KEARNEY — Number Juan BBQ Mex seeks to provide a unique dining experience and a different glimpse into Mexican culture when it holds its grand opening in Kearney on Monday, May 4.
Number Jaun BBQ Mex will be located at 516 South 2nd Ave., the former location of Skeeter Barns and The Lodge.
The business is the combined effort of three business partners, Alejandro “Alex” Pinedo, Juan Herrera and Lionel Herrera.
Pinedo is a Lexington native and after a stint in the medical field, returned to his hometown and opened Torro Toms Sports Bar and Grill in 2024. Pinedo said he had an “entrepreneurial bug” that was behind his foray into restaurant industry.
Pinedo said he would become acquainted with the Herreras and they had the same entrepreneurial spirit as him. They brainstormed a concept for a restaurant that was unlike any other Mexican restaurant in the area.
With the building at 516 S. 2nd Ave. becoming available, the business partners decided to open Number Juan BBQ.
While many other Mexican and Hispanic restaurants often showcase staples of local culture, Number Juan BBQ seeks to highlight a different side of Mexican culture – luncha libre.
Lucha libre, or free style wrestling, originated in Mexico and is characterized by colorful masks, rapid sequences of holds and maneuvers, and high-flying aerial techniques.
Lucha libre was the inspiration for many of the Number Juan BBQ’s visuals, including their logo which depicts a pig in a “mascaras” or mask, there are also several murals throughout the building depicting luchadors.
The entrance to the restaurant is meant to evoke a wrestling ring, with lights, a cage and a drop-down microphone where the host or hostess welcomes guests.
“Lucha” is also the Spanish word meaning to fight or struggle, but can mean fighting for a dream or struggling to accomplish a goal.
Pinedo said they are seeking to bring something to Kearney that the community can be proud of and they have made intentional choices about their restaurant, from the theme to the menu.
“Experience the perfect fusion of traditional Mexican flavors and authentic smoked BBQ in an atmosphere inspired by the high-energy world of Lucha Libre. We’ve built this space for the community to enjoy ‘Food That Hits Hard’ alongside premium service and family-friendly entertainment,” Number Juan BBQ stated online.
There will be a number of choices when it comes to meat including trompo – marinated pork; chorizo – seasoned pork sausage; chicharron carnudo en salsa verde – meaty pork in green sauce; campechana – grilled steak and chorizo; asada – grilled steak; cachet – beef cheek; tinga – shredded chicken in chipotle sauce and grilled chicken.
There will also be several options for tacos, included street tacos, tacos toreados, quesa tacos and tacos chile relleno.
There will also be the staples on the menu including tostadas, burritos, nachos, rice bowls and quesadillas.
There will also be Mexican and barbeque infusions including brisket street tacos and a barbeque burrito. Number Juan BBQ will also sell meat by the pound including brisket, pulled pork, full rack ribs and sausage.
Family platters that can feed between four and six people will be available.
Sides include street corn, baked potatoes, smashed potatoes, frijoles charros and macaroni and cheese.
Juan Herrera said they have been particular in where they have sourced their food, they looked to Texas to provide the type of tortilla they will use in their tacos.
It was also noted that the seasonings on the food will all be homemade, not something that can be found at the store.
Pinedo said they have “searched far and wide” for the right type of food and they think their customers will be able to notice that difference immediately.
“We’ve spent months perfecting this menu, blending the authentic ‘low and slow’ smoke of BBQ with the bold, fresh ingredients of your favorite Mexican street eats. From the sizzle of the Trompo to our signature Family Feasts, we’re ready to bring the heat to the table,” per Number Juan BBQ.
The Number Juan BBQ is working on obtaining their liquor license and plan to carry the staples including tequila, rum, gin, etc. There will also be house cocktails that will be offered in the future.
The location will be open seven days a week, Sunday through Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Number Juan BBQ has held a soft opening for the location, and a grand opening has been scheduled for Monday, May 4.
Dining and Cooking