Operations

Michelin-starred chef and owner of Konro arrested on domestic battery charges

It's the second time Jacob Bickelhaupt has faced assault charges. He previously was arrested in Chicago after reportedly attacking his ex-wife.
Konro was the first West Palm Beach restaurant to earn a Michelin star. | Photo courtesy of Konro.

Florida chef and restaurateur Jacob Bickelhaupt has reportedly been arrested on domestic battery charges after an assault on a woman believed to be his wife at his home.

Bickelhaupt is the chef and owner of the West Palm Beach restaurant Konro, which is listed as having one star in the Michelin guide last year, though the restaurant is also listed as temporarily closed.

Bickelhaupt is facing one count each of domestic battery causing bodily harm and domestic battery. He was arrested on Monday, according to The Palm Beach Post, and is accused of repeatedly punching and kicking the woman, leaving her with two black eyes, swelling and bruising on her face. She later reportedly suffered a seizure.

It is also the second time over the past decade Bickelhaupt has faced such charges. 

In 2017, he was arrested in Chicago on charges of assaulting his ex-wife and a business partner, according to Eater Chicago. He reportedly pled guilty to a charge of simple battery and was ordered to undergo substance abuse testing, complete a violence program and pay fines. Eater reported that he later sued his ex-wife for damaging his reputation.

Konro is a Japanese-inspired concept known for a 10- to 14-course tasting menu, served at a chef’s counter with only 10 seats. The experience is available with a spirit-free beverage pairing, and the restaurant’s website notes that the chef is “over five years sober.” 

Bickelhaupt was a guest on the Menu Talk podcast by Restaurant Business last year, and he spoke about his former struggles with sobriety and operating the concept with his wife, who was also sommelier.

Bickelhaupt earned two Michelin stars at his now-defunct first restaurant, 42 Grams in Chicago.

 

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

Wendy's faces more upheaval that it doesn't deserve

The Bottom Line: The fast-food chain early last year decided to replace a successful CEO with a restaurant industry outsider. That outsider has now left, leaving the company with more uncertainty.

Technology

Olo's restaurant tech odyssey will continue in private

Tech Check: After a rocky few years on the public markets, the online ordering giant will continue its quest for “hospitality at scale” under a new owner.

Financing

All restaurants are pricey in California, not just fast food

The Bottom Line: The state’s fast-food wage hasn’t driven up prices at limited-service restaurants, at least compared with full-service chains. That doesn’t mean it’s not expensive there.

Trending

More from our partners