Sacramento-area barbecue restaurant is getting new name, pitmaster. Here’s what we know

One of the United States’ most acclaimed barbecue chefs, Bay Area pitmaster Matt Horn, is coming to Sacramento County.

Michael Hargis, owner of Elk Grove barbecue restaurant Slow & Low Smokehouse, is teaming up with Horn, founder of Horn Barbecue in West Oakland, to open a new eatery in a familiar spot, Hargis told The Sacramento Bee on Tuesday.

The restaurant will replace Slow & Low at 9699 Railroad Street in Old Town Elk Grove next to Dust Bowl Brewing Co.

“The partnership, rooted in faith and a shared passion for culinary excellence, signals the end of Slow & Low Smokehouse and the start of a transformative chapter for local barbecue,” Hargis said in a news release.

Here’s what we know:

What is Horn Barbecue?

Before Horn Barbecue opened its first brick-and-mortar location in West Oakland in September 2020, it was “the most anticipated barbecue restaurant in America,” the San Francisco Chronicle reported at the time.

Lines formed down the block for brisket, beef ribs, smoked turkey and oxtails.

Sides including cornbread, collard greens, potato salad and macaroni and cheese earned rave reviews from customers and critics.

Horn was named one of Food and Wine magazine’s Best New Chefs in 2021, the same year his restaurant received Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.

Meanwhile, Horn Barbecue was one of five James Beard Award finalists for Best New Restaurant in 2022.

Horn authored a best-selling cookbook, “Horn Barbecue: Recipes and Techniques from a Master of the Art of BBQ,” in 2022.

In May, he published a cookbook featuring recipes from Kowbird, his Oakland fried chicken restaurant.

Horn is also expanding his restaurant empire.

In December, Horn Barbecue opened a second location in Lafayette, CBS Bay Area reported.

“Lafayette embraced us with open arms,” Horn said in the news release. “Now we’re bringing that same energy, quality, and connection to Elk Grove — a community that deserves nothing less.”

Why is Oakland barbecue chain expanding to Elk Grove?

By transforming Horn said he and Hargis are creating a place in Elk Grove that fosters connection and belonging.

Their promise is to bring an “elevated experience” to the Sacramento-area city featuring a full bar, live music and appearances from nationally recognized pitmasters and chefs.

“This partnership was built on faith—faith in the craft, in the community, and in each other,” Horn said. “Elk Grove deserves more than great barbecue. It deserves a gathering place that fosters connection and belonging. Together, Michael and I are creating that destination.”

When will new Sacramento-area restaurant open?

Hargis said the newest Horn Barbecue location is set to open in Elk Grove in late February 2025.

This story was originally published January 2, 2025 at 5:00 AM.