4 Rivers Smokehouse debuted Beyond Burnt Ends last month at all Central Florida locations to help celebrate their 10th anniversary. After a huge amount of feedback from their carnivorous, vegan, and vegetarian fans, the 4 Rivers Restaurant Group expanded the dish to all 14 of its locations in Florida and Georgia.

“The 4 Rivers culinary team spent months perfecting the Beyond Burnt Ends and we’re very proud that we’ve created a plant-based barbecue dish that has been so well received by our guests,” said John Rivers, Founder/CEO of 4R Restaurant Group. “As a brand, we’re constantly evolving and listening to consumers and right now there is definitely a demand for plant-based barbecue.”

The meat-alternative is double hickory-smoked then slow-roasted for caramelization like original burnt ends. The plant-based ends come with a vegan 4 Rivers signature sauce and vegan-friendly brioche bun. The burnt ends are available on the menu at all locations as a sandwich also by half-pound or pound and as a full meal with 3 sides.

“A lot of people are surprised when learning that my wife Monica is a vegan”, added Rivers.  “I joke that this is God’s way of balancing out the universe. But the reality is that through her I learned to appreciate the power of offering plant-based barbecue options, and the importance of making sure this product meets the high standards of the 4 Rivers brand.”

Beyond Burnt Ends are the first product released from 4 Rivers Smokehouse’s upcoming “Beyond BBQ” vegan line.