A popular California restaurant is making a comeback after it was burglarized and torched in a devasting fire months ago. According to KABC, Horn Barbecue has reopened on Friday (April 26) in a new location in Oakland. Owner and Chef Matt Horn permanently shuttered the flagship Mandela Parkway location following several setbacks in November.
Now the award-winning barbecue eatery is back serving delicious brisket and other smoked meats at 464 8th St.
"The easiest thing to do is to quit and run away. But in the face of adversity, true character is revealed and how we respond to it," Horn told reporters. "I'm not going to say that it was easy to make the decision. We definitely faced our challenges. A lot of different emotions. We built the restaurant from the ground up and were really vested in the area."
Days before Thanksgiving last year, the Mandela Parkway location was destroyed in a fire that Horn suspects to be arson. On top of that, the restaurant owner said logistics also posed a challenge to the barbecue joint's operations. Horn explains the meat had to be smoked off-site.
Now that the restaurant is closer to downtown, the chef believes the increased police presence will help his employees and customers feel safe and welcome.
After Horn Barbecue's reopening, Horn thanked guests and community members for their continuous support.
I am profoundly grateful for the privilege to continue serving our community," he wrote in a Monday (April 29) Instagram post. "This journey of rebuilding has been a testament to resilience and reaffirmation of our purpose, driven by the overwhelming support from our community."
He continued, "This past weekend, as we celebrated our grand reopening, I was moved by the sea of familiar faces that filled our space. Each smile and every word of encouragement reaffirmed the impact of our work. To everyone who joined us, thank you for standing with us and for believing in our vision. Your presence was a powerful testament to the strength of community."