LAKELAND — Get those bibs ready, a new "barbecue ministry" has staked out a space in Lakeland.

Winter Park-based 4 Rivers Smokehouse has started construction of its 15th location, which will be at The Shoppes at Lake Miriam Crossing, 4747 S. Florida Ave. It will share the shopping center with Publix Greenwise Market.

The Lakeland restaurant is scheduled to open in early 2023, according to post on the company's Facebook page. It will be approximately 4,200 square feet with seating for 87 guests, according to a press statement.

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“Ever since opening the first 4 Rivers 12 years ago, we’ve heard a large outcry from Lakeland residents asking us to open a Smokehouse in their city and it’s always been a goal of ours to do so,” said John Rivers, 4R Restaurant Group founder and CEO in a statement.

The family-owned restaurant chain was started in 2009 and likes to call itself a "barbecue ministry." It specializes in 30-day aged smoked angus brisket, homestyle sides and John Rivers originals.

The 4 Rivers Smokehouse sauces and signature rubs are carried by Publix Supermarket in stories throughout the Southeast.

"We’re excited to welcome 4 Rivers to the area,” Maria Brouse, Publix director of communications said in a statement. “Not only do we share similar values like serving our communities, but we also share the love of good food.”

The restaurant will offer the additional options to drive-thru, delivery and catering options.

Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Follow on Twitter @SaraWalshFl.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: 4 Rivers Smokehouse begins construction in front of Lakeland Greenwise