About 4 rivers
Where tradition meets fire — the authentic 4 rivers BBQ Smokehouse story, rooted in passion, craftsmanship, and the timeless art of slow-smoked flavor.
The 4 rivers Story
4 rivers was born from a simple belief: great food deserves patience. Founded in Green Bay, Wisconsin, our smokehouse was built on the traditions of Southern pit-cooking, passed down through generations and elevated with a Midwestern soul. The name itself honors the four waterways that shaped this region — rivers that have always been sources of life, community, and gathering.
From a single backyard smoker to a full-scale 4 rivers BBQ destination, our journey has been fueled by an unwavering commitment to flavor. Every brisket, every rack of ribs, every hand-crafted side dish is prepared with the same love and dedication that started it all — low heat, real wood smoke, and time.
Today, the 4rivers family has grown to include hundreds of loyal guests who return not just for the food, but for the warmth, the community, and the feeling of belonging that only a great smokehouse can provide. We're proud to call Green Bay home and to serve the people of the United States with every meal we craft.
Mission, Vision & Purpose
Everything we do at 4 rivers centers on three guiding principles that shape our food, our service, and our community.
Our Mission
To craft authentic, wood-smoked BBQ that honors time-honored traditions while welcoming every guest like family. At 4 rivers, every plate is a promise — of quality, care, and craft.
Our Vision
To become the most beloved smokehouse in the United States — a place where the aroma of real wood smoke signals warmth, comfort, and an experience worth sharing with the people you love.
Our Purpose
Beyond great food, 4 rivers exists to build community. We support local farmers, employ local talent, and give back to Green Bay through charitable partnerships and neighborhood programs.
Core Values of the
4 rivers Smokehouse
These are the principles that guide every decision we make — from sourcing our ingredients to welcoming each guest through our doors.
Sourced with Integrity
We partner with local farms and trusted suppliers to ensure every ingredient meets our high standards for freshness, sustainability, and humane practices.
Patience & Craft
Great BBQ cannot be rushed. Our pitmasters smoke meats low and slow — sometimes 14 hours or more — because we believe the best things in life are worth waiting for.
Community First
4 rivers is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place. We celebrate birthdays, milestone moments, and everyday meals with equal joy and hospitality.
Relentless Quality
From our house-made rubs to our slow-smoked brisket, we refuse to compromise on quality. Every dish that leaves our kitchen carries the full weight of our reputation.
A History of 4rivers
From humble beginnings to a beloved smokehouse landmark — the milestones that shaped 4 rivers BBQ into what it is today.
The First Fire
4 rivers was founded by pitmaster John Riviera in a converted barn outside Green Bay, Wisconsin. Armed with a single offset smoker and recipes passed down from his grandfather, John began serving neighbors on weekends.
Opening the First 4 rivers BBQ Location
Demand grew beyond the barn. We opened our first brick-and-mortar 4 rivers BBQ smokehouse on Riverview Drive in Green Bay — a modest space that quickly became the heartbeat of the neighborhood food scene.
Wisconsin BBQ Championship Win
Our slow-smoked brisket took home the Grand Champion title at the Wisconsin State BBQ Championship — validating what our guests already knew and putting 4 rivers smokehouse on the national map.
Expanding the 4rivers Family
We renovated and expanded our flagship location, doubling seating capacity and adding a dedicated catering kitchen. The 4rivers catering arm launched, bringing our smokehouse flavors to weddings, corporate events, and festivals.
Adapting & Giving Back
During challenging times, 4 rivers pivoted to curbside and delivery while launching a community meal program — donating over 5,000 meals to frontline workers and local families across Green Bay.
Online Ordering & 4 rivers Smokehouse Menu
We launched our digital ordering platform, bringing the full 4 rivers smokehouse menu to customers across the United States. Online catering requests and home delivery made our BBQ more accessible than ever before.
Still Smoking, Still Serving
4 rivers continues to grow — guided by the same values, the same recipes, and the same passion that started it all. We're proud to serve tens of thousands of guests and look forward to many more years of great smoke and great company.
Meet Our Team
The dedicated individuals who make 4 rivers what it is — passionate, skilled, and deeply committed to the craft of great BBQ.
John Riviera
The original fire-keeper at 4 rivers. John has been perfecting low-and-slow BBQ for over 20 years, drawing inspiration from Southern traditions and his grandfather's secret spice blend.
Maria Santos
Maria brings classical culinary training and a bold creative vision to the 4 rivers kitchen. Her signature sides and house-made sauces have become legendary among our regulars.
Derek Cole
Derek keeps 4 rivers running seamlessly from open to close. With a background in hospitality management, he ensures every guest experience reflects the warmth and excellence our brand stands for.
Lisa Park
Lisa transforms events into unforgettable smokehouse experiences. She coordinates every catering detail — from menu customization to on-site setup — ensuring every event reflects the 4 rivers standard.
Awards & Accolades
Grand Champion
Wisconsin BBQ Championship 2014 & 2019
Best Smokehouse
Green Bay Dining Awards 2017–2023
Community Choice
Green Bay Readers' Pick 2020 & 2022
Sustainability Award
WI Restaurant Assoc. Green Dining 2021