Restaurant owner vows he'll rebuild Horn Barbecue after devastating fire
A day after flames raced through his acclaimed West Oakland restaurant, forcing its closure, pitmaster Matt Horn returned to the scene to stage his annual turkey giveaway, thank his customers and the community for their support — and promise he would rebuild.
“I'm committed to Oakland,” he told the media Wednesday, rejecting the idea of picking up and open- ing elsewhere. “The city has embraced me. … That's the fuel I'll use to move forward.”
He told KTVU Channel 2 that though he was “still going through my shock and emotions,” it was important for him to fulfill his service mission. So he waited at the Mandela Parkway site for community members in need of a turkey for Thanksgiving to stop by. For three years, he and his team have helped fill holiday food needs.
Oakland Fire Department officials said that their investigation into the fire's cause continues. The blaze, which broke out around 4:20 a.m. Tuesday, was contained within 15 minutes and brought under control at 5:03 a.m. But damage to the back and interior of the restaurant was so significant that city inspectors have red-tagged the building, declaring it off-bounds until structural concerns are addressed.
The building had been defaced with graffiti just two days earlier.
Horn rose to national fame for his smoked meat pop-ups, which led to the opening of Horn Barbecue in October 2020 and numerous accolades. In 2021, he was named one of Food & Wine's best new chefs in America. He owns and operates two other Oakland restaurants, the chicken-centric Kowbird and a burger joint called Matty's Old Fashioned.
The Horn family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for its barbecue employees and the reconstruction.
“We reach out to you with a heartfelt appeal for support,” wife and co-owner Nina Horn wrote. “Your contribution, no matter the size, will be a vital part of rebuilding what we lost. It will go towards renovating our cherished space, providing support to our dedicated staff who are the backbone of Horn Barbecue and ensuring that the flavors and warmth that have united us continue to flourish.”
As of Thursday afternoon, $73,000 of the $200,000 goal had been raised, and many donors posted messages of support.
Donor William added his donation with this message: “For the love of barbecue, the power of good food to connect people and community, and to help the Horns get beyond these senseless acts.”
“Can't wait to see how you rise like a phoenix,” Denise wrote. “I know you and your crew will make it happen.”
“There's no time to dwell on what was, just what is, and what will be — together,” donor Gary said.
Another, from Arizona, has never even tried Horn's barbecue. “Big BBQ fan. Haven't been to the restaurant yet but enjoyed following your journey on IG. Super sad to hear this news,” supporter Steve wrote. “You will rise higher and become even stronger. This is where true strength is discovered and will always outshine cowardly acts like this.”