From: Natalie Tyler
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2026 8:42 PM
To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: A&M BBQ
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to express my support for A&M BBQ and to respectfully ask that you support them as well.
Small businesses are a vital part of the Sebastopol community, and A&M BBQ is a shining example of that. Not only is this restaurant beloved locally, but its success and popularity in the highly competitive restaurant industry is truly inspiring. The owners work incredibly hard, provide an excellent product, and contribute positively to the community.
People travel from all over Sonoma County to dine at A&M BBQ, which also brings business to surrounding shops and restaurants in Sebastopol — benefiting the city’s local economy as a whole. Additionally, in a primarily white community, supporting a successful Blackowned small business should be an important priority for the city.
I do sincerely appreciate the concerns of nearby neighbors. A&M’s success has understandably created impacts for those living close by. However, I hope the City Council can work collaboratively with the owners to allow them adequate time to find a suitable new location while remaining open at their current site during that transition.
Closing the restaurant before a relocation plan is in place could create significant financial hardship and may ultimately result in Sebastopol losing a truly special business. That would be a tremendous loss for the community.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to our community.
Natalie Tyler