Reo's Ribs relocated to northeast Portland's Hollywood neighborhood in 2015, taking over the space formerly occupied by Hollywood Burger Bar.[4][5] The restaurant was damaged by a large fire in May 2017.[6][7][8] Varnado believed racism was behind the fire,[9][10] and an investigation was initiated.[11] No evidence of arson was found.[12] In November, Varnado confirmed plans to reopen the restaurant.[13][14][15] Reo's Ribs reopened with a larger kitchen in 2018.[16]
The restaurant was heavily damaged by another fire in November 2020.[17][18] Investigators determine arson was the cause and a suspect was identified.[19] Authorities released a photo of the woman who was responsible and offered an award for more information.[20][21][22] After being identified by a community member, the suspect was arrested in December and charged with two counts of arson.[23][24][25][26] Girod hoped to reopen the business in Spring 2021.[27]
The Hollywood Boosters Business Association helped clean the site in March 2021.[28] Following Varnado's death in January 2022,[29]Snoop Dogg posted about his uncle and shared a video from Reo's Ribs.[30][31][32]
The restaurant caught fire again in August 2022.[33][34][35]