In 2024, Rene Andrade received the coveted James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southwest for his work at Bacanora.
Now, the chef, who also owns local taco shop, Huarachis, is opening Lupe. Andrade recently filed an application with the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for Lupe, located at 2814 N. 16th Street, in the former Barrio Cafe space. An opening date has not been announced.
Phoenix New Times noted that Barrio Cafe’s chef, Silvana Salcido Esparza, posted a lovely “passing the torch” note on Instagram to the award-winning chef about to move into the space: ” Chef Rene cooks from birthright, pride, and responsibility to community. He is not an extractor. He is a defender. This was a conscious act of cultural defense, love, and continuity.”
Not much is known about Lupe’s concept or menu, and chef Andrade has not yet posted about the restaurant on social media. One thing is for certain, however — whatever Andrade decides to cook will be welcomed with open arms by the Phoenix culinary community.
