Another day, another barbecue joint.
This time, it’s the first South Florida outpost of 4 Rivers Smokehouse, a growing chain that opened a restaurant in Coral Springs today (Sept. 8). There are 13 other 4 Rivers around Florida, a chain launched by former healthcare executive John Rivers in 2009. The Coral Springs location, at 2660 N. University Drive, will be open every day except Sunday.
According to the company’s website, Rivers began his “Barbecue Ministry” out of his garage in 2004, a way to raise money for members of his church and others in need. In 2009, he opened his first restaurant near Orlando. It quickly racked up honors and awards. As a corporate executive, he traveled the country extensively and always had a passion for barbecue, especially brisket.
These days, it seems like you can’t throw a burnt end without hitting a new barbecue spot. Earlier this week, I wrote about Mission BBQ, a chain with a patriotic flavor that came to Davie in January, where the national anthem is played at noon daily. Last month, I wrote about two Broward barbecue spots – Smoke BBQ and Blue Willy’s – putting a smoky new twist on an old New York deli favorite, pastrami. Even trendy South Beach resort restaurants are getting in on the action, with Beachcraft in the One Hotel now offering smoked brisket and pulled Berkshire pork shoulder as the centerpieces of an $80 (eighty dollars??!!) Sunday brunch buffet.
Barbecue mania has reached high heat, with expanding chains, boutique smokehouses and new food trucks and roadside stands joining old reliables such as Tom Jenkins and Georgia Pig in Fort Lauderdale, and People’s Barbecue in Miami. But I’m wondering if we’re due for some ‘cue fatigue. Will we soon reach a point where pulled pork gets passe?
Judging by the long lines, rosy revenue reports and ongoing expansion plans from many of the barbecue operators, brisket burnout apparently hasn’t set in yet. Last weekend, I went to a Boca Raton strip mall for my latest review meal, the flavorful and sophisticated Rocksteady Jamaican Bistro. The place was nearly empty. In contrast, there was a big crowd a few doors down at Mississippi Sweets BBQ.
But there’s at least one cautionary tale out there. Voodoo BBQ & Grill, a Louisiana-based Cajun-themed barbecue chain, recently shuttered all five South Florida locations, in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miami and Pembroke Pines. Our appetite for ribs, pork and other smoked meats might seem insatiable, but apparently it’s not infinite.
, 954-356-4508. Follow my food adventures on Instagram: @mikemayoeats
