The cycle of break-ins targeting Everett and Jones Barbecue, an established Black-owned restaurant in Oakland, continues with yet another vandalism incident. Last Saturday, the restaurant on MacArthur Boulevard fell victim for the fifth time since 2023 to a crime that has left the owners and the community shaken. According to KRON4, three masked men broke into the establishment around 4 a.m. Though they caused significant damage, their efforts were in vain as they found the cash register empty.
Nena Moore, co-owner of the restaurant, highlighted the recurring losses and frustration, per NBC Bay Area, "It's getting costly. We're having to cut hours, because we're slow as it is." Cathy Adams, President of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce, also addressed the broader troubles plaguing local businesses following such incidents. The Oakland Police Department has yet to make any arrests relating to the break-in.
Community members expressed their dismay over the repeated targeting of Everett and Jones. "I hate that this store, particularly, has been hit. This is probably one of the most successful Black restaurants we have in the Bay Area, and to hear this is really disheartening," Regina Hill, a Bay Area native, told NBC Bay Area. In a display of determined resilience, the affected family pledges to remain in Oakland despite the setbacks and is calling for increased police patrols and surveillance to deter further crimes.
Moore's sentiment on the desperation driving such acts was echoed by customers. Joey Missouri of Merced told NBC Bay Area, "Half of these people out here are hungry, and they're looking for the means to survive." The high costs of the damage, running into thousands, have forced the restaurant to adjust its operations, impacting both the business and its employees. Moore emphasized the need for more consistent police presence, "There needs to be more patrolling in this area. We're not the only ones that have been victimized with this type of crime," she said.
