Phoenix-area Barrio Queen Mexican food chain selling to Famous Dave’s partnership
Mar 16, 2022, 4:05 AM
(Facebook Photo/Barrio Queen)
PHOENIX – Popular Phoenix-area Mexican food chain Barrio Queen is turning over its crown to the ownership group behind Famous Dave’s barbecue.
BBQ Holdings announced Monday in a news release to investors it planned to buy the Valley-based restaurant brand for $28 million.
The purchase agreement was made March 10. The Minnesota-based restaurant operator said it expected to close the deal within 45 days.
Barrio Queen has seven locations in the Valley and an eighth is on the books for Surprise near Loop 303 and Waddell Road opening most likely in December. That will be the third site in the West Valley, joining Avondale and Glendale.
There are also locations in Gilbert, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe.
Co-owners Linda Nash and husband Steve Rosenfield opened the first Barrio Queen in Old Town Scottsdale in 2011, billing the menu as “fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine” and the restaurant decorated in a Day of the Dead theme.
The couple launched an offshoot, fast-casual Barrio Cosita in north Scottsdale in November 2021. The restaurant closed Feb. 7, according to the website.