4 Rivers Smokehouse

John Rivers never set out to create the most successful BBQ chain in Florida. Hes not a classically trained chef or graduate of culinary school. It was in Texas that he found the two loves of his life: his wife and the delicate art of brisket. And its been those very two godsends that inspired 4 Rivers as we know it. John spent 20 years in the healthcare industry before retiring as president of a billion-dollar company. During that time, he had the opportunity to travel the country, honing his taste and talent for brisket perfection. As he soaked up the flavors and practices of cue fare countrywide, Johns dream of de-regionalizing BBQ was born. 4 Rivers Smokehouse began with the launch of the Barbecue Ministry in 2004 when John hosted a cookout fundraiser to support a local family whose young daughter was battling cancer. This one event resulted in a passion for supporting local schools, churches, and charitable organizations, and a few years later, smoking thousands of pounds of ...