From President of a $1.4 billion pharmaceutical operation to pit master of one of the most talked about barbecue restaurants in Florida, 4 Rivers Smokehouse, John Rivers’ career is a recipe for success. A Floridian turned Texan, John stepped out of 20 years in corporate America to pursue his dream of opening a traditional Texas smokehouse in Florida as a platform to introduce his 18-hour, slow-smoked Angus brisket in what was otherwise considered a pork dominated market.
John spent two decades perfecting his recipes after falling for his Lone Star wife and her uncle’s brisket. However, it was a heartfelt call in 2004 to raise funds to help offset the overwhelming cost of cancer treatment for a six-year-old girl that brought his backyard passion to a new level. Moved by the family’s story, John organized a barbecue fundraiser that resulted in more than 500 attendees and the launch of what he dubbed his “barbecue ministry.” For the next five years, John fired-up the smoker anytime a church, family, school or charity was in need of help.
Some of our top beneficiaries include:
Elevate Orlando • Summit Church • Coalition for the Homeless • Edgewood Children’s Ranch • Christian Chamber of Commerce • Geneva School • Rollins College • Winter Park High School
Working from his garage, John’s ministry quickly grew in popularity, prompting the bottling of his 4Rivers (4R) Signature Barbecue Sauce and the ultimate leap of faith to open the first of two 4 Rivers Smokehouse’s in Winter Park, Fla. (October 2009). Smoking more than 15,000 pounds of meat a week, the Smokehouse quickly became one of the fastest growing restaurants in Central Florida, serving a line of guests waiting up to 45 minutes to eat on picnic tables under an outside patio at his 1,350-square-foot restaurant.
Today, 4 Rivers Smokehouse continues the tradition of donating proceeds to local churches and school endeavors, and is prized for its superb balance of flavors in his 4Rivers Signature Sauce. The recipe is multi-regional, making it a perfect fusion of sweet and tangy with a smoky spice finish that you’re sure to enjoy!
Our Mission is Simple
To use our God-given gifts to support the local community, schools and charity organizations by building a business that distinguishes the 4Rivers brand on the foundation of exceptional products, customer appreciation and uncompromised honesty, integrity and respect.
We hope you enjoy our products as much as our friends and family do. More importantly, we hope you consider joining us in support of the multitude of wonderful, important charitable organizations we support.
Our Purpose
We are committed to producing the highest level of quality products and providing superior service to our customers, which distinguishes the 4Rivers brand in the marketplace. Equally important, is our dedication to supporting our local businesses, schools, and charity organizations. We recognize the value of contributing to the growth of our community in order for our business to prosper. To that end, 4Rivers is proud to support organizations that are dedicated to building a stronger, safer and kinder community while creating hope for a brighter future for our children.
