High Desert welcomes new two-in-one restaurant concept at Amargosa Road location
Victorville, California (Our Hesperia) — A new chapter in local dining is unfolding as Famous Dave’s BBQ prepares to open a full-service restaurant inside the existing Johnny Carino’s Italian Restaurant at 11920 Amargosa Road. The dual-concept establishment, expected to debut in late April or early May, marks a significant step forward in expanding food options for High Desert residents while revitalizing a popular dining corridor along Amargosa Road.
Key Areas Covered
High Desert business growth and restaurant expansion
Dual-concept restaurant trend in California
Impact on Victorville’s local economy and job market
Partnership between Bluestone Hospitality Group and Famous Dave’s
After months of preparation and remodeling, the transformation of Johnny Carino’s Italian Restaurant into a shared dining space with Famous Dave’s BBQ is nearly complete. Construction crews and staff have worked to divide the building’s interior to create two distinct yet complementary experiences—classic Italian fare on one side and award-winning barbecue on the other.
Behind the scenes, Famous Dave’s has quietly been operating as a “virtual kitchen” within Carino’s since last year, serving customers through takeout and limited dine-in service. The arrangement allowed the chain to establish a foothold in the High Desert market while the full-scale renovation took place. Customers could already enjoy smoked ribs and brisket alongside Carino’s pasta dishes—a preview of the dual-brand concept now opening permanently.
The Victorville restaurant will be the nearest Famous Dave’s for High Desert residents, with the next-closest location more than 30 miles away in Rancho Cucamonga. The new site provides both brands a valuable opportunity to tap into a loyal local customer base, known for supporting independently owned and regionally operated restaurants.
This innovative co-branding effort stems from a broader national strategy. Famous Dave’s BBQ, founded in 1994 and known for its competition-style smoked meats, has entered into a 25-site expansion agreement with Bluestone Hospitality Group, the parent company of Johnny Carino’s. The deal allows both brands to diversify their offerings and share operational costs while reaching new markets with distinctive, value-driven menus.
Restaurant industry analysts point to these hybrid partnerships as a growing response to post-pandemic challenges, where efficiency and variety help keep doors open and customers engaged. For Victorville, the benefits go beyond food—local residents gain jobs, tax revenue, and another reason to dine locally rather than heading down the Cajon Pass.
With exterior signage now in place and staff training underway, the new Famous Dave’s and Johnny Carino’s dual-concept restaurant is poised to become one of the High Desert’s most notable new dining destinations this spring.
