Empire Armadillo Brings Back a Beloved BBQ Tradition on Blossom Hill

The B-Man Burger at Empire Armadillo was created to honor Bahman, a loyal customer, a friend, and a familiar face whose Saturday lunches became a tradition.

Empire Armadillo: A BBQ Legacy Lives On in Blossom Hill

When Mina first drove past the Blossom Hill location and saw Empire Armadillo BBQ open for business, she felt a rush of emotion. Just months earlier, in June 2025, Armadillo Willy’s, a longtime neighborhood favorite, had closed its doors. For many, it marked the end of an era.

For Mina, it meant something even more personal.

Mina met her dear friend Bahman, affectionately known as “B-Man,” in 1989 while attending ESL classes. The group of students formed a close bond that lasted decades. One of their favorite weekly traditions was meeting every Saturday at Armadillo Willy’s, where B-Man always ordered the same thing: a turkey burger on a 9-grain bun.

Familiar Faces, Familiar Flavors

Walking into Empire Armadillo, Mina was stunned. The décor felt familiar. The menu brought back memories. Even some of the staff were the same people who had served her and B-Man for years.

She struck up a conversation with manager Mimi… who immediately remembered B-Man.

Sadly, B-Man had passed away in recent years, but the memories lived on inside those walls. As Mina shared her story, Mimi began explaining how Empire Armadillo had taken over the space and preserved the spirit of the original restaurant.

At that moment, owner John A. Vink walked in.

Honoring a Loyal Customer the Right Way

John listened as Mina shared stories of B-Man, their weekly lunches, and the turkey burger that had become his signature order. Together, they discussed how to honor someone who represented everything Armadillo Willy’s - and now Empire Armadillo - stood for: loyalty, community, and shared meals.

That conversation led to something special.

Introducing the B-Man Burger

The B-Man Burger was created in honor of Bahman and his favorite turkey burger served on a 9-grain bun, just the way he ordered it every Saturday.

Empire Armadillo is proud to honor the legacy of Armadillo Willy’s, the customers who made it special, and friends like B-Man who turned a restaurant into a second home.

We are grateful to carry these traditions forward and to welcome both familiar faces and new guests into the next chapter of BBQ at their Blossom Hill and Sunnyvale locations.