JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - CuisineWire -- Marissa and Phil Vetter were first introduced to Woody's Bar-B-Q more than 30 years ago when they lived in Jacksonville. After moving to Green Cove Springs in 2003, they were thrilled to learn that the Classic Southern BBQ chain planned to open a location near them in 2012. Once opened, the couple visited frequently to enjoy their favorite dishes – the Smokin' Spare Ribs and the Slow-Smoked Jumbo Wings. They soon became familiar faces on a first-name basis with the staff at the Clay County eatery. When the Vetters learned that the corporate-owned restaurant might be up for sale, they were immediately interested. In October 2024, they became the proud new owners of Woody's Bar-B-Q of Green Cove Springs at 1301 N Orange Ave.

"We have always loved the food at Woody's," said Marissa. "It's a brand that we believe in, one that has withstood the test of time for brand awareness and food quality over the last 45 years. We are excited to be a part of the Woody's Bar-B-Q family and can't wait to secure our stature as THE place for our community to come together to enjoy good food and good times."

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Seeking the ideal place to raise their three daughters, the small-town feel of Green Cove Springs is what drew the Vetter family there more than 20 years ago. Today, they believe it's what will fuel their new restaurant's success for years to come. They hope to craft a dining experience that the community will look forward to enjoying week after week, year after year. The Vetters will be actively involved in the restaurant's management and the continued pursuit of the full-time careers they love. The couple is thankful for the support of the store manager, Hannah Hart, and the kitchen manager, Otis Goodman, to lead day-to-day operations. Both have been in place at the Green Cove Springs eatery for five and twelve years, respectively.

Over the months to come, the Vetters plan to give the restaurant a facelift in two phases, including the addition of several flatscreens for game-viewing events, a redesign of the full bar to make it even more inviting, interior décor changes, the addition of folding windows to create the feel of an open-air concept on beautiful days, incorporating a deck beneath a large oak in front of the restaurant for dining and live music, and more. Both Phil and Marissa also view giving back to the community as a priority and look forward to honoring the achievements and celebrating the students who attend neighboring Clay County schools.

BBQ fans can visit www.Woodys.com to learn more about Woody's Bar-B-Q, view the menu, and discover how to become a franchisee.