The orange canopy with the name, Barrio, and a phone number on it, has been up for a week at the restaurant in the space formerly occupied by Tempo Presto the corner of Third Street and Seventh Avenue.

The pinkish background for what will be the Seventh Avenue sign has been painted for weeks, too. Workmen have been installing doors, including a Mexican style wooden door on the front and french doors that lead to the patio.

Today, there are orange vinyl bankettes being moved in. Now I’m guessing that the place is going for a groovy Mexican diner vibe.

Here’s a crazy hunch: I thought I saw the owner of Bubby’s in the store yesterday but I might be crazy.

If it was him, I am relieved that Barrio will be run by an experienced and very solid restaurant guy. The diner style bankettes do suggest a Bubby’s vibe, don’t they.

So there’s my unfounded rumor based on a hunch. I’m just going with it for now.