From: Matt Solovay
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2026 3:17 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Cc:
Subject: A&M BBQ - They need our support and appreciation
Dear Sebastopol City Council Members,
I’m writing to voice my strong support for A&M BBQ and to ask that you consider the broader community perspective as you weigh the recent complaints about cooking smoke and customer lines.
A&M BBQ is exactly the kind of small business our town should be celebrating. They are legally licensed, properly operated, and serve some of the best food in Sonoma County. Lines out the door aren’t a nuisance—they’re a sign of a thriving local business doing something right. Tourists make A&M a destination stop, and local families have made it a beloved tradition.
Beyond the food, A&M contributes in ways that matter: providing jobs, generating tax revenue, and drawing visitors who then spend money at neighboring businesses. Smoke is simply part of BBQ cuisine, and A&M operates within the regulations set for that purpose.
I’d respectfully ask the council to weigh any complaints against the significant benefits A&M brings to Sebastopol, and to support our locally owned businesses rather than penalize them for being successful.
Thank you for your time and your service to our community.
Sincerely,
Matthew Solovay