Timothy Hollingsworth, the acclaimed chef and a prominent fixture on the Downtown LA dining scene, has announced that his restaurant, Otium, will be shutting down next month. The news of the closure was shared in an Instagram post on August 8. Located next to the Broad Museum, Otium has been serving patrons for nearly a decade with its diverse menu drawing inspiration from the city's rich cultural communities. Unfortunately, the high-end dining spot will be serving its final meal on September 8, 2024.
Despite Otium's prominent status and the personal connection that Hollingsworth, a former chef at the three-Michelin-starred French Laundry, had with the restaurant, its survival has been compromised. Initially moving to Los Angeles after competing in the prestigious Bocuse d'Or competition, Hollingsworth made his mark with Otium, which featured a vibrant atmosphere underscored by its airy dining room and open kitchen. However, according to Otium's Instagram post, the COVID-19 pandemic created "unprecedented challenges" making it increasingly difficult to sustain business operations. Hollingsworth mentioned the altered landscape of Downtown LA, noting a decline in office workers frequenting the establishment for lunch.
The restaurant has faced a tumultuous era marred by an 18-month shutdown during the pandemic. Within the contemplations of its operator, it became a constant struggle to regain its foothold in the redefined dining industry. Despite these challenges, Otium's team remains hopeful about the restaurant's future. In their Instagram statement, they acknowledge the support of The Broad and emphasize their gratitude towards the community and their staff who they regard as family. Even as they close this chapter at their current location, there is a collective belief in finding a new home for Otium within Los Angeles.
While the curtains draw near for Otium in its present form, Hollingsworth is not stepping away from the culinary limelight. Recently, he's been attracting attention with a popular food pop-up named Chain, a collaboration with actor B.J. Novak. The pop-up has ridden the wave of Millennial nostalgia, flipping the script on fast-food chain classics, and will soon be hosting a food festival, Chain Fest, in New York City. As reported by Eater, the festival is set to take place on September 21, with a recent investment from celebrity Chrissy Teigen enhancing its profile.
For those looking to bid farewell to Otium, the restaurant invites guests to join them for a series of final dinners that will celebrate its legacy. These meals will not only honor the culinary innovation and creativity that Otium brought to the LA food scene but also serve as an appreciation of the community's unwavering support. Patrons can visit until the last day of operation on September 8, 2024, with the hope of witnessing Otium's rebirth in a future locale.
