Riot BBQ opens Chicken Riot
The team behind Denver’s Riot BBQ is opening Chicken Riot in Cherry Creek, pivoting from their standout BBQ credentials into a chicken‑forward concept. The move signals more focused regional expansions from successful BBQ teams this year. (denverpost.com)
Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber are the principals behind Chicken Riot; Barella was named a James Beard Foundation Emerging Chef semifinalist in 2022 and Klaiber is the former AJ’s pitmaster with Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition. (mannybarella.com) Local coverage says Chicken Riot is slated to open Thursday, March 26, 2026, with initial announcements placing the debut in the Cherry Creek neighborhood. (westword.com) Permitting and earlier neighborhood reporting, however, list a separate planned storefront at 2906 E. 6th Ave. in Congress Park — the 658‑square‑foot former Truffle Cheese Shop targeted for an interior‑only tenant finish. (whatnow.com) Business Journal reporting notes the Chicken Riot menu will lean on Texas and northern Mexico traditions, mirroring Riot BBQ’s signature blend of Central Texas smoking technique and Northern Mexican flavors. (bizjournals.com) Riot BBQ itself opened in June 2025 at 2180 S. Delaware St., where the team quickly established a strong local following and frequent sell‑outs that raised the profile for this follow‑on concept. (diningout.com) Planning documents filed for Chicken Riot describe a counter‑service layout with roughly a dozen seats and a heavy carryout focus, which aligns with the partners’ recent pattern of pop‑ups, catering work and event partnerships around the region. (hoodline.com)
