Pitmaster Trey Sánchez’s barbecue concept closed its Allen location, though a social media post hinted the brand may not be finished

Vaqueros Texas Bar-B-Q has closed its Allen restaurant, ending its partnership with M Crowd Restaurant Group after less than two years at Watters Creek Village.

The restaurant unexpectedly announced the closure in an Oct. 28 Facebook post, writing, “ALLEN, TX., it’s been real…Doors closed today at 4. Stay tuned. We ain’t done yet.”

The post hinted that the Vaqueros name may return in some form, though no details about future plans have been announced.

Vaqueros opened in Allen in early 2025, bringing the barbecue concept from its Grapevine food truck to a permanent restaurant. The business was founded by pitmaster Arnulfo “Trey” Sánchez III.

From Grapevine Food Truck To Allen Restaurant

Before opening at Watters Creek, Vaqueros built a following through its food truck, which launched in 2018 at Hop & Sting Brewing Co. in Grapevine.

Sánchez’s approach to barbecue draws on a family tradition. His father, Arnold Sánchez, opened Arnold’s Texas Bar-B-Q in Dallas in the 1980s, giving Trey a connection to Texas barbecue that began long before Vaqueros entered the local dining scene.

The younger Sánchez gradually gained recognition for his own work. In February 2020, the Cooking Channel featured him on an episode of Man Fire Food. His 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist recognition further raised the profile of the Vaqueros brand.

The Allen restaurant brought that established food truck concept into a full-service setting through a partnership between Sánchez and Dallas-based M Crowd Restaurant Group, the hospitality company behind several restaurant brands.

M Crowd Confirms Partnership Has Ended

In a statement to Local Profile, M Crowd CEO Edgar Guevara confirmed the closure and noted that the company’s involvement with Vaqueros is over.

“Allen and North Texas communities for welcoming Vaqueros. It has been a privilege to serve our guests throughout our time here,” said Guevara. “To our dedicated team members, loyal guests and everyone who has been part of the Vaqueros story, thank you for your support.”

M Crowd said it has no further details to share about Vaqueros’ future plans. The closure of the Allen location also marks the end of M Crowd’s involvement with the brand.

“Any future announcements regarding Vaqueros would come from the brand directly,” said Guevara.

For now, the Allen restaurant’s doors are closed, but Vaqueros’ own farewell suggests the story may not be finished.

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