‘Ain’t broke, don't fix it’: New Johnny’s Barbecue owner is a steady hand for the Gainesville staple - Gainesville Times

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‘Ain’t broke, don't fix it’: New Johnny’s Barbecue owner is a steady hand for the Gainesville staple

From left, Nikki Ivey, Zack Ivey and Tharpe Ward stand in Johnny’s Barbecue on Nov. 13, 2019. Tharpe and Judy Ward are passing the longtime business to Ivey, their nephew. - photo by Layne Saliba

11202019 JOHNNYS 1.jpg — From left, Nikki Ivey, Zack Ivey and Tharpe Ward stand in Johnny’s Barbecue on Nov. 13, 2019. Tharpe and Judy Ward are passing the longtime business to Ivey, their nephew. - photo by Layne Saliba

The description for Johnny’s Barbecue on Google is about as humble and honest as it gets: “Classic barbecue shack serving plates, sandwiches, sides & desserts in a basic, down-home setting.”