Taxpayer loan guarantees, extensive media coverage couldn't help Elk Grove Slow and Low
Unlike other restaurants that have opened in Elk Grove, the city helped goose extensive media coverage.
Stories circulated on social media recently about the undoing of Elk Grove Slow and Low restaurant were confirmed today by the establishment's operators.
In posts that appeared on Facebook and added to the Elk Grove Subreddit, the operators of Slow and Low confirmed the closure of the Old Town restaurant on December 31. The notice said they would close the operation as they promised to bring in a "world-renowned pitmasters chef" to revitalize the barbeque establishment.
The message said the following:
To our Elk Grove family, The past six months have been an incredible journey, filled with challenges, growth, and the joy of serving this wonderful community. Through it all, your support has meant the world to us.
As we look ahead to the New Year, we’re excited to share that we are beginning a new chapter in partnership with a world-renowned pitmaster and chef to bring something truly special to Elk Grove.
Starting January 1, we will be temporarily closing to make the necessary changes for this next chapter. We look forward to reopening with a renewed commitment to the craft of barbecue and the community we cherish.
This is a big step forward, but it’s also a moment for reflection and gratitude—for every meal shared, every story told, and every memory made in our space. Thank you for being part of our journey. We can’t wait to welcome you back soon.
— Your Friends at Slow & Low Smokehouse
Since its opening about six months ago, the much-hyped Old Town restaurant has had an interesting storyline. Among the significant developments for the business was Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh Allen, her city council, at the urging of Elk Grove's economic development Guru Darrell Doan, guaranteed a $500,000 loan.
Not long after the business opened, the Sacramento Business Journal reported that other restaurants operated by Slow and Low owner Michael Hargis, LowBrau Bier Garten LLC, and its other establishment, Beast + Bounty, were in default.
Last week, a post on Reddit claimed that the restaurant would close soon.The restaurant has also been besieged with less-than-stellar dining reviews.
Unlike other restaurants that have opened in Elk Grove, the city helped goose extensive media coverage. Below is a screenshot showing the various news stories about the restaurant.
The Slow and Low owners posted the information after city hall closed for the weekend, so the city of Elk Grove could not be reached for comment on how this closure will affect the taxpayer loan guarantee.
