Award-winning chef and 'cultural warrior' steps into Barrio Cafe space
By Tirion Boan
Published on March 9, 2026.
Rene Andrade, the acclaimed chef and "cultural warrior" behind the Sonoran wood-fired hub Bacanora and its sister taco shop Huarachis, is set to take over the former Barrio Cafe space after it closed after more than two decades. The restaurant was closed by chef Silvana Salcido Esparza in 2024 and has been leasing out the original space. Andrade is also the mastermind behind the successful Bacanorama and Huarachtis. He has filed a liquor license application with the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for the space on 16th Street just south of Thomas Road. No opening date has been announced for Lupe.
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