Louise's Trattoria, the final surviving restaurant from a Southern California Italian chain founded nearly 50 years ago, is set to permanently close its Larchmont Village location on Wednesday, November 25. The upcoming closure marks the definitive end for an enterprise that, at the peak of its operations, managed a total of 19 distinct locations stretching geographically from Santa Monica all the way out to Philadelphia.
The closure was announced by owners Rob and Karen Serritella through a farewell notice published on the restaurant's official Instagram account. In their message, the owners stated that it is with bittersweet emotions that they are closing the doors at the end of November after nearly 50 wonderful years in business. They expressed that it has been a distinct privilege to serve multiple generations of local families, celebrate special occasions, and function as an active part of the community. The owners thanked their loyal guests, friends, and neighbors for their steadfast support and friendship, and for making the establishment such a unique place. Patrons were invited to join the staff one last time to celebrate great food, good friends, and the restaurant's legendary focaccia bread.
The specific address at 232 N. Larchmont Blvd. has operated as the last remaining outpost of the chain for years. The Larchmont location itself originally opened its doors in 1988, following the debut of the very first Louise’s in Santa Monica in 1978. Over the course of its extensive history, the business famously functioned as an early career stepping stone for several prominent chefs who subsequently helped shape the culinary landscape of the broader Los Angeles Italian restaurant scene, including culinary figures such as Gino Angelini, Nicola Mastronardi, and Lucio Bedon.
The corporate history of the brand involved significant expansion and subsequent contraction. Restaurateur Bill Chait purchased the original Santa Monica location alongside business partners in 1985, setting off an initial phase of growth. However, a subsequent expansion onto the East Coast contributed heavily to the company filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 1997. That legal filing triggered a prolonged period of corporate consolidation and steady restaurant closures over the ensuing years.
Rob Serritella joined the corporate structure in 2001 and eventually advanced to become the company's chief executive. Alongside his wife Karen, he purchased the final two surviving Louise’s restaurants in 2018. Following the subsequent closure of the Pico Boulevard establishment, the Larchmont location remained as the sole survivor. As the restaurant prepares for its final day of service on Wednesday, November 25, the establishment is currently accepting preorders for Thanksgiving meals intended for pickup on that exact final day, noting that the restaurant will remain closed on Thanksgiving Day itself. Known widely for its neighborhood Italian fare—including traditional pasta dishes, pizzas, and its signature baked goods—the restaurant leaves behind a legacy of serving generations of Larchmont-area customers.
