Another once-celebrated restaurant brand has quietly disappeared, bringing an end to a business that was once considered one of the country’s rising barbecue stars.
An acclaimed California barbecue chain has permanently closed its last remaining restaurant after a series of closures over the past several months, marking the end of its brick-and-mortar operations.
Final location closes
Horn Barbecue has closed its Oakland restaurant, the last location still operating under the brand. Owner Matt Horn confirmed he chose not to renew the lease, bringing the restaurant’s run to an end after years of rapid growth and national recognition.
The closure, which was announced in August, follows a difficult year for the company. Earlier in 2026, Horn Barbecue shuttered its Elk Grove restaurant, followed by the closure of its Lafayette location after an eviction. The chain’s Fresno restaurant also closed in June after receiving a notice to vacate…