The state’s first Rib City franchise is set to open Saturday, April 18, in Grant-Valkaria. (Rib City image)
BREVARD COUNTY • GRANT-VALKARIA, FLORIDA — Rib City’s first location on the East Coast of Florida is set to open Saturday, April 18, in Grant-Valkaria.
According to company President Craig Peden, Rib City’s Grant-Valkaria franchise, located at the new Grant Station and operated by Grant Station, Inc., will open to the public on Saturday, April 18.
Located at 5390 U.S. Highway 1, the site was formerly the Grant Grocer and the town’s original post office.
Grant Station is on the National Register of Historic Places as Jorgensen’s General Store. Built in 1893, it was run as a general store, post office, telegraph office and trading post.
The railroad runs directly behind the building, which faced west at the time. In 1929, Highway 1 came through the town and Grant sprung up as a small fishing community.
Chris Pozgar
“We are really excited to have Rib City as an intricate component of the new Grant Station,” said Chris Pozgar, president and owner of Grant Station, Inc.
“Rib City at Grant Station is a win-win in that it will bring an outstanding, yet affordable, national barbecue chain to our community as well as the numerous jobs this new destination creates.”
The antique-themed Grant Station is an entertainment destination and also hosts an ice cream shop called Old Grant Creamery, Market on the Tracks, an open-air market, The Antique Surf Café and a wedding center that includes a barn to host events for any special occasion including weddings and birthdays.
The state’s first Rib City franchise is set to open Saturday, April 18, in Grant-Valkaria. (Grant Station image)
Grant Station also has a host of water-sport rentals at Island Paddle including paddleboards, canoes and kayaks.
Guests may enjoy paddling, camping and hiking on the nearby island or Mullet Creek Preserve. This part of the Indian River Lagoon is a popular eco destination.
Grant-Valkaria is located south of Melbourne, between Palm Bay and Sebastian.
The town was incorporated in 2006 by joining the two previously unincorporated communities of Grant and Valkaria.
This new location marks Rib City’s 17th franchise and includes 70 seats. Pozgar is looking to open additional Rib City locations between Merritt Island and Vero Beach.
“We are proud to be celebrating 26 years and brining our first franchise location to the east coast of Florida,” said Peden.
“Through leadership, dedication and a love of the restaurant business, we have been able to maintain superior quality in our products and services.”
ABOVE MAP:Located at 5390 U.S. Highway 1, the Rib Citysite was formerly the Grant Grocer and the town’s original post office. Grant Station is on the National Register of Historic Places as Jorgensen’s General Store. Built in 1893, it was run as a general store, post office, telegraph office and trading post.
According to company President Craig Peden, Rib City’s Grant-Valkaria franchise, located at the new Grant Station and operated by Grant Station, Inc., will open to the public on Saturday, April 18.
