Empire Armadillo BBQ & Deli, a barbecue-and-deli hybrid, is preparing to open a new location in San Jose at 878 Blossom Hill Road.
The company’s second location will move into the former home of Armadillo Willy’s, the same approach used when launching the first Empire Armadillo, according to Mercury News. The new Empire Armadillo is expected to open on December 4. Customers can expect Empire Armadillo’s signature combination of Texas-style barbecue and New York–inspired deli sandwiches, including house-brined pastrami, brisket plates, ribs, pit-smoked chicken, and a variety of sides.
Empire Armadillo was founded by John Vink, a former Apple and Google engineer, who revitalized the Sunnyvale location of Armadillo Willy’s before launching the Empire Armadillo brand. The South San Jose location will be the brand’s second location, expanding its presence in the Bay Area. Vink is partnering with Ousmane Barry, the former general manager of Santa Clara Willy’s, to manage operations.
The new location is strategically situated near Westfield Oakridge Mall, providing high visibility and easy access for residents and shoppers. The restaurant will offer dine-in, takeout, and catering options, continuing the brand’s focus on versatile dining experiences for a wide range of customers.
Empire Armadillo’s menu features barbecue staples such as smoked tri-tip, pulled pork, corned beef Reubens, and signature sides, including spicy peanut slaw and cornbread muffins with honey-cinnamon butter. Desserts include Southern-style banana pudding adapted for West Coast tastes.
This expansion reflects Empire Armadillo’s ongoing growth strategy, bringing its combination of barbecue and deli offerings to a new community while building on the success of its original Sunnyvale location.
