Business Details
28 Years
experience
Award-Winning BBQ Restaurants & Sports Bars in Phoenix, AZ
Founded in 1998 through a partnership between George Valverde and Rich Dillon, our restaurant group has grown to operate four distinct locations across the Phoenix metropolitan area. Each venue combines award-winning barbecue cuisine with immersive entertainment experiences, from live music stages to outdoor recreational activities. Our commitment to quality remains rooted in the original farmhouse ambiance of our first Thunderbird Road location, which continues operating with its nostalgic charm. Over the years, we've expanded to include dynamic venues like the Lake Pleasant Bayou property and the Wildlife World Zoo dining experience, which features a 60,000-gallon shark tank.Our Western Trails Ranch location represents the pinnacle of this evolution, offering 12 acres of Wild West-themed entertainment including two performance stages, rodeo arenas, and a general store. We maintain deep connections with our communities through R&G Dillon Cares, our 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports youth programs, scholarship initiatives, and family assistance projects. This dedication to both culinary excellence and community development has sustained us through decades of growth while maintaining the personal touch established in our early years.
Services
BBQ Restaurants
Sports Bars
Catering Services
Event Venues
Live Entertainment
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We've served Phoenix communities with award-winning BBQ since 1998
- Our four unique locations offer diverse dining and entertainment experiences
- Live music performances weekly at multiple venues
- Operate R&G Dillon Cares 501c3 nonprofit supporting local communities
- First location maintains original 1940s farmhouse ambiance
Services
BBQ Restaurants
Our barbecue restaurants serve award-winning smoked meats and Southern cuisine across four unique locations. Each venue offers distinct dining environments from zoo-side views to lakeside patios. Our commitment to traditional smoking methods and secret spice blends has earned regional acclaim while maintaining consistent quality across all locations.
Event Venues
Western Trails Ranch provides 12 acres of event space featuring rodeo arenas, performance stages, and general store facilities. This Wild West-themed venue accommodates corporate events, family celebrations, and large group gatherings with customizable packages that include catering, equipment rentals, and entertainment options.
Live Entertainment
Weekly live music performances occur at multiple locations featuring local and regional artists. The Arrowhead venue hosts Friday and Saturday night bands in its sports bar environment while Western Trails Ranch offers regular rodeo events and special performances in its dedicated performance spaces.
Catering Services
Dillon's Catering provides barbecue cuisine for events of all sizes with delivery across the Phoenix metropolitan area. Our catering menus feature signature smoked meats and Southern sides with options for both casual gatherings and formal events, supported by professional service staff and event coordination assistance.
Wildlife World Dining
The Wildlife World Zoo location combines dining with animal viewing experiences including a 60,000-gallon shark tank and flamingo exhibits. This venue offers family-friendly meals with convenient access to zoo attractions while maintaining separate dining hours and admission policies from the main zoo operations.
People
George Valverde
Co-Owner
Co-founded the restaurant group in 1998 with Rich Dillon, bringing decades of hospitality experience to develop the brand's unique combination of barbecue cuisine and entertainment venues across Phoenix.
Rich Dillon
Co-Owner
Partnered with George Valverde in 1998 to establish the first location, contributing barbecue expertise and operational leadership that shaped the company's culinary identity and expansion strategy across multiple Arizona venues.
Questions
What are your restaurant hours?
Hours vary by location. Most locations operate 11 AM-9 PM Monday-Thursday, 11 AM-11 PM Friday, 8 AM-11 PM Saturday, and 8 AM-9 PM Sunday at Western Trails Ranch.
Do you offer catering services?
Yes, Dillon's Catering provides barbecue cuisine for events across Phoenix with customizable menus and professional service staff available for both corporate and private functions.
Are there family-friendly locations?
Western Trails Ranch offers family-friendly Wild West-themed entertainment including rodeo events, while the Wildlife World Zoo location provides animal viewing experiences alongside dining options.
What community initiatives do you support?
Our R&G Dillon Cares 501c3 nonprofit supports youth programs, scholarship initiatives, and family assistance projects through events and partnerships across local underserved communities.
Do you have live music performances?
Yes, multiple locations host weekly live music performances with regular Friday and Saturday night bands at Arrowhead and special events at Western Trails Ranch venues.
What makes your BBQ award-winning?
Our commitment to traditional smoking methods, secret spice blends, and consistent quality across all locations has earned regional acclaim since opening our first restaurant in 1998.
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