Oakland restaurant Home of Chicken and Waffles to close after 23 years

The Oakland-based restaurant Home of Chicken and Waffles is scheduled to close after 23 years of operation. Owner Derreck Johnson confirmed the establishment will serve its final meals on Aug. 31.

Founded in 2004, the restaurant became a community staple known for soul food and for employing formerly incarcerated individuals. It has hosted high-profile figures including Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris. Johnson stated he is ready to move on to the next chapter of his life, noting that he is “very happy and excited” about the transition.

The closure occurs amidst a period of shifting commercial activity in Oakland’s Jack London Square, which has seen several high-profile business closures in recent years.