Photos: 4 Rivers Smokehouse Celebrates First Lakeland Location with Grand Opening & Brisket Cutting

Hi everyone!

4 Rivers Smokehouse opened its 15th restaurant in late June at The Shoppes at Lake Miriam Crossing in Lakeland, and yesterday we attended the Grand Opening and Brisket Cutting event. The Grand Opening event included founder John Rivers and Lakeland mayor William Mutz.

Here are photos from the 4 Rivers Smokehouse Grand Opening yesterday!

4 Rivers Smokehouse was founded in Winter Park in 2009 by John Rivers and his family.

4 Rivers Smokehouse is a fast casual dining concept. This is a look at the dining room.

“The Southern Cowboy Cookbook” was on display, and is for sale at the restaurant.

Near the registers is where you can find the cookbook and other 4 Rivers Smokehouse items, including t-shirts and 4 Rivers BBQ Sauce.

4 Rivers Smokehouse employees were getting ready for guests. You can find the 4 Rivers Smokehouse menu on the 4 Rivers website.

“How it all Began”

Rivers spoke to guests about the journey it took to open the Lakeland location, with Mayor Mutz  and Commissioner Stephanie Madden standing nearby.

A celebratory brisket cutting and ribbon cutting was held immediately after.

Rivers and Mayor Mutz cut the brisket.

The ribbon cutting included a much larger group.

Lunch was served after the brisket cutting, and included the incredible Signature Angus Brisket and smoked turkey, along with baked beans, coleslaw and baked cheese grits. The 30-day wet-aged beef brisket is rubbed with their 4R Brisket Rub and smoked for 18 hours.

While the Grand Opening event was held before the 11:00 a.m. restaurant opening yesterday, we were there when the doors opened and the restaurant filled up quickly. 4 Rivers Smokehouse has already become a popular part of the community.

4 Rivers Smokehouse in Lakeland is located at 4729 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33813. The location is closed on Sunday.