From: Fatima M. Sol
Sent: Monday, June 1, 2026 2:57 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Letter of Support for A&M BBQ
Dear Mayor Jill McLewis and Members of the Sebastopol City Council, I was very surprised to hear about the comments A&M BBQ is receiving from its residents. I respectfully request that the City work collaboratively with Kris Austin and his family to find a responsible long-term solution that allows this beloved local business to continue to operate and serve the community.
A&M BBQ is a small, family-owned restaurant and catering business - it is not an industrial production facility. It is precisely this reason I like visiting Sebastopol and bringing friends - so I can hike for the day, go to the Farmer’s Market, go apple picking, and when hungry, stop in to eat real BBQ to my heart’s content!
Like many small businesses, A&M BBQ is taking a hit in this state. They have acknowledged there are some challenges and are actively working with City staƯ to balance operational adjustments and find a long-term location. Relocating a commercial restaurant, especially one involving specialized equipment and infrastructure, is a complex process that requires time, planning, and cooperation. Similarly, this also brings to mind Chef Keller asking Yountville’s Town Council for support in discussing a proposed housing project with all stakeholders as part of the conversation. At the heart of the issue is Cooperation.
A&M BBQ has become an important part of the fabric of Sebastopol and the culinary world. It’s brought positive attention to your community and economy. Creating obstacles that overly restrict a small business such as A&M without giving them a reasonable path forward would be a significant loss.
I respectfully urge the City Council to:
- Grant A&M BBQ reasonable time to find and transition to a more appropriate long-term location - Remain solution oriented and work collaboratively - OƯer support to aid this business. They are doing their best to operate, balance customers’ feedback, and navigate the challenges of growth. Your decisions have serious implications that aƯect many.
Thank you for your time and steadfast eƯorts to find a solution.
Best,
Fatima M. Sol
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