A barbecue chain that announced its expansion into Middleton nearly two years ago is drawing closer to finally opening its first restaurant in The Villages.
4 Rivers Smokehouse is currently under construction at 7679 Middleton Drive, just east of the new Portillo’s that opened last month.
When it opens, 4 Rivers will serve brisket, pulled pork, ribs, burnt ends, chicken, and other barbecue meats, as well as a variety of sides.
4 Rivers got its start as “Barbecue Ministry” in 2004 , when founder John Rivers hosted a cookout fundraiser to support a local girl battling cancer. In 2009, the Rivers family formalized its operations, opening its first restaurant in Winter Park.
The chain first signed a lease to do business in Middleton in October 2023. The new restaurant in The Villages marks the 16th establishment. Outside of the area, there are also nearby 4 Rivers locations in Gainesville, Orlando (2), and Winter Garden.
The “4 Rivers” in the company’s name is a reference to the founding family members – John, Monica (wife), Jared (son), and Cameron (daughter) – as well as Genesis 2:10, a Bible scripture about a river flowing from Eden that separates into four different waterways.
“We exist to use our God-given gifts to support the local community through exceptional products, steadfast customer service, and uncompromised integrity,” reads a statement from the company’s website.
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