John Rivers
Chef & CEO, 4R Ventures, LLC



John Rivers’ diverse career experience spans two decades and ranges from managing a billion-dollar
pharmaceutical distribution operation, to opening one of fastest growing new restaurant in the Southeast
with his Texas-inspired 4 Rivers Smokehouses in Winter Park, Winter Garden and Longwood, Florida.
Formerly the President of CuraScript Specialty Distribution, John managed the $1.4 billion
pharmaceutical operation, leading strategic growth and business development efforts, which led to the
creation of multiple companies, programs and alliances such as the Wal-Mart Specialty Pharmacy.
Rivers’ previous positions as the Director of the Strategic Business Group for Johnson & Johnson, Cordis
Division and Vice President of National Accounts for American Home Products fine-tuned his
experiences in business modeling, strategic plan development and leadership skills.
These experiences parlayed into the business strategies for his new company formed in 2007 – 4R
Ventures, LLC –the parent company of 4R Restaurant Group, with the opening of its first location in
October 2009; 4R Foods and 4R Signature Products – the latter manufactures and distributes the 4R line
of sauces, rubs and smoked brisket throughout the United States. Brand awareness for 4 Rivers
Smokehouse has been in development since John launched what was dubbed his “BBQ Ministry” a
continuing charitable initiative for local schools, churches and charity organizations. Since 2004, 4Rivers
has successfully contributed more than $300,000 to organizations and families in need.
The concept immediately garnered recognition with three consecutive Silver Spoon Awards from
Orlando Home & Leisure and “Best Barbecue” acknowledgements by Florida Travel and Life Orlando
Sentinel, Orlando Business Journal, Orlando Magazine and Orlando Weekly – also for three consecutive
years. John has appeared on NBC and FOX morning shows as well as The Good Life Network. He has
been celebrated nationally on Food&Wine.com, and in Cigar Aficionado, Restaurant Business, FOOD
Magazine and Paula Deen Magazine. In addition to contributing to Cowboys & Indians Magazine, John
was invited to present at the 2011 and 2012 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival and to
cook at the James Beard House in New York City in 2013.
John is a graduate of the Florida State University School of Business, serves on the boards of numerous
school and community-based charity organizations and currently resides in Winter Park, Florida with his
lovely wife Monica and two children, Jared and Cameron.