SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – A Michelin-recognized East Bay restaurant is facing unsafe work allegations after employees spoke out against the eatery in an investigation with SFGATE.
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Horn Barbecue is an acclaimed West Oakland establishment located at 2534 Mandela Parkway led by chef and pitmaster Matt Horn. It has received high praise since first opening in the fall of 2020. This summer, Horn Barbecue was a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation's "Best New Restaurant," and in 2021, it was recognized by Michelin as one of California's best affordable eateries.
However, SFGATE led 10 interviews with current and former Horn Barbecue employees that shed a different light on the work inside the restaurant.
According to the website's investigation, safety concerns arose during the graveyard shift where workers would load and unload outdoor smokers outdoors, often alone. Multiple employees reported that they'd been threatened by people walking by, and in response, Horn Barbecue bought its staff bear mace. "It's a hazardous workplace," a former worker said.
Employees also reported that there were financial issues at play. Distributors stopped selling meat to Horn Barbecue until they were paid, resulting in down-to-the-wire runs to Costco. Staff paychecks would bounce and some employees would have to follow up repeatedly to get their wage, the website said.
"This guy took me to the brink of wanting to quit the service industry," a former worker told the website. "I hope a story like this can bring to light the f—ked up things that employers can do and get away with because of their hype."
Horn Barbecue was sued by Golden Gate Meat Company for $87,877.90 plus interest in August as the business alleged Horn ignored months of payment requests.
In response to questions about the suit, Horn told the website that his restaurant "tries to have open communication with our vendors and make regular payments, even if we do not pay an invoice in full."
During the investigation, staff expressed concerns that Horn was expanding the Horn Barbecue business too quickly. When the website brought these concerns to Horn, he acknowledged that there had been financial issues, but denied the worries.
"I intentionally paced the opening of my second restaurant (Kowbird) to ensure that Horn Barbecue was running smoothly first, and have delayed opening the next concept specifically to focus on both Kowbird and Horn Barbecue, ensuring that they will continue to run smoothly," he wrote in a statement. "I have experienced the same challenges with staffing and interruptions as other restaurants, only exacerbated by the restaurants’ locations, but we feel very positive."
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