Restaurateur Lowell Sheldon, left, opened Townes last year following an extensive renovation of the building that formerly housed Third Street Aleworks. [Duncan Garrett Photography]
Townes Restaurant & Bar is closing after only 10 months dishing up “Old World” cuisine at 610 Third St. in Santa Rosa. The business announced its demise this week in an email to customers.
Townes opened to much ballyhoo in November 2023 at the 7,000-square-foot site of the former Third Street Aleworks, promising a menu of European classics such as duck confit, Spanish ribeye, Portuguese fish stew and an array of other seafood options.
Partners in the restaurant include Lowell Sheldon, Julia Hsieh, Jeff Berlin and chef Jeremy Whitcomb. Sheldon had previously made his stamp on the county foodie scene operating three restaurants in Sebastopol, all of which he was forced out of following about a dozen accusation of sexual harassment, all of which he denies. No charges were filed.
In an email sent to the Press Democrat, Hsieh cited a lack of financial feasibility going forward as the reason for closure, the newspaper reported.
