restaurants has a freezer or microwave. We make everything from scratch because we feel that real cooking makes a difference in both the food and the pride that people have in the company.

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