Down at the The Wurst sausage and burger spot at 22 Matheson St., an ownership change is in the works. Founders and longtime owners Melissa and Kevin McDowell are currently in the process of handing off the restaurant to Healdsburg couple David and Elise Baeli, who used to run Southern food joint Hops & Hominy in San Francisco.
It seems to be a harmonious handoff that should benefit all involved. Melissa says: “I will operate as The Wurst Catering Company and continue to participate in the Sonoma, Marin and Napa County street festivals, private home parties and winery events. Running 2 separate crews and operations has been challenging so by splitting the business, I can take The Wurst (pop-up tent) to more places, just like we’ve been doing since 2011.”
And David, a local 42-year-old who’s been working as a private chef for the past few years, says he couldn’t be more excited about getting back into the brick-and-mortar restaurant business. He’s planning on upholding the established The Wurst brand and concept, at least for now, but has near-term plans to make some aesthetic changes, add some healthier food items to the menu, launch a new craft beer and wine program and double down on the kid-friendliness of the place.
David says he and his wife Elise “identified The Wurst as being a super family-focused, approachable restaurant here in Healdsburg, which we don’t have many of right now.” He adds of his own family: “We have a three-year-old, so we wanted to open up a small spot that focuses on community and has a real family-friendly environment.” They might even add a communal kids play area, like the one Brewster’s used to have in Petaluma.
The owner switch should be complete by New Year’s. Stop by and say hi!
