Empire Armadillo BBQ & Deli

Stories

Empire Armadillo revives shuttered San Jose BBQ spot, wins beer and wine license

As of September 2026: Operating two Bay Area locations

Armadillo Willy's locked its doors on Blossom Hill Road in June 2025, ending a long run at a busy corner in South San Jose. Nine months later, a new operator reopened the space as Empire Armadillo BBQ & Deli, fusing Texas-style smoked brisket with house-brined New York pastrami.

Updated Sep 12