""When I worked for Apple I went to the Cupertino location. Then when I worked for Nest I went to Los Altos. Then Google bought Nest, so we" - by then it was a group, the VIM, Very Important Meeting lunch club - "had to come to this location," he said, sitting in what was formerly the Sunnyvale Willy's. It's now his restaurant."
""I had to buy it," he said, or lose his favorite sandwich. "We moved fast." Vink negotiated a bankruptcy court sale and a new lease on the El Camino Real property and partnered with restaurant veteran Ousmane Barry, who was general manager of the Santa Clara Willy's. They renamed the place Empire Armadillo BBQ & Deli, which reflects both the Texas barbecue side of the menu and the new New York City-inspired deli sandwiches."
"Former customers have been posting excited reactions on social media and hugging and thanking the staff when they arrive. "It's open!" customer Lani Ogilvie rejoiced when she spotted the sign Friday. She ordered a baby back rib plate and said she couldn't wait to break the news to her colleagues. Besides a refreshed restaurant with new tables, diners will find something else new: A display case of iPhones and other products that Vink had a role in creating over the decades.."
John Vink, a Silicon Valley engineer, purchased the Sunnyvale Armadillo Willy's after three locations abruptly closed in late June to preserve his weekly lunch sandwich. He negotiated a bankruptcy-court sale, secured a new lease on the El Camino Real property, and partnered with restaurant veteran Ousmane Barry. The restaurant reopened as Empire Armadillo BBQ & Deli, combining Texas barbecue and New York City–inspired deli sandwiches. The location reopened quietly and will host a public celebration with live music, dignitaries, a ribbon-cutting and food deals. Former customers have greeted the reopening with enthusiasm. The restaurant features refreshed seating, a display of consumer products Vink helped develop, and several returning staff hires.
Read at The Mercury News
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