Patrón Kurt Sinner (formerly restaurante época) and Grill master Hollis Harris opened El Rio BBQ • Bar in December 2011 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Their combined experience in the event-restaurant-catering-BBQ business totals more than fifty years. Kurt spent six years as operator of época along Olas Altas beach and has over 20 years experience in event coordinating in Portland, Oregon.

Hollis, also a Portland native, brings to Puerto Vallarta over 35 years of experience catering events around the world with three distinct styles of cooking-barbecuing, grilling and smoking. Owner of Porter's Wood Smoke BBQ, Hollis' is a champion of outdoor cooking.

"The combined use of hardwoods and spices makes that special flavor come to life. I have cooked and served outdoors at Indy Car events and wineries, for cruise ships and trains and have catered events from two up to 10,000 people."

Bringing his talents to El Rio BBQ • Bar, Hollis offers the first authentic slow smoke barbecue in the area. Captivated by the beauty of El Rio's outdoor setting, he cordially invites locals and tourists alike to venture up river for some down home barbecue.