R&R Barbeque

R&R Barbeque originated not in a boardroom, but as a passion project for founders and twin brothers, Rod and Roger Livingston. With family roots in the South and prior careers in the mortgage and financial/real estate industries, the duo initially entered the world of competitive barbecue as a hobby. Their success on the competition circuit, where they became recognized as one of the premier barbecue teams in the country, created significant demand for their food. This enthusiasm from the public was the catalyst for transitioning their passion into a full-fledged business.

The first brick-and-mortar R&R Barbeque restaurant opened its doors in downtown Salt Lake City in 2013, meeting with immediate success that surpassed the founders' own projections. A second location followed two years later, cementing the brand's growth potential. The business operates in the fast-casual restaurant sector, serving individual diners, families, and also provides full-service catering to homes and businesses. The menu is centered on slowly smoked meats prepared on-site, including staples like Certified Angus Beef brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken, complemented by house-made sides and desserts. A key operational focus is speed of service, with a stated goal of transaction times under four minutes from order to delivery.

To facilitate further expansion, the Livingstons partnered with investment firms. In 2016, they entered a partnership with Four Foods Group to leverage their operational and development expertise for scaling the brand. Subsequently, the company received backing from Mercato Partners' Savory Restaurant Fund, which specializes in growing early-stage restaurant concepts. This strategic investment provided the capital and support structure necessary for a broader rollout. The founders retired in 2020, passing leadership to seasoned restaurant industry executive Neil Harfert to guide the next phase of growth. Under this new structure, R&R Barbeque has expanded its footprint across Utah and into Idaho, operating numerous locations with plans for continued growth throughout the Rocky Mountain region and the U.S.

Keywords: R&R Barbeque, Rod Livingston, Roger Livingston, fast-casual dining, barbecue restaurant, smoked meats, Salt Lake City restaurant, Utah barbecue, restaurant chain, catering services, Savory Restaurant Fund, Mercato Partners, food service, brisket, pulled pork, restaurant expansion, Four Foods Group, competition barbecue, Neil Harfert, Rocky Mountain BBQ