L’Oca Owner Arrested, Restaurant Closed


If you’re as much a fan of the gnochetti at Fairmount BYO L’Oca as I am, take note that you may never again have a chance to enjoy a plate. After his shift at the restaurant on Friday night, chef-owner Luca Garutti (pictured) was arrested on the 1100 block of North Broad Street following a car accident.

The genial 45-year old was charged with DUI, and it’s not his first such arrest, according to court records. According to those same records, he’s currently sitting in a cell in the lovely Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility awaiting $2,500 bail. (Kickstarter, anyone? Only half kidding).

L’Oca employees managed to get through the Saturday shift without Garutti but did not open Sunday, and they’re also closed today. With the great summer slowdown upon us and rumors that L’Oca was already experiencing more than its fair share of money troubles, it doesn’t look good. Plus, one well-placed source says that the restaurant’s lease is up in September.

Hmm. L’Oca’s address is 2025 Fairmount Avenue. And former Rouge chef Matt Zagorski is reportedly attached to some project called 2025. Could it be?

Good luck, Luca. I, for one, hope you land on your feet.