Michelin-Recognized Pitmaster Brings Horn Barbeque to Fresno

Matt Horn's acclaimed Oakland restaurant expands to his hometown.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:55am

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A new Fresno restaurant called Horn Barbeque is owned by Matt Horn, an internationally recognized chef who earned a Michelin distinction for his Oakland location in 2021. Horn, a Fresno native and Edison High School graduate, has brought his "Texas meets California" grilling style to his hometown, opening the new restaurant last week to long lines of customers eager to try his tri-tip, ribs, brisket, and chicken.

Why it matters

Horn Barbeque's arrival in Fresno represents a homecoming for the acclaimed pitmaster and an opportunity for the city to experience his award-winning barbecue. As a Michelin-recognized chef, Horn's decision to invest in his hometown underscores the growing culinary reputation of Fresno and the Central Valley region.

The details

Horn Barbeque is open Tuesday through Sunday, and the owner plans to add live music and serve barbecued 'whole hog' and 'ox tail' on the weekends. The new restaurant has already developed a loyal following, with lines out the door for Horn's signature dishes.

  • Horn Barbeque opened last week in Fresno.
  • Horn's Oakland location earned a Michelin distinction in 2021.

The players

Matt Horn

The owner of Horn Barbeque, a Fresno native and Edison High School graduate whose Oakland restaurant earned a Michelin distinction in 2021.

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What they’re saying

“It's time to come back and invest something here at home and so we had been looking, we have been searching for awhile to find this location, felt it would be the right location and we decided to open up here.”

— Matt Horn

What’s next

Plans are in the works to add live bands along with serving barbecued 'whole hog' and 'ox tail' on the weekends.

The takeaway

Horn Barbeque's expansion to Fresno showcases the growing culinary reputation of the Central Valley region and the homecoming of a Michelin-recognized chef who is bringing his acclaimed barbecue style to his hometown.