The cowboy himself, Arnulfo “Trey” Sanchez, Vaquero’s owner and pit master confirmed with What Now Dallas that he will be opening a brick-and-mortar location at 945 Garden Park Drive in Allen. Sanchez says he hopes to open by late June or early July.
This is not his first stint in the restaurant business. In fact, he grew up in it. “I’ve been doing BBQ since 1987,” Sanchez said. “I started with my dad at 16, doing full production catering.” He continued to work alongside his father in the family restaurant from 1989 to 1999, breaking to pursue teaching. But a return to the industry was inevitable.
“I started Vaquero’s in August of 2018 by accident, in a way,” he said. “It just kind of grew into this.”
Sanchez was careful to say that Vaquero’s isn’t “better” than other BBQ, but it is different. “We are our own thing. We have a good mix of classic and traditional flavors, with creative fusions of Mexican and American dishes.”
“I remember my grandma’s moles and enchiladas as a kid,” Sanchez explained, “And there was a big part of my life where I was traveling around Mexico every year. And a lot of those flavors and experiences just stuck.”
Sanchez also credits his background in art as a main player in the business.
“I am not a classically trained chef. I know barbecue, and I know what I like. I have an artist’s vision. Whether I’m waiting and have a pallet, or I’m putting together a platter — I’m working with colors and textures. They are both art, but one you get to eat.”
The Vaquero’s vibe will be one of a kind, with custom artwork, and a pit that is equal parts showroom and functional, with a wall of windows so customers can see their meal in the making.
Visit Vaquero’s on social media @VaquerosTXBBQ or at www.vaquerostexasbarbq.com to learn more.
