4 Rivers announces vegan option: ‘Beyond Burnt Ends’
Plant-based bomb-dropping is officially an epidemic as 4 Rivers Smokehouse has announced the addition of “Beyond Burnt Ends” — an entirely vegan option — to its menu.
4 Rivers Founder and CEO John Rivers and his team worked hard to find something to satisfy their guests, whether they are wholly plant-based diners or folks looking for alternatives.
“It was important to create something that looked, smelled and tasted like its meat-based cousin,” said Rivers. “We tested jackfruit pulled pork, black bean burgers and vegan sausages, however none were necessarily unique. In the end we chose burnt ends due to its popularity on our menu, and because it’s something we’ve not seen offered as a plant-based option.”
“Beyond Burnt Ends” will launch in all Central Florida locations on Nov. 4, but those dying for a taste might snag one at the Winter Park location, where its currently being tested. Samples, however, will only be sporadically available.
“At the core of the service industry is the desire to not only serve guests, but to surpass their needs,” Rivers said. “Whether the spike in third-party delivery or the growing trend in plantbased consumers, success in today’s market requires restaurants to recognize market shifts and respond in a way that is both consistent with their brand and unique to the market.”
The “Beyond Burnt Ends” are prepared near identically to their realdeal cousins: double smoked, then slow roasted in a three-step process that allows the sauce to caramelize.
“To check off all of the vegan boxes, we removed dairy and honey from our BBQ sauce,” says Rivers, who subbed agave for the latter.
An egg- and dairy-free bun will be brought in, as well.
“I can’t say how long it will last on the menu, but for now it’s serving an increasing segment of the market. And quite frankly, it’s a lot of fun surprising folks with something that tastes so good.
“Even the staunchest carnivores on our team enjoyed the meatless option.”