Horn Barbecue’s Elk Grove outpost at 9700 Railroad Street has been put on pause after a landlord said he took possession of the unit over unpaid rent, while the brand’s Oakland location continues to reel from a late-November fire that authorities are treating as arson. The situation has left employees and nearby businesses grappling with sudden operational changes and questions about job security.
Landlord Steve Lebastchi said Horn “fell behind on rent and ‘couldn’t continue.’” Lebastchi told local sources the landlord “took possession” of the Railroad Street unit and that the restaurant “has been permanently shuttered for a month.” He also said he forgave “several months” of unpaid rent. A sign on the door photographed by local observers read “NO ENTRY. CURERNTLY [sic] UNDER BUILDING OWNER’S POSSESSION,” while another reported notice said “no entry, currently under the building owner’s possession.” Elk Grove reporters observed workers inside cleaning and removing property.
Matt Horn, owner and chef of Horn Barbecue, offered a different public frame in an Instagram post and a statement distributed to local outlets. Horn wrote, “The location is currently paused as we take a deliberate step back to evaluate operational next steps and ensure long-term alignment with the market, the brand, and the standards we hold ourselves to.” He added, “This pause allows us to assess how best to move forward in a way that supports sustainable operations while delivering the level of quality and experience our guests expect.”
The pause in Elk Grove comes as wider operational strains have surfaced at other Horn sites. The Oakland restaurant suffered a fire that tore through the rear of its building on Tuesday, November 21; the Oakland Fire Department is investigating the blaze as arson. Vandals had reportedly graffitied the restaurant and tried to break into a trailer on the property a day earlier. The business later reopened in a new space at 464 Eighth Street, but staff have worked reduced schedules and neighbors reported handwritten signs claiming the kitchen was “sold out ‘due to high demand’” and that the restaurant “must close earlier than usual.” Online ordering was unavailable for some locations during spot checks, adding to the appearance of inconsistent service.
Compounding operational disruptions are employee complaints uncovered in investigative reporting. Former pit lead Richard Lupio alleged he worked grueling hours for little pay after joining Horn in 2018. Those allegations form part of broader reporting that documents staff concerns and the company’s financial strain.
For restaurant workers, the consequences are immediate: displaced shifts, uncertain payroll, and potential loss of hours if the Elk Grove venue remains closed under landlord control. For staff who moved between Horn locations as openings and closures rolled out, the pattern raises questions about scheduling stability and employer transparency.
What comes next matters to employees and city leaders who had flagged the Railroad Street site as an anchor for downtown Elk Grove’s entertainment plan. Fans and former staff will be watching whether Horn negotiates a path back into the space, whether employees are rehired or compensated for lost work, and how the company addresses safety, wage, and scheduling concerns as it continues to expand in other markets.