First look: 4 Rivers announces new Orlando location

ORLANDO, Fla. — 4 Rivers Smokehouse said Thursday that it will open its fourteenth restaurant in early 2022 in Orlando’s SoDo district.

The 3,636-square-foot smokehouse will open in a shuttered Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers on South Orange Avenue near West Pineloch Avenue.

Read: Police: Armed veteran, 73, killed in officer-involved shooting in Orlando

The restaurant will have indoor seating for 66 people and a large outdoor area dubbed the 4 Rivers Pavilion.

The open-air space will feature live music and a rotating selection of craft beer and wine. The pavilion can also be booked for private events.

Read: Tracking Fred: Storm remains disorganized, expected to reorganize as it moves toward Florida Keys

In a hurry? The smokehouse will also feature double drive-thru lanes.

The new location is expected to employ 40 people.

Read: Child Tax Credit: August payment set to go out this week

“The smokehouse’s proximity to Orlando Health, (Orlando) City Hall and other local partners will allow us to strengthen the relationships that fuel not only our business but, more importantly, our ministry and the important work we are doing at the 4Roots Farm,” founder John Rivers said in a news release.

The family-owned restaurant chain first opened in Winter Park in 2009.

4R Restaurant Group has 13 4 Rivers Smokehouses, the 4R Cantina Barbacoa at Disney Springs, four 4 Rivers walkup venues at ESPN Wide World of Sports and eateries at Camping World Stadium, Spectrum Stadium and Doak Campbell Stadium.

Read: Could we ever see a 5th Disney theme park in Florida?

The company also owns The COOP in Winter Park.

See a map of the location below:

©2021 Cox Media Group