Slug, at 102 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, is planning to close Aug. 4.
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“This was a decision made by me and my family and we have personal reasons why we’re doing it,” read the post. Slug declined to comment on the closure to SFGATE.
Slug debuted last summer with a disco ball, DJs, natural wine, and small plates like oysters and seasonal salads. When chef Spencer Horovitz left Slug in the fall, the restaurant’s kitchen pivoted to rotating pop-up residencies.
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Shortly after opening, Slug became the subject of controversy when news came out that its managers were receiving a cut of its automatic 20% service charge (which the restaurant uses instead of traditional tips), reported the San Francisco Chronicle (the Chronicle and SFGATE are both owned by Hearst but have separate newsrooms). Following a complaint from an ex-worker, owner Andres Giraldo Florez told the SF Chronicle that he adjusted how the service charge was distributed at both Slug and Snail Bar, with managers receiving a smaller percentage than staff.
Slug plans to throw a big Oakland First Fridays party to celebrate its last day, Aug. 4. This might not be the end for Slug, though. In the Instagram post, the team raised the possibility of moving to a new location.
“Honestly it’s been such a blast, but I think it’s time to move on,” read the post. “… This is not a sad good bye it’s a simple see you later.”