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.

‘Phil travels extensively in his role as District Manager with a rental equipment company and has the opportunity to frequent all sorts of restaurants,” said Marissa, a housing counselor at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, tasked with saving homes from foreclosure in Clay, Duval, and Putnam Counties. “While he doesn't have traditional restaurant management experience, he has extensive experience in the business world in general, and we both have a firm grasp of the dining experience that we enjoy, expect, and hope to deliver. We have always loved the food at Woody's. 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.”

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. With their children grown and flown now, Marissa and Phil are at a stage of life where they’d love to give back to the community that has offered so much to their family. 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.

“The support we have received from Woody’s Co-Founders, Yolanda and Woody, has been incredible,” added Marissa. “Because we have no prior restaurant business experience, it is nice to have the name recognition of Woody's Bar-B-Q, an established fanbase, and recipes that have been successful for decades. We inherited a dedicated and loyal staff – many of whom are local to Green Cove, love our customers, and are invested in the restaurant's success. As a matter of fact, the staff’s dedication is something that really impressed us and was a big factor in our decision to purchase the restaurant. They have gone above and beyond to help us with the transition. We have also received an overwhelming response from the local community.  We appreciate the feedback and support of our loyal customers and those coming in for the first time.”

Over the months to come, the Vetters plan to give the restaurant a facelift in two phases. The first will include the addition of several flatscreens for game-viewing events, a redesign of the full bar to make it even more inviting, bathroom remodels, interior paint and décor changes, and planters around the outdoor patio where guests can dine al fresco while enjoying views of the St. Johns River. The second phase will involve the addition of folding windows to create the feel of an open-air concept on beautiful days and incorporating a deck beneath a large oak in front of the restaurant for dining and live music.

Both Phil and Marissa list meeting the folks in the community as one of their favorite aspects of their new roles as restaurateurs. Hoping to create a destination that offers something for everyone, the new owners are genuinely excited to elevate Woody's Bar-B-Q of Green Cove Springs to a place where families regularly dine together while enjoying their favorite foods. The Vetters want to foster a welcoming environment where friends can’t wait to get together and watch their favorite sports teams or enjoy live music on the weekends.  They 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.

“Our three girls graduated from Clay High, and we were very impressed with the quality of the education and the levels of care and concern they received from their teachers,” shared Marissa. “All three have since graduated from the University of Florida in part due to their hard work and dedication but also to the teachers that they had. In return, we want to support our local schools by honoring and recognizing their outstanding teachers and students with gift certificates to Woody's.  We hope one day to have a Woody's Bar-B-Q of Green Cove Springs scholarship for high school students who worked in the restaurant industry during high school.”

In addition to honoring local educators and students, Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Green Cove Springs honors military members with a discount of 10% off their food ticket with valid ID and first responders with a discount of 50% off their food ticket with valid ID. During the holiday season, the Clay County restaurant was busy catering several events. The Vetters welcome the opportunity to cater events of all sizes – no matter the season. Catering reservations can be made by stopping by the restaurant or calling (904) 284-1014. BBQ fans are encouraged to visit www.Woodys.com to learn more about Woody’s Bar-B-Q, view the full menu, find the closest location, and discover how to become a franchisee. They are also invited to follow the franchise’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WoodysFranchiseSystems for news about upcoming promotions, location openings, and more.