Bangers Barbecue, a new barbecue concept from chef Andrew “Drew” Bent, is expected to open in Escondido at 417 West Grand Avenue.
The project is being developed for the current Bellamy’s restaurant space, according to SanDiegoVille and the San Diego Union-Tribune. Bellamy’s remains open while the transition details are worked out, and Grand Restaurant Group continues to operate the restaurant in the meantime. An exact opening date has not been announced, and additional details about Bangers’ concept and ownership have yet to be released.
Bent is teaming up with Grand Restaurant Group and chef and consultant Alex Carballo on the project. The Bangers Barbecue concept was revealed in a San Diego Union-Tribune feature about Bent’s approach to smoking food. The article does not provide a confirmed menu, so details about what customers can expect to order have not been announced yet.
Bent previously operated barbecue concepts under the Papalito and Papalo names. Papalito opened at Little Thief in North Park in 2022, while a planned Papalo location in South Park never materialized. Papalo later operated inside ModBom Cocktails in the East Village before moving to the former Boss Bird Kitchen space in downtown La Mesa in November 2023. That location closed in 2024.
After the La Mesa closure, Bent said he planned to focus on short-term residencies and catering while looking for another permanent location. He has continued with consulting, special events, and barbecue pop-ups. His previous Papalo concept was described as Sonoran barbecue, drawing influences from Northern Mexico and the American Southwest.
