Westfield, NJ (RestaurantNews.com) The Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART) announced today that Larry Ryback, CEO of Jim ‘N Nick’s Community BBQ, has been honored with its 2025 Commitment to People Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes Larry’s exceptional dedication to the development and well-being of his team members within the hospitality industry. Larry will be honored at the Commitment to People Dinner on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 during CHART’s 108th Hospitality Training Conference at the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina, Redondo Beach, CA.
“Larry Ryback exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and heart,” said CHART President Dr. Felicia White, Ed.D., Vice President of Training, Human Resources, and Quality Assurance at Falcon Holdings. “He understands that behind every metric is a person, and behind every success is a team. His commitment to growing people, not just profits, has built a thriving culture that truly sets Jim ‘N Nick’s apart and makes him a deserving recipient of CHART’s highest honor.”
“I am honored and humbled to receive the 2025 CHART Commitment to People Award on behalf of the entire Jim ‘N Nick’s team, who strive to live our Core Values of being Honest, Respectful, Committed, Disciplined, and Supportive every day,” remarked Larry Byback upon receiving the award. “What makes this honor so very special, is the amazing work that CHART does to elevate leadership and help companies define memorable hospitality across our industries.”
Read more about how Larry is “Leading with Purpose, Growing with Heart.”
His nomination form showcased how, since stepping into the CEO role five years ago, Larry has led with curiosity, humility, and a deep respect for the culture that defines the brand. His people-first approach has guided the company through thoughtful, sustainable growth – expanding training, promoting internal talent, and investing in programs like the Managing Partner initiative and the BBQ U Family Fund. These efforts have fostered a culture where team members feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow, resulting in strong tenure numbers and a thriving internal pipeline of leadership.
Under Larry’s leadership, Jim ‘N Nick’s has achieved 20% year-over-year growth, opened seven new restaurants in 2024, and is on track to open eight more in 2025; all while staying grounded in its legacy of authentic food and Southern hospitality. Whether he’s participating in training sessions or reinforcing the brand’s purpose with front-line team members, Larry leads with intention and heart. He believes that growth should be driven by readiness, not pressure – a belief that’s created a resilient organization with more than 3,500 team members across 53 restaurants.
The Commitment to People Award, established in 1993, is presented annually to a CEO or President within the hospitality sector who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the growth and development of their employees.
CHART’s Selection Committee reviews and ranks the Commitment to People nominees in four categories:
- Effective communication of the organization’s culture
- Programs that demonstrate a commitment to people
- Efforts to be involved in the development of people
- Ability to break down barriers to create opportunities
The past recipients of this prestigious award can be found on CHART’s website at: Chart.org/membership-and-community/awards-and-scholarships.html.
About CHART
CHART (CHART.org), a non-profit professional association founded in 1970, is the leading resource for the development and advancement of hospitality training professionals and their organizations. With more than 700 members from more than 350 restaurant, foodservice, and lodging companies, CHART represents a workforce of more than three million. CHART includes all facets of hospitality training, learning, and performance professionals; from entry level to senior executive. CHART’s mission is to develop hospitality training professionals to improve performance through access to networks, education, and resources. Follow CHART on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram at @CHARTtrainers.
About Jim ‘N Nick’s
Since its founding in 1985, Jim ‘N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q has mastered the art of slow-cooked, hickory-smoked barbecue with scratch-made trimmings. The company is committed to fresh, high-quality ingredients, as there are no microwaves, freezers, or shortcuts in any of its restaurants. Focused on its local communities, Jim ‘N Nick’s believes customers deserve a place to unwind and reconnect with family and friends. This dedication to community and excellence has fueled the company’s growth, now proudly operating over 55 restaurants spanning six states. Jim ‘N Nick’s continues to be a testament to the power of good food bringing people together as the company steadily expands its legacy of phenomenal barbecue and genuine Southern hospitality.
Contact:
Lisa Marovec
lisa@chart.org