Downtown Barbecue, a new restaurant in downtown Santa Rosa, is preparing to celebrate its soft opening Sunday after staff turmoil forced the restaurant to postpone the opening twice.

Co-owner Lowell Sheldon announced Saturday that the restaurant will be led by chef and pitmaster Gane Jackson.

“He has an intuitive spirit, is a positive player and is very good at barbecue,” Sheldon told The Press Democrat.

Jackson’s hiring follows former chief Damian Brugger walked job, alleging Lowell’s “toxic behavior.”

“Even though the partnership didn’t work out, we learned a lot from it,” Sheldon said in a statement. “He knows his barbecue.”

Lowell said people can expect to enjoy a variety of smoked meats on the menu, including brisket, ribs and spicy southwestern chicken. He added that there is also a separate children’s menu.

Downtown Barbecue will be open Sundays and Mondays from 12pm to 8pm and will celebrate its grand opening the following Thursday.

“Barbecue is one of the great unifying forces in this country,” Lowell said. “We invite all people to share the delicious meat.”

Contact Staff Writer Anna Armstrong at 707-521-5255 or [email protected]. @annavarmstrongg on X (Twitter).