In a shocking twist, beloved Texas-style BBQ haven Armadillo Willy’s has shuttered almost all of its Bay Area locations, leaving only San Mateo standing.
At a Glance
- Aramdillo Willy’s BBQ has closed all locations except for San Mateo.
- Originally founded in 1983, the chain embraced authentic Texas-style BBQ.
- Closures were abrupt, confirmed by VP and COO Matt Granville.
- Financial difficulties and a shift in the dining landscape contributed to closures.
Closure of Iconic Locations
Armando Willy’s BBQ, known for its dedication to authentic Texas-style barbecue, has faced the unfortunate closure of all but one location. The beloved foodie destination has shut its outlets in Santa Clara, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Dublin, and Los Altos, sparking disappointment among loyal BBQ enthusiasts. The chain is now exclusively operating from its San Mateo restaurant. What once started in Cupertino back in 1983 has now dwindled down to a single surviving location, catering to those who still cherish the taste of slow-smoked meats.
Founded by John Berwald and his team in 1983, the chain quickly garnered respect within the BBQ community for its Texas-style offerings like 18-hour smoked brisket, ribs, chicken, BBQ sandwiches, and sausage. However, recent closures, announced abruptly at 8 p.m. on a Tuesday, spotlight the harsh financial realities many businesses face today. President Kevin Roberts cited financial difficulties and issues with sales tax payments as key reasons for the closures. “All my capital was taken. The state came in and took my money that I was working with,” he lamented.
Financial Struggles and Changing Landscapes
The pandemic struck a significant blow to Armadillo Willy’s, resulting in a sharp loss of a third of the company’s sales. These factors, coupled with changing eating habits and the high cost of dining out, have added to the challenges the restaurant chain faced. This left the once-booming chain with only the San Mateo location operational. This closure trend began earlier in the year with the Los Altos location shutting down on January 31, followed by Dublin on April 19.
Despite these setbacks, the San Mateo location remains a beacon of hope for fans of Armadillo Willy’s. It’s open at 2260 Bridgepointe Parkway, running from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Unsurprisingly, the location still retains a strong customer base, thanks to its unwavering dedication to quality. Continuing their catering services ensures they maintain a presence at gatherings and events, even if only from a single location.
Moving Forward
While the closures are unfortunate, Armadillo Willy’s remains committed to preserving its legacy at San Mateo. The restaurant continues to offer BBQ by the pound and a portion catering menu, promoting joy at every occasion, large or small. The company expressed gratitude to their employees, customers, and vendors for their loyalty and support during these trying times.
As dining behaviors shift across the region, it’s worth appreciating the resilience and adaptability that Armadillo Willy’s barbecue continues to demonstrate. Its San Mateo location will stand as a testament to the Texas-inspired spirit that helped create cherished memories for fans throughout its more than 40-year history.