Kowbird in Oakland closes, according to owner

Yahoo

13-02-2025

(KRON) — Kowbird, an Oakland restaurant launched by notable Bay Area barbecue chef Matt Horn, has closed. Horn, in a statement, cited 'the reality of doing business in Oakland,' which he said was 'not easy.'
'Despite the love and support we've received from the community, the climate for small businesses, particularly restaurants, has become increasingly difficult,' Horn said. 'This is not a reflection of the people who have been our loyal customers and supporters over the years. In fact, it's the complete opposite — their unwavering belief in us has been a beacon of hope. But the broader climate — the challenges that small businesses and restaurants face in Oakland — has proven to be a constant uphill battle.'
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Horn, who also operated Horn Barbecue in West Oakland, said there was a 'lack of meaningful support for small businesses' in Oakland, and a 'lack of framework' to 'nurture and sustain' them.
'It's disheartening to see how small businesses like ours are overlooked,' said Horn, 'and it's even harder to face the financial and emotional toll it takes on the people who make it all happen.'
Kowbird opened in 2022 and closed in early January, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. In November, Kowbird was sued for alleged American with Disabilities Act (ADA) violations. Horn's other restaurant, Horn Barbecue, was temporarily closed in 2023 after a fire that was investigated as arson.
Over the years, Horn's restaurants have been subject to lawsuits and wage claims from former employees. In his statement on Kowbird, Horn said 'the media's obsession with highlighting these challenges, often sensationalizing the struggles of small businesses, is, frankly, confusing.'
'However, it seems the press's appetite for emphasizing the downfall of small enterprises is something that must be accommodated,' he added.
Kowbird was known for its hot chicken sandwiches and 'soulful dishes that pay homage to culture and comfort,' according to its website.
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