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KOWBIRD TAKES FLIGHT WITH CHEF MATT HORN
Kowbird, a soul-infused, family-owned fried chicken joint from barbecue phenomenon Chef Matt Horn, opens in Oakland, Calif. on Friday, January 14. The second concept under the Horn Hospitality Group umbrella, following his game-changing first brick + mortar restaurant Horn Barbecue, Kowbird pays homage to the Southern comfort food Horn enjoyed with his family as a child. “For me, fried chicken represents soul and love. Growing up, it was a dish that would bring my family together. Whether after church or in the backyard with friends, it was always centered around love.” says Horn. “To open a fried chicken concept in my home of Oakland is personal to me, it bridges family, love, soul, and good food.” Horn also wants the community to feel at home when at the restaurant. Opening in the former Pretty Lady diner, the design of Kowbird pays tribute to both the foodways of the South and
the storied history of space. Horn maintained original elements throughout, from the classic U-shaped counter from the 1940s, to the funky green tiles in the kitchen, while adding murals and images of black farmers in the South, an homage to Horn’s family roots. With a nod to the classic diner, guests are encouraged to order at the register and enjoy their meal indoors around the counter, take their meal to go, or enjoy in Kowbird’s outdoor seating space. CRISPY, CRUNCHY, CRAZY GOOD CHICKEN Matt Horn keeps the menu at Kowbird straightforward, bringing his renowned commitment to excellence to fried chicken, and putting his touch on featured dishes from his childhood. The menu will feature Matt Horn’s signature buttermilk fried chicken in various versions, all served on a potato bun and accompanied by house-made pickles. Variations include the traditional Southern Bird, the Honey Bird, finished in a pickled February Issue 2022 v Food & Beverage Magazine | Page 12
