Owner is “happy and excited” to close beloved California soul food restaurant after 23 years 

A longtime Oakland restaurant known for its Southern comfort food and community ties is preparing to close its doors after more than two decades in business. Home of Chicken & Waffles, a fixture near Jack London Square, will serve its final meals later this month.

Final day set for Aug. 31

Home of Chicken & Waffles will permanently close on August 31, according to owner and founder Derreck Johnson. The restaurant first opened in Oakland in 2004, making the upcoming closure the end of a 23-year run.

The restaurant originally operated at a location on Embarcadero West before moving to its current location at 247 Fourth St. in 2024. The new location is only about two years old, but the business itself has been part of Oakland’s dining scene for more than two decades.

Owner ready for his next chapter

Johnson did not provide a specific reason for the closure, but he told SFGATE that he is ready to leave the restaurant business.

“I’m very happy and excited about it,” Johnson said. “After 23 years, I want out of the restaurant business. I’m just ready to move on.”

The restaurant’s closure comes as the Jack London Square area continues to experience significant changes, including several other longtime businesses leaving the neighborhood.

More than a restaurant

Over the years, Home of Chicken & Waffles became known for more than fried chicken, waffles, and other Southern dishes. The restaurant hosted community gatherings, birthday parties, graduations, holiday meal distributions, and other events.

It also became known for employing formerly incarcerated people, with some employees eventually advancing into management and homeownership.

The restaurant attracted several notable guests over the years, including former presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris.

For Oakland diners hoping to enjoy one final plate, there is still a limited window before the restaurant closes permanently on August 31.

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