“A Dream Disrupted: Pierre Pierre Shooting Shakes Oakland’s Black Fine Dining Scene”

Oakland’s vibrant food culture took a devastating blow this weekend when a shooting erupted at Pierre Pierre, an upscale, Black-owned steakhouse located inside the city’s historic Tribune Tower. The Friday night incident left two people wounded and the restaurant’s owner, Chef Cleashaun Hill—widely known as Chef Cleaz—visibly heartbroken.

A Vision Built from the Ground Up

Pierre Pierre was more than just a restaurant. It was a statement. Co-founded in December 2023 by Chef Cleaz and Florida rapper Pierre Delince (better known as Jackboy), the restaurant aimed to deliver Southern luxury on a plate—quality steaks, traditional sides, and high-end ambiance for the culture. Nestled in downtown Oakland, Pierre Pierre quickly became a symbol of Black excellence and culinary creativity in a city long challenged by inequality.

Chef Cleaz, a San Francisco native and Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, built his career behind the scenes—cooking for NFL players, musicians, and private events. His dream was always bigger than the kitchen. He envisioned Pierre Pierre as a safe and elevated space for the Black community to dine, celebrate, and connect.

The Night Violence Shattered the Vibe

On May 2, 2025, that vision was violently interrupted. A 24-year-old Richmond man and a 31-year-old Oakland woman were both shot inside the restaurant. They were rushed to nearby hospitals and are reported to be in stable condition.

The aftermath was chilling. Overturned tables, shattered wine glasses, bloodied napkins—evidence of chaos where there once was calm. Chef Cleaz posted an emotional video to social media showing the damage, saying, “This hurts. I genuinely wanted to do something meaningful for us—for our people.”

A Call to Relocate, Not Retreat

In response, Hill launched a GoFundMe campaign with a clear mission: relocate Pierre Pierre to a safer location. The fundraiser aims to cover enhanced security, support for affected staff and families, and rebuilding efforts.

“We can’t let this stop us,” Hill stated. “We need to keep building. For the culture. For the future.”

Cultural Impact and Community Response

Pierre Pierre has hosted celebratory events for Oakland youth, including honoring the Oakland Tech Boys & Girls State Champions. It quickly became more than just a restaurant—it was a hub for pride, legacy, and hope.

The Oakland Police Department is still investigating the motive behind the shooting. No suspects have been named.

Follow and Support

To support Chef Cleaz’s vision for a new beginning:

• Donate to the GoFundMe (link to be confirmed)

• Follow @cleaz_kitchen on Instagram for updates

• Visit PierrePierre.net to learn more about the restaurant’s story

Final Thoughts

In cities like Oakland, where gentrification and violence collide with culture and resilience, spaces like Pierre Pierre matter. They aren’t just about food—they’re about healing, ownership, and standing tall in the face of adversity.

Chef Cleaz’s story is still being written. And the next chapter starts with us.