The concept of Real Barbecue and great Ribs started out with a small family-style barbecue operation in 1989 on U.S. 41 in Fort Myers, Florida. With the success of that location a second restaurant opened in Cape Coral in 1990.
Having outgrown the small location on U.S. 41, by 1992, a move was made up the street to a larger building along with partners Paul and Craig Peden, successful restaurateurs in Southwest Florida for over 20 years. Later that same year, they converted a Fort Myers Beach location into a Rib City®, and the legend continued. In 1994, a location in North Naples was opened and Rib City’s® award-winning Baby Back Ribs were now available in two counties.