After nearly two years of waiting, Auburn’s hometown barbecue joint Sierra Grill Smokehouse has quietly swung its dining room doors back open, bringing the brisket, ribs and familiar faces that turned it into a local favorite. The restaurant had been closed since a kitchen fire in February 2024, and staff say the long slog of repairs and permitting was exhausting. For returning customers and employees alike, the low-key reopening last week felt like both a relief and a hard-won milestone.
Kitchen Fire And The Long Rebuild
The blaze hit in the early morning hours of February 2024, forcing Sierra Grill to shut down while crews rebuilt the kitchen and fixed the damage. Server Summer Haddad told CBS Sacramento the recovery was “insane” and “the longest journey.” She said she first heard about the fire from a call by the Placer County Sheriff's Office, then arrived to find far more damage than she had expected.
Owners, Permits And Delays
Owned by brothers Mark and Nader Haddad, Sierra Grill had hoped to come back much sooner, but extended construction work and county permitting delays kept pushing the reopening date, according to What Now Sacramento. The team initially targeted a January 2025 return, yet the project stretched into 2026 before the doors finally reopened. Local reporting notes that throughout the long closure, the owners used social media posts to keep regulars in the loop.
Back On The Menu
The restaurant’s website lists its Auburn location at 2515 Grass Valley Highway and posts daily hours, along with details on catering and online ordering. According to the Sierra Grill Smokehouse site, current hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. With the crew still ramping service back up, patrons are encouraged to check the restaurant’s social feeds or call ahead for wait times.
Community Reaction
Staff and longtime customers told CBS Sacramento they were simply grateful to be back inside their neighborhood barbecue spot. Haddad said that “when we opened back up last Monday, it felt like we were back to normal.” The outlet reported that the reopening was especially welcome for employees who had lived with months of uncertainty, while regulars said having Sierra Grill back restores a familiar gathering place in north Auburn.
As Sierra Grill settles into its new routine, management is asking for a little patience while the full rhythm of breakfast, lunch and dinner service returns. For the latest on menu offerings and exact hours, customers are advised to check the restaurant’s official website and social media pages.
