Jacksonville, Florida-based Woody’s Bar-B-Q got its start as a single location on University Boulevard in 1980. Based on the reaction from patrons, the Classic Southern Barbecue concept expanded—slowly but surely, ultimately making the choice to begin franchising in 1989. Since then, the chain’s largest concentration of locations has remained in Florida—mainly on the East Coast. Although, news of the recent opening of Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Lehigh Acres expands the brand’s presence westward in the Sunshine State. The husband-and-wife team of Misty Woodard and Joe Brockschmidt are the proud new owners of Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Lehigh Acres—located at 5781 Lee Boulevard in the Publix Shopping Center—which opened its doors to customers on October 1.
“We’re excited to expand westward here in our home state of Florida,” says Yolanda Mills-Mawman, co-founder and president of Woody’s Bar-B-Q. “Lehigh Acres is an excellent community in which to introduce the Woody’s Bar-B-Q brand. Its abundance of water features—between the Gulf of Mexico, 175 miles of canals and over a dozen lakes, makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether boating or fishing, Woody’s Bar-B-Q makes a great meal to go. We also prove a excellent fit for locals looking for a family-friendly restaurant that offers tasty recipes that have stood the test of time or professionals seeking a new place to enjoy lunch. Misty, Joe and the entire Woody’s Bar-B-Q corporate team can’t wait to see the reaction to our concept from Lehigh Acres residents and their guests.”
Having been born and raised in nearby Fort Myers, new owner – Misty Woodard – is extremely familiar with the area. Her husband—Joe Brockschmidt—is intimately accustomed with the concept of a family-owned-and-operated restaurant, having owned and sold two successful pizza establishments in his home state of Michigan.
“We decided to open a restaurant and have a family business to hopefully one day pass it down to our kids,” says Brockschmidt. “My wife and I love both BBQ, so we began researching several different BBQ franchises, but once we sat down and spoke with Woody Mills, one of the co-founders of Woody’s Bar-B-Q, we knew that a Woody’s Bar-B-Q franchise was the only option that really made sense to us. We decided that the Lehigh/Fort Myers area was the ideal location for our restaurant because this is our home, but also because we know that its starved for more restaurants with quality food at a reasonable price.”
Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Lehigh Acres serves the Classic Southern Barbecue chain’s signature blend of slow-smoked meats, original recipe sauces, comfort food sides and decadent desserts. It also features beer and wine, as well as daily specials – like a Kids Eat Free Night. Brockschmidt and Woodard are proud to extend discounts to first responders, active duty military members and senior citizens. As far as the menu is concerned, the couple insists that patrons of Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Lehigh Acres can’t go wrong ordering anything on the menu, but their personal favorites include the Prime Rib Sandwich, Signature Baby Back Ribs, Crinkle-Cut Fries, Bar-B-Q Beans and a slice of Sky High Coconut Crème Pie. Hours for Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Lehigh Acres are Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
In addition to its 18 locations in Florida, Woody’s Bar-B-Q also has a presence in Augusta, GA; Nanuet, NY; Yonkers, NY; Huntingdon, PA; and Murray, KY. Future plans for expansion in Florida include locations in Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Cocoa Beach.
