With 16 locations all across Florida, 4 Rivers Smokehouse is a restaurant that’s all about “Peace, Love, 4 the Greater Good.” And according to recently submitted plan review documents, it’s preparing to bring those ingredients to a new location at the Orlando International Airport.
The submitted paperwork shows “4 Rivers Southern Smokehouse” opening at 9102 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Suite 1521.
Actually, word of a 4 Rivers location at MCO got out in February of last year, when Fox 35 Orlando published coverage of several local restaurants planned for the airport. The coverage refers to “4 Rivers Barbecue,” so it’s not clear whether some variation is planned with the name.
The 4 Rivers Smokehouse menu opens with BBQ Platters that bring together meats like Brisket, Burnt Ends, Pulled Chicken, Smoked Turkey, and more with sides like 4R BBQ Beans, Texas Cornbread, Collard Greens, and Fried Okra.
There are also John Rivers Originals: dishes like Coop Chicken Tenders, BBQ Street Tacos (Three grilled tortillas loaded with your choice of meat, pico de gallo, queso fresco, guasacaca, and creme fraiche topped with fresh chopped cilantro), and the Messy Pig (Heaping pile of pulled pork between 2 layers of coleslaw, topped with pickles and jalapeños, served on a brioche bun and smothered in 4R Signature Sauce).
According to the coverage published in February 2025, the project “plans to launch by 2027.”
You can keep up with all things 4 Rivers by following @4riverssmokehouse on Instagram.
