Michelin-starred chef accused of attempted murder

The Staff Canteen

A Michelin-starred chef is facing allegations of aggravated battery and attempted murder for attacking a woman, resulting in serious facial injuries.

Jacob Bickelhaupt, 41 is the owner and chef of Michelin-starred Konro in West Palm Beach, Florida, and previously co-owned 42 Grams, another Michelin star restaurant in Chicago.

According to WPEC West Palm Beach, he was arrested on June 2 following allegations of aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability and battery causing bodily harm after a violent two-hour attack on a woman, resulting in severe facial injuries and a subdural hematoma requiring emergency surgery.

She also

had two black eyes, facial swelling and bruising from her shoulders down to wrists.

Police allege she was the victim of a sustained two-hour assault.

Footage of Bickelhaupt's arrest

On June 12, prosecutors filed charges for attempted second-degree murder and false imprisonment. Mr Bickelhaupt pleaded not guilty.

It was also discovered that, in 2017, Mr Bickelhaupt pleaded guilty to domestic violence against his ex-wife in Chicago, leading to the closure of 42 Grams.

After relocating to West Palm Beach in 2022 and opening Konro, he earned a Michelin star in April 2025.

Bickelhaupt remains in Palm Beach County Jail. His next hearing is scheduled for 7 July.

Built by Chefs. Powered by You.

For 17 years, The Staff Canteen has been the meeting place for chefs and hospitality professionals—your stories, your skills, your space.

Every recipe, every video, every news update exists because this community makes it possible.

We’ll never hide content behind a paywall, but we need your help to keep it free.

If The Staff Canteen has inspired you, informed you, or simply made you smile, chip in £3—less than a coffee—to keep this space thriving.

Together, we keep the industry connected. Together, we move forward.

The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 17th June 2025

Michelin-starred chef accused of attempted murder