Ponte Vedra barbecue restaurant lands fresh look, new owners

Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Ponte Vedra is new franchisee training site

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Ever since Woody’s Bar-B-Q sold its first franchise in 1989, all of its franchisees have undergone an intensive six-week training process at the chain’s flagship restaurant on University Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida. The classic Southern BBQ company recently moved those operations to its newly acquired corporate store – Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Ponte Vedra. Located at 226 Solana Road, the popular eatery will continue to serve patrons its signature slow-smoked meats and comfort food sides as usual, but its secondary function will be to serve as a corporate training facility for incoming franchisees. As part of the change in ownership, the full-service restaurant has undergone a $100K renovation to the interior in order to reflect the brand design of newer Woody’s Bar-B-Q restaurants.

“Corporate HQ once owned the Ponte Vedra location, but sold it to a prospective franchisee in the early 2000s,” said Woody Mills, CEO, co-founder and namesake for Woody’s Bar-B-Q. “I’m excited to say that ‘Woody is back!’ to the good people of Ponte Vedra Beach. We think they’ll be really receptive to the new interior design, as well as the new owners. As for the franchisees who will train here, they’ll get more of a sense of the interior of their own restaurant – as the updated décor includes heavy timber and corrugated metal sheeting accents for that trendy farmhouse feel. The ORIGINAL Woody’s Bar-B-Q on University Boulevard will always have a special place in my heart, but its kitschy décor is reflective of the past and we want our franchisees focused on the future. Not to mention the fact that – during their six weeks of training here – when they get off, the beach is just two miles away.”

In addition to a menu that includes such dishes as Woody’s Signature baby back ribs, bar-b-q pork, grilled prime rib, Texas beef brisket, sloppy Woody sandwich and more, die-hard fans of Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Ponte Vedra – both old and new – can enjoy regular lunch and dinner specials, discounts for seniors and military members, Kids Eat Free Mondays, trivia and poker events once a week, beer and wine and more. As an added perk for people on the go, Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Ponte Vedra is one of the few drive-thru restaurants in the immediate area. The restaurant also offers delivery service. While the majority of the interior has been changed to reflect the new Woody’s Bar-B-Q brand, the iconic beach scene mural that regular patrons have come to know and love remains unchanged. Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Ponte Vedra is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visitwoodys.com/locations/ponte-vedra .