When John Vink’s favorite lunch spot, Armadillo Willy’s, suddenly closed in June, he didn’t just mourn the loss, he took action. An engineer who previously worked at tech giants Apple and Google, Vink transformed his passion for pit-smoked chicken into a full-blown restaurant rescue mission.

Vink negotiated a bankruptcy court sale and partnered with restaurant veteran Ousmane Barry to reopen the Sunnyvale location, renaming it Empire Armadillo BBQ & Deli. Their mission: preserve a local culinary institution while adding innovative twists to the menu.

The revived restaurant now offers both classic Texas barbecue and New York City-inspired deli sandwiches. Bestsellers include their meticulously prepared brisket plate and sandwich, with ribs holding a strong second place. Barry’s commitment to quality is evident in details like their in-house brined pastrami and a unique Southern-style banana pudding adapted for West Coast tastes.

Customers have overwhelmingly welcomed the restaurant’s return, expressing gratitude for saving a beloved dining spot. The menu retains popular sides like spicy peanut slaw and cornbread muffins served with honey cinnamon butter, ensuring longtime fans feel right at home.

Not content with just one location, Vink and Barry are expanding. They’re set to reopen a second location in South San Jose at 878 Blossom Hill Road near Westfield Oakridge mall in early December, promising to bring their distinctive barbecue to an even wider audience.

Their Sunnyvale location is now open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., inviting locals and barbecue enthusiasts to experience their passion-driven culinary revival.