PORTLAND, Ore. — Reo Varnado, the well-known Portland restaurant owner behind Reo's Ribs, died on Friday night, family members say.

Reo Varnado was not only known for his popular BBQ restaurant on Northeast Sandy Boulevard, he was also rapper Snoop Dogg's uncle.

According to Varnado’s brother, Reo passed away on Friday night. His cause of death is unknown.

The restaurant faced some challenges in recent years after it burned down, however, Varnado reopened Reo’s Ribs in late 2018.