"West Hollywood’s long-coveted Bottega Louie won’t be opening any time soon. That’s per Wehoville, who announced yesterday that not only has the company postponed its planned December 19 opening, it has reportedly laid off almost all of its 250 employees just two weeks before Christmas. Plans for a new Bottega Louie on Santa Monica Boulevard have been in the works since at least 2016, though a variety of delays and construction hurdles have kept the property from opening over the years. The last firm update had the company throwing open the doors to the 8,900 square foot all-day facility as soon as next week, but now it’s looking like a March 2020 opening at the earliest. Per Wehoville who cites at least one unnamed employee, ownership at Bottega Louie has terminated more than 200 jobs, with some folks still needing to pick up their final printed paychecks from their training days. And, naturally, it’s all happening just before the holidays. Staff members have reportedly been told that they can reapply for their positions in a few months, but with no guarantee of future employment. Eater has repeatedly reached out to Bottega Louie, but with little to no interaction. Once complete, the project is said to span some 200 seats with both indoor and outdoor seating, breakfast through dinner service, and a full bar, marketplace, and baking area. As for whether or not March 2020 becomes the true opening date, that is still very much in flux. Meanwhile, the Downtown Los Angeles flagship of Bottega Louie remains a financial beast, earning millions of dollars per year as one of the country’s most profitable standalone restaurants." - Farley Elliott
