SAN ANTONIO — It remains a volatile period for San Antonio's restaurant industry.
In what it called an "incredibly tough" decision, the Japanese-Peruvian eatery Botika announced Friday that August 4 would be its last day serving customers. The announcement follows in the footsteps of local eateries like The Rustic, Augie's Barbecue, Hot Joy and, most recently, Acadiana Cafe—all of which have shut down or said they would be shutting down locations this year.
Botika opened at the Pearl, one of San Antonio's hottest districts and gathering spots, in 2016.
"For the past eight years, we've created wonderful memories and built a fantastic community together," Geronimo wrote in a message posted to Botika's social media pages, adding he was looking forward to spending time with family. "Although this chapter is ending, I eagerly look forward to the new adventures ahead and will always treasure the amazing journey we've had here."
The announcement prompted a flurry of well wishes and supportive messages online, with one customer writing: "Pearl won't be the same without you personally being here."
Added Dave Terrazas, a local chef and a former culinary manager for the San Antonio Botanical Garden: "Botika part (sic) of the foundation that has led to the Pearl's success, and a big part of why San Antonio is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Glad I have been able to share meals with family and friends since the very beginning."
Botika Chef Geronimo Lopez spoke to KENS 5 in 2022 about enduring economic challenges, saying at the time that the restaurant was adapting its menu and ingredients "to balance out the inflation we've been seeing."
Inflation for all items in April 2022 stood at 8.3%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and would reach a 20-year peak of 9.1% that June. But inflation has fallen sharply since then, down to 3% in June, the most recent data available.
Botika's farewell message didn't include specifics about why the restaurant was closing down, but Lopez's message said he was "profoundly grateful to all our loyal customers and dedicated staff who have been part of this journey."
