Oro Brewing, Nicky’s Barbecue join forces for new downtown Phoenix restaurant

PHOENIX — A local barbecue master and brewer are teaming up to launch a new restaurant concept in downtown Phoenix.

Golden Oak Barbecue & Taproom is set to open in late summer or fall in the former Throne Brewing space at 1326 N. Central Ave., between Interstate 10 and McDowell Road. A firm opening date has not yet been announced.

The restaurant is a joint venture from Chris Figueroa, owner of the Nicky’s Barbecue pop-up, and Dave Valencia, founder of Oro Brewing Company.

“This is a place for people who love food with soul, beer with character and spaces that bring people together,” Figueroa said in a press release Tuesday. “We want guests to walk in and feel at ease, like this place was built with them in mind.”

Figueroa started his culinary career in St. Louis. His barbecue style is rooted in that city’s smokehouse traditions with influences from his Peruvian roots.

Valencia, meanwhile, opened Oro Brewing in downtown Mesa in 2016. The brewery’s concoctions have earned medals in multiple state, national and world contests.

Golden Oak gives barbecue chef, brewer a chance to expand

With Nicky’s Barbecue outgrowing its temporary setup after eight months of East Valley pop-up service and Oro Brewing looking to expand, Figueroa and Valencia decided to combine their expertise at Golden Oak Barbecue & Taproom.

Grant McLennon, formerly of The Beer Research Institute in Mesa, is the new establishment’s director of operations and executive chef, while TJ Osborne is on board as operations manager.

Oro Brewing veteran Jesse Kortepeter leads Golden Oak’s brewery department.

“Barbecue and beer are a classic pair, but we want the experience to feel more elevated and intentional,” Valencia said. “We are trying to build something that feels like home. Golden Oak will be the kind of place where you know the owners and they know your order.”

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