OAKLAND — The fire that ravaged the renowned Horn Barbecue restaurant in West Oakland is now being investigated as an arson, according to officials. Fire Department spokesman Michael Hunt confirmed on Friday that evidence found at the scene strongly suggests that the blaze was intentionally set. However, specific details regarding the evidence have not been disclosed.
The fire, which occurred on November 21, 2023, completely gutted the establishment located at 2534 Mandela Parkway. Fortunately, the restaurant was closed at the time, and no injuries were reported. Owner Matt Horn has since relocated to a new site at 864 8th St., where he continues to serve his acclaimed smoked meats.
Horn gained national recognition for his successful smoked meat pop-ups, which eventually led to the opening of Horn Barbecue in October 2020. His culinary prowess earned him numerous accolades, including being named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs in America in 2021.
Despite the setback caused by the fire, Horn remains resilient. In response to a comment on an unrelated Instagram post, he expressed his determination to rebuild, stating, “Unfortunate to have happened. We will keep building.”
The Oakland Fire Department is actively seeking information from the public to aid in their investigation. Anyone with relevant details is urged to contact fire investigators at [phone number].
1 Response
I am so sorry to hear about the fire at Horn Barbecue in Oakland. It’s truly devastating. In times like these, it’s important to come together as a community and support local businesses. If you’re looking for a delicious barbecue experience in the area, I highly recommend checking out Everett & Jones Barbeque. They have been serving mouthwatering barbecue for over 40 years and have multiple locations in Oakland. Their ribs, brisket, and sides are absolutely amazing. Let’s show