4 Rivers Smokehouse Named The South’s Best BBQ by Southern Living
The honor marks the third consecutive year 4 Rivers has been recognized in the South’s Best Awards
Winter Park, Fl., March 12, 2020 – After being recognized as Florida’s “Best BBQ Joint” the past two years in Southern Living’s annual “South’s Best Awards,” 4 Rivers Smokehouse received top honors in the 2020 poll – earning the highly coveted title of the “South’s Best BBQ Joint.” The beloved Sunshine State restaurant, founded in 2009 by Chef John Rivers, was followed by a field of the best BBQ venues from 13 other Southern states as well as Washington D.C.
“It’s an amazing honor to have 4 Rivers recognized as the South’s Best BBQ joint by the readers of Southern Living and included in the company of some of the most iconic BBQ restaurants from across the South,” said Rivers. “We would never be in the position to receive such a prestigious accolade without our loyal guests, who have been the cornerstone of 4 Rivers ever since we launched our Barbecue Ministry over a decade ago.”
4 Rivers Smokehouse operates 14 locations in Florida that serve signature favorites such as 18-Hour Smoked Angus Brisket, Pulled Pork and Burnt Ends. Popular Homestyle Sides include Baked Cheese Grits, Smokehouse Corn and Smoked Jalapeños. In 2019, 4 Rivers debuted Beyond Burnt Ends, a 100 percent plant-based dish that has received rave reviews from vegetarians, vegans and carnivores alike.
“At Southern Living, we’re passionate about celebrating the extraordinary experiences that define Southern hospitality,” said Sid Evans (in a press statement), Editor in Chief of Southern Living. “Our goal is to identify the destinations our readers are loving the most right now—places that represent the very best of the South. This year’s awards are a unique mix of newcomers and longtime favorites.”
This year’s complete list of Southern Living’s “Best BBQ Joints” includes:
South’s Best BBQ Joint Overall: 4 Rivers Smokehouse (Winter Park, FL)
South’s Best BBQ Joints by State:
Alabama: Dreamland Bar-B-Que (Tuscaloosa, AL)
Arkansas: McClard’s Bar-B-Q (Hot Springs, AR)
Florida: 4 Rivers Smokehouse (Winter Park, FL)
Georgia: Wiley’s Championship BBQ (Savannah, GA)
Kentucky: Starnes Barbecue (Paducah, KY)
Louisiana: The Joint (New Orleans, LA)
Mississippi: The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint (Ocean Springs, MS)
Missouri: Pappy’s Smokehouse (St. Louis, MO)
North Carolina: Buxton Hall Barbecue (Asheville, NC)
Oklahoma: Oklahoma Joe’s Bar-B-Cue (Stillwater, OK)
South Carolina: Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ (Charleston, SC)
Tennessee: Peg Leg Porker (Nashville, TN)
Texas: The Salt Lick BBQ (Driftwood, TX)
Virginia: Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que (Williamsburg, VA)
Washington D.C.: Hill Country Barbecue Market (Downtown, D.C.)
For more information visit www.4RSmokehouse.com.
ABOUT 4R RESTAURANT GROUP
Established in Winter Park, Fla. in 2009, 4 Rivers Smokehouse is a family-owned “Barbecue Ministry” specializing in 30-day aged Smoked Angus Brisket and “Homestyle Sides,” as well as bold twists of flavor and ingredient combinations with “John Rivers Originals” and “Fresh Eats” offerings. At the helm is Founder/CEO John Rivers, who strives to support the local community through exceptional products, steadfast customer service and uncompromised integrity.
4R Restaurant Group has 23 locations in Florida, including fourteen 4 Rivers Smokehouses, 4R Cantina Barbacoa at Disney Springs; four 4 Rivers walkup venues at ESPN Wide World of Sports; as well as eateries at Camping World Stadium, Spectrum Stadium and Doak Campbell Stadium. In addition to online ordering, 4 Rivers also offers a variety of catering options for larger parties and special event occasions. Also part of the 4R family is The COOP, a neighborhood restaurant in Winter Park celebrating the homestyle fare of the South.
4 Rivers Smokehouse sauces and signature rubs are also available for purchase in Publix stores throughout the Southeast.
In 2019, The 4R Foundation donated funds to more than 65o local organizations, non-profits and churches. For additional information about 4 Rivers Smokehouse or to inquire about catering opportunities, please call 844.4RIVERS.