Barbecue and Italian favorites unite under one roof as part of a national restaurant partnership expanding into the High Desert.
Victorville, California (High Desert News Online) – A new dual‑concept dining experience is coming to the High Desert, as Famous Dave’s BBQ prepares to open inside the existing Johnny Carino’s Italian Restaurant at 11920 Amargosa Road. The location, now undergoing final renovations, is expected to debut its full‑service barbecue operation by late April or early May.
Top areas this article covers:
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Restaurant business expansion in the Victor Valley
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Growing trend of shared‑concept dining models
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Partnership between Famous Dave’s, Johnny Carino’s, and Bluestone Hospitality
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Local impact and market reach in the High Desert
For several months, the Victorville restaurant has served as a virtual kitchen for Famous Dave’s, allowing customers to order signature barbecue selections for dine‑in or takeout daily between 11:45 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. That temporary setup will soon transition into a full‑service Famous Dave’s dining area within the same building while Johnny Carino’s continues serving its traditional Italian menu in the adjoining space.
The dual‑concept approach represents an evolving restaurant model designed to streamline operations and attract wider crowds. The Victorville establishment will be the closest Famous Dave’s for High Desert residents, with the next nearest location 40 miles southwest in Rancho Cucamonga.
This hybrid concept stems from a 25‑site national expansion agreement between Famous Dave’s BBQ and Bluestone Hospitality Group, the parent company of Johnny Carino’s. The plan calls for shared or co‑branded spaces across the country, allowing both chains to leverage each other’s customer bases and cross‑promote their menus.
Famous Dave’s, founded in 1994, built its reputation around wood‑smoked barbecue and hearty Southern‑style fare. Johnny Carino’s, established in the late 1990s, gained popularity for its family‑style Italian dishes and neighborhood appeal. The new Victorville restaurant continues both brands’ long‑term history of adapting to changes in the casual dining industry, where innovation and collaboration have become key survival strategies.
The installation of the new Famous Dave’s signage this week marks the final step before opening, signaling the start of an expanded dining option for local residents. Once operational, the dual‑concept setup will join a growing number of national restaurants adopting flexible, shared‑kitchen formats to meet changing consumer preferences.
Residents can expect the new Famous Dave’s BBQ and Johnny Carino’s in Victorville to open its doors within the next month, offering a one‑stop destination for both barbecue and Italian cuisine.
