The last surviving location of a beloved 50-year-old Southern California Italian chain is closing for good

The last surviving location of a beloved 50-year-old Southern California Italian chain is closing for good The last surviving outpost of a Southern California Italian chain that was founded nearly 50 years ago is shutting down - Bookmark Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in The last surviving outpost of a Southern California Italian chain that was founded nearly 50 years ago is shutting down. Louise's Trattoria will close its Larchmont Village location on Nov. 25. The restaurant broke the news in a message to customers. ”After nearly 50 wonderful years, it is with bittersweet emotions that we announce Louise's Trattoria will be closing its doors at the end of November,'' owners Rob and Karen Serritella said in a farewell notice posted to the restaurant's Instagram account. ”It has been our privilege to serve generations of families, celebrate your special occasions, and be part of this community. “To our loyal guests, friends, and neighbors -- thank you for your support, your friendship, and for making Louise's such a special place. Please join us one last time to celebrate great food, good friends, and, of course, our Legendary Focaccia Bread!” The notice listed Wednesday, Nov. 25, as the restaurant's final day of service. The restaurant at 232 N. Larchmont Blvd. is the last survivor of a chain that, at its height, operated 19 locations, stretching from Santa Monica to Philadelphia. Louise's opened in Santa Monica in 1978. The Larchmont restaurant opened in 1988. The chain became an early-career stop for several chefs who went on to shape Los Angeles' Italian restaurant scene, including Gino Angelini, Nicola Mastronardi and Lucio Bedon. Restaurateur Bill Chait was part of the group that bought the original Santa Monica location in 1985. He later expanded the business. A push into the East Coast later contributed to the company filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1997. Years of consolidation and restaurant closures followed. Rob Serritella joined the company in 2001 and later became its chief executive. In 2018, he and his wife, Karen, bought the final two Louise's restaurants. The Larchmont restaurant became the chain's last remaining site once the Pico Boulevard location closed. Customers can still preorder Thanksgiving meals at the Larchmont location for pickup on Nov. 25. The restaurant has said it will be closed on Thanksgiving Day itself. Louise's built its reputation on neighborhood Italian fare, including pasta, pizza and focaccia bread. It has served generations of customers from the Larchmont area.