Pierre Hill, a renowned chef and co-proprietor of the upscale East Bay restaurant Pierre Pierre, is calling for immediate measures to curb violence in the wake of a recent shooting at his establishment. The incident, which occurred on a busy Friday night, left two customers injured at the steakhouse situated near the famous Tribune Tower on 13th Street. Hill, whose clientele includes San Francisco 49ers players and local musicians, is determined to find solutions following the incident.
Hill emphasized the situation’s urgency, stating, “We cannot allow this to persist.” He further explained that the restaurant was established to provide a unique dining experience to Oakland, a city that he believes lacks in terms of fine dining. Despite the chaos, it is expected that both victims will recover, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil.
The shooting incident heightened the fear and anxiety among the restaurant’s customers during a busy service. Hill described the scene as chaotic and recounted his efforts to understand the situation and ensure everyone’s safety. While the Oakland Police Department has yet to release details about the shooting, Hill disclosed that the victims were a man and a woman.
This incident is another setback for the restaurant, which has already suffered five break-ins since its inauguration a year ago. The damage from the shooting is estimated to be in the thousands, potentially delaying the restaurant’s reopening for several weeks.
In response to the incident, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help ease the financial burden. The Oakland Police Officers Association released a statement highlighting the city’s ongoing battle with crime and urged the local government to increase police resources to combat the persistent violence.
The investigation into the shooting is still underway, with authorities reviewing surveillance footage to identify potential suspects. Despite the challenges, Hill remains focused on recovery and rebuilding, hopeful for community support during this difficult time.
The restaurant, known for its sophisticated dining experience, has received praise from local figures, including rapper Mistah Fab, who acknowledged Hill’s dedication and hard work. As the community rallies behind the chef, the incident underscores the wider challenges that Oakland businesses confront amidst rising crime rates.