Over the past dozen years or so, Sheldon has opened a number of restaurants in Sebastopol, including Handline, Fern Bar, Khom Loi and Lowell’s. That last one closed in October 2019.

Lowell Sheldon and his co-owners of Handline restaurant in Sebastopol have parted ways after an allegation of sexual assault against him was made public last week.

The head chef and at least one other Downtown Barbecue employee opted not to show up for work, claiming “toxic behavior” from restaurant co-owner Lowell Sheldon, who denies their allegations.