When John Vink’s favorite lunch spot, Armadillo Willy’s, was on the brink of closure, he did something extraordinary – he bought the restaurant. What started as a personal mission to preserve his weekly chicken sandwich ritual transformed into a community revival story that embodies the innovative spirit of Silicon Valley.

Vink, a long-time Apple and Google engineer, couldn’t bear the thought of losing the beloved BBQ restaurant where he’d been a regular for 26 years. Instead of watching another local business disappear, he took action. Partnering with restaurant veteran Ousmane Barry, Vink negotiated a bankruptcy court sale and breathed new life into the Sunnyvale location.

The newly christened Empire Armadillo BBQ & Deli isn’t just a carbon copy of its predecessor. Vink and Barry have expanded the menu, blending Texas barbecue traditions with New York-style deli offerings. They’ve kept the original team of experienced pitmasters, ensuring that the restaurant’s culinary soul remains intact.

The restaurant now features an eclectic mix of classic BBQ favorites and new deli-inspired sandwiches. From the signature jalapeño chicken sandwich that first drew Vink as a customer to new additions like pastrami on rye, the menu reflects both nostalgia and innovation. Even the dessert menu got a West Coast makeover, with a less sweet banana pudding that caters to local tastes.

Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein praised the effort, calling it “a story of loyalty, creativity and community spirit”. For Vink, it was never just about saving a restaurant – it was about preserving a local institution and the connections it represents.

As Empire Armadillo prepares for its grand opening, complete with a blues band and ribbon-cutting ceremony, it stands as a testament to the passion and commitment of local business owners. The restaurant isn’t just serving food; it’s serving community, one smoky, delicious sandwich at a time.

Empire Armadillo BBQ & Deli is now open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 161 E. El Camino Real in Sunnyvale. For more information, visit www.empirearmadillo.com.