From Tragedy to Triumph: A Restaurant Family’s Story

Malcolm and Jackie Robbins’ Rib Shack Smokehouse, located at 10841 Q St. in Omaha, Nebraska, represents far more than just a restaurant; it’s a testament to their enduring faith and resilience throughout a decade-long journey marked by both triumph and tribulation. Their story began in St. Louis, Missouri, where they established a successful restaurant business rooted in generations of family recipes and techniques.

Building a Culinary Empire

Malcolm, the culinary mastermind, helmed the kitchen, while Jackie managed the books, marketing, and ensured exceptional customer service. Their restaurants quickly gained popularity, becoming renowned destinations for authentic St. Louis-style barbecue and comforting Southern soul food. Jackie’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly, earning her awards and recognition as a mentor to aspiring restaurateurs.

A Medical Crisis and Unexpected Turn

Their thriving world was upended when Malcolm was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and placed on the transplant list. A series of health setbacks, including strokes, open-heart surgeries, and a brain bleed that resulted in a coma, complicated his condition and diminished his chances of receiving a transplant. Doctors offered little hope for his survival. However, Malcolm, refusing to succumb to despair, chose to fight for his life.

Determined to find a solution, Malcolm researched heart transplant programs and discovered Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, a location with family ties. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Business Collapse and Personal Strife

As Malcolm focused on his health, the couple entrusted the management of their restaurants to others. Unfortunately, the business faltered in their absence, spiraling into financial ruin. Despite the restaurants’ initial success, the mounting medical expenses drained their resources.

The stress of Malcolm’s illness and the financial strain took a toll on their relationship. Disagreements arose regarding his adherence to medical advice, leading to a temporary separation.

A New Beginning in Omaha

The Robbins were forced to close their restaurants. While Jackie pursued consulting work in the South, Malcolm relocated to Omaha in 2018. Initially, he relied on the kindness of friends, couch-surfing before eventually acquiring an RV, which he parked on the Nebraska Medicine campus.

The transition to living alone in the RV was challenging, exacerbated by the isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the social unrest surrounding the Black Lives Matter protests. Malcolm, considered high-risk due to his health condition, faced increased vulnerability during this period.

Finding a suitable heart for transplant proved difficult due to Malcolm’s size and rare blood type. Furthermore, his high antibody count, a result of multiple blood transfusions, increased the risk of organ rejection.

A Turning Point and a Second Chance

Discouraged and contemplating giving up, Malcolm reached out to Jackie in the summer of 2020. During their conversation, he received a call informing him that a heart had become available. He asked Jackie to come to Omaha. Hesitant but hopeful, she agreed, believing that if Malcolm was granted a second chance, so could their relationship.

Jackie’s journey to Omaha was filled with apprehension. Doctors cautioned her about the high risk of rejection, and during the transplant procedure, a complication arose, causing further alarm.

Despite the odds, Malcolm emerged from the surgery successfully. Jackie considered his survival a miracle, a testament to their faith. They recommitted to their life together.

Building a New Life and a New Business

The medical team insisted that Malcolm remain in Omaha permanently for close monitoring and ongoing care. Faced with this new reality, Jackie took charge of their situation.

With no income, she launched a fundraising campaign, seeking support from family and friends. Community organizations also provided assistance, helping them secure housing and essential resources.

Leveraging her extensive experience in the food industry, Jackie decided to open a new restaurant in Omaha while Malcolm recovered. A friend connected her with a landlord who, moved by their story, offered her a rent-free space for a year.

With the help of their children, who brought their cherished recipes and a single remaining smoker from St. Louis, Rib Shack Smokehouse began to take shape.

Hard Work and Community Support

Transforming the vacant space into a functional restaurant required immense effort. Jackie worked tirelessly, cleaning and preparing the space. Family members provided invaluable assistance with stocking the restaurant.

Malcolm, still recovering, felt helpless being unable to contribute physically. However, Jackie received support from unexpected sources, including community members who volunteered their time and skills.

An Instant Success

Rib Shack Smokehouse opened in 2021 and quickly became a local favorite. The restaurant’s popularity exceeded expectations, with long lines forming on opening day. Jackie’s social media promotion generated significant buzz, drawing crowds of eager customers.

However, their success was short-lived. A flood damaged the bathroom, forcing them to temporarily close. Jackie personally took on the task of tearing up the damaged floor to expedite the repairs.

Nebraska’s First Woman Pit Master

Malcolm proudly recognized Jackie’s transformation into Nebraska’s first woman pit master. Her culinary skills, honed over years of experience, reached new heights as she consistently produced high-quality, mouthwatering barbecue.

Jackie’s mastery of the pit was born out of necessity, as they couldn’t afford to hire a dedicated pit master. She perfected the art of St. Louis-style barbecue, emphasizing dry-rubbed ribs with her signature seasonings, served with a side of sauce, potato salad, and bread.

Tragedy and Perseverance

In 2022, tragedy struck again when the couple lost their son, Malcolm Jr., in what was initially reported as an accident. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, adding to their grief.

Despite the pain and uncertainty, the Robbins persevered, drawing strength from their faith and their commitment to each other.

Jackie found solace in her friendship with a customer who had also lost a son. Together, they provided each other with support and understanding.

Following Malcolm Jr.’s death, Rib Shack temporarily closed. The reopening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony dedicated to his memory, attended by family, friends, and community members who offered prayers and support.

A Family Legacy

Three of the Robbins’ children currently work at Rib Shack, and they hope to pass the business down to future generations, ensuring its survival as a family legacy.

Rib Shack Smokehouse continues to thrive, offering dine-in, takeout, and catering services. Malcolm attributes their success to Jackie’s exceptional cooking, which has earned the restaurant a loyal following and invitations to judge barbecue competitions.

Giving Back to the Community

The Robbins remain committed to serving their community, a tradition they established in St. Louis. They provide meals and sometimes employment to the homeless and support families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. They also hosted a fundraiser for a family who relocated from St. Louis after experiencing trauma.

Malcolm actively participates in charitable causes related to heart health awareness and shares his inspirational story through media outlets and organizations such as Nebraska Medicine, Live On Nebraska, and Heart Heroes.

Jackie, who never envisioned making Omaha their permanent home, has embraced the city and its people. She appreciates the sense of community and the support they have received.

Future Plans

The Robbins plan to expand Rib Shack’s physical space and open additional locations, guided by their faith. They also aspire to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry, helping them build their own family legacies.

The story of Malcolm and Jackie Robbins is a testament to their unwavering faith, resilience, and commitment to each other and their community. They have transformed tragedy into triumph, creating a thriving business that embodies their values and serves as a beacon of hope for others.

Rib Shack Smokehouse is located at 10841 Q St Suite 105 in Omaha, Nebraska. The phone number is 402-502-6695. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.