ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The smoky and alluring scent of barbecue wafted down Elk Grove’s Main Street on Saturday, April 26, as Horn Barbecue officially opened its doors, drawing crowds eager to try the pitmaster's food.

The restaurant, which took over the former Slow & Low Barbecue space in Old Town Elk Grove, marks a major milestone for Pitmaster Matt Horn, whose slow-smoked barbecue has earned him widespread praise, including Michelin Bib Gourmand and recognition as a James Beard Award finalist. 

For Horn, however, this opening was about more than just expansion: It was about setting up shop in a place where he feels welcomed and comfortable.

“I have family that live in Elk Grove and the Sacramento region,” Horn said while sitting down for an interview in the new 3,500-square-foot restaurant. “When I found out this space was available, I looked at it as the next chapter of Horn Barbecue. It’s the perfect opportunity to come in, take the space and try to create something great.”

On the menu are brisket, ribs, smoked turkey, pork belly, chicken, sausage and a variety of sides.

The restaurant features a full bar, a specialty coffee concept, and — for the first time — two massive pit smokers positioned prominently adjacent to the entrance. Unlike his Oakland flagship location, here they greet guests with the aroma that has come to define Horn’s cooking.

He also has plans for events, including live music, and other features not typically found at a previous Horn restaurant. 

“I want to utilize this space, activate it as much as possible,” Horn said.

A Bay Area-based pitmaster, Horn has built and expanded his restaurant ventures over the past several years. 

In October 2020, he opened Horn Barbecue on Mandela Parkway in West Oakland. The restaurant quickly earned national attention, receiving a Michelin Bib Gourmand, a James Beard Award nomination and a cascade of praise from food critics. Long lines of curious eaters was a common sight at the quaint eatery. 

However, in late 2023, a fire and vandalism damaged the original Horn Barbecue location, leading to its permanent closure in early 2024. Horn Barbecue eventually reopened at 464 Eighth St. in Old Oakland, moving into the space previously occupied by Matty’s Old Fashioned, another one of Horn’s restaurant ventures. He also opened a Horn Barbecue in Lafayette, as well. 

Opening a new restaurant while managing others isn’t without challenges, but Horn credits his team with making the expansion possible.

“Juggling restaurants and opening a new location, the most important thing is strong operations and leadership,” he said. “The key to it is a strong team, and we have some really great people here.”

City officials were quick to praise Horn’s decision to invest in Elk Grove. Councilmember Rod Brewer said Horn Barbecue provides the type of high-quality experience Elk Grove has been working to bring to its residents. 

“It’s part of the diversity of restaurant choices we’ve been wanting for many years,” Brewer said. “Horn fits perfectly into that mix because it gives people a choice, and offers a full-blown, wholesome family experience.”

Councilmember Darren Suen, who sampled Horn’s food during a soft opening, said the food was worthy of the acclaim.

“I tried his food last night; it was fantastic,” Suen said. “I love what they’ve done with the place.”

For Horn, the warm reception from city leaders and the community reinforced his decision to bring Horn Barbecue to Elk Grove.

“There’s that old saying, ‘Go where you are celebrated, go where you are loved,’” Horn said. “And you definitely feel that here.”

While the opening was a cause for celebration, city officials see it as a key piece of the broader revitalization effort for Historic Old Town Elk Grove. The district, now in the midst of a rebrand as “Main Street,” has been at the center of the city’s effort to create a vibrant, walkable destination for residents and visitors alike.

The building that Horn Barbecue now occupies has been a part of this revitalization since the city purchased and renovated it several years ago. Afterward, it was sold to DNS Development, which brought in tenants like Dust Bowl Brewing Company and, for a time, Slow & Low Barbecue. However, Slow & Low struggled to build consistent traffic and eventually closed, leaving the prominent space vacant.

Hargis, who opened Slow & Low, said he was put in contact with Horn via a mutual friend and was inspired by what the pitmaster had accomplished in the Bay Area. 

Hargis said he jumped on the opportunity to partner with Horn. 

“When we knew we needed to bring in a pitmaster, someone who really knew barbecue, I couldn’t have dreamed of working with someone better than Matt,” Hargis said. 

Horn’s decision to move into the space was seen by many as an opportunity to fill the gap and elevate the area’s food scene.

“Horn Barbecue’s investment here continues the momentum we started back in 2016,” Suen said. “The whole purpose was to kick start revitalization in Old Town, and it’s working. People are getting excited about this area again.”

Brewer added that Horn Barbecue aligns with the city’s goal of offering a family-friendly, walkable downtown.

“When people come here, they won’t just be pleasantly surprised, they’ll be surprisingly pleased,” Brewer said. “It’s about creating a place people want to spend time.”

Suen believes that Horn’s success could serve as a catalyst for even more high-quality restaurants to consider Elk Grove.

“I think Elk Grove is evolving,” Suen said. “Having a brand like Horn Barbecue here shows what’s possible. And when Horn Barbecue succeeds, others will want to follow.”

Horn sees the opportunity to contribute to the community while sharing his love of barbecue.

“Barbecue is that great unifier,” Horn said. “I'm blessed to be able to serve people and be part of this community’s story.”