Citing the challenges of hiring managers and chefs, South Bay culinary standout Jim Stump and his restaurant group announced Thursday that they are whittling their portfolio and will close Forthright Oyster Bar & Kitchen later this month.
A note on the Campbell restaurant’s website and social media thanked customers and promised a couple of weeks of specials before Forthright, a sustainable seafood specialist, shuts its doors. The restaurant has been in business since 2016.
“The high cost of living, the pandemic, the shift in culture has resulted in people not wanting to work in our industry,” co-owner Angelique Stump said in an email, noting that ads seeking trained managers and veteran chefs have resulted in few applicants at that level.
And with six restaurants under the Hot Behind You Hospitality Management Group umbrella, the Stumps said it’s been tough to provide high-quality food and service to all patrons. So they will concentrate on their five remaining concepts.
Angelique Stump said they are giving The Table in San Jose’s Willow Glen district “a little reboot,” resuming seven-day operation, and putting a primary focus on Shepherd & Sims, their large Los Gatos restaurant.
The group also owns two small-plate kitchens — Lamella Tavern in Willow Glen and The Vesper in Campbell — along with Jim Stump’s Tavern at San Jose Mineta International Airport.
June 23 will be Forthright’s last day of business. “To savor the unique atmosphere and deliciousness one last time, we encourage you to visit us soon,” the note said. “We’ll have some incredible specials planned for the coming weeks, and we would love to share a final meal with you.”
Besides oysters (fresh and butter-roasted), Forthright also showcases halibut, crab and octopus — and sells a lot of clam chowder. In a 2018 Bay Area News Group article on great chowders, Stump said he learned that recipe back when he was a teenager working at the Pruneyard’s Outlook, then fine-tuned it during his Los Gatos Brewing Company years.
The Stumps added in their note to customers: “We want to express our deepest gratitude to each guest who has walked through our doors. Your laughter, conversations, and love for our food have made Forthright a truly special place. Whether you were a regular at the bar enjoying happy hour oysters or celebrating a milestone with a full seafood feast, we’ve cherished being a part of your memories.”
Details: Open from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 4 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, 2 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at 1700 W. Campbell Ave., Campbell; www.eatoystersatforthright.com