OC-based Ribbro BBQ to open first Long Beach location in Belmont Shore

Orange County-based barbecue joint Ribbro BBQ will be taking over the former Mangosteen space on 2nd Street in Belmont Shore following rumors that everyone from Bludso’s to Long Beach’s own Axiom would be taking over the space.

So what is Ribbro BBQ and what can folks expect?

Let’s be honest: Ribbro BBQ could be a great addition to Belmont Shore, providing a nice deviation away from the many coffee and sweet shops that have made the area one of the most well-caffeinated and sugar-topped areas in the city—if their barbecue is up to the task.

With locations in Newport Beach and Lake Forest—far cries from the scenery here in Long Beach—they have already garnered a solid following with their offerings of smoked basics like pork ribs, brisket, and chicken and classic sides like vinegar slaw, mac n cheese, baked beans, and potato salad.

This is one of many larger brands to step into Belmont Shore while the neighborhood undergoes a restaurant and shop renaissance

Belmont Shore is rapidly changing and has rapidly changed—especially across the past two years, where a slew of bigger, largely Los Angeles-based brands have opted to open up locations along the famed business corridor. And that includes Ribbro BBQ.

“It’s really a reflection of how people are dismissing the shopping malls in favor of Main Street corridors that remind them of charm and local culture,” said Belmont Shore Business Association leader Heather Kern back in 2023. “Belmont Shore is primed and ready. It’s a genuinely exciting time for both residents and visitors alike.”

There was the recent announcement that Kauai-based, taro donut masters Holey Grail will be moving in, adding to the Shore’s growing list of sweet spots.

The Win~Dow, Venice’s smash burger concept birthed in 2019 in a parking lot, has officially opened its first Long Beach location in Belmont Shore in the former Archibald’s space. Following its first location in Venice, its second location in Silver Lake, and its third here in Long Beach, more are to come in Southern California in 2024—but the Belmont Shore location has proven wildly fruitful: On the daily, there is a perpetual line for its affordable, minimalist burgers.

Goodies, the affordable home shop brand that opened its first brick-and-mortar in Santa Monica, moved into Belmont Shore. Founder and owner Rhea Carlisle—born in the Philippines, raised in a small, struggling town in South Texas—has brought a brand to the Shore than countless cities across SoCal have vied for only to find themselves empty handed.

Then there’s Dave’s Hot Chicken, birthed out of East Hollywood, that opened in 2023 in the Shore. Here’s been Candified. Le Macaron. Breakfast Republic. Foodologie. Nick the Greek. Louie’s. Northern Cafe. Sushi Nikkei’s second location in the city…

The list goes on—as does the renaissance. And Ribbro BBQ is a welcomed addition.

Ribbro BBQ will be located at 5295 E. 2nd St. It is expected to open in the coming month