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.
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