Trotter's To Go shutters for good

Charlie Trotter

Photo: Chris Strong

When Charlie Trotter announced that he would close his eponymous restaurant later this summer, he claimed that Trotter's To Go, his take-out operation on Fullerton Avenue, would remain open.

Well, that was then. Charlie's plans obviously changed, because over the weekend he informed the staff of Trotter's To Go that he was closing the shop immediately. As I type this, the staff of TTG is clearing out the store and moving equipment to the restaurant space.

Ever-loyal to the boss who surprised them with the news that they were losing their jobs, nobody I spoke to at the shop would go on the record, other than to say that they were saddened by the shop's demise. Sources outside of the shop tell me that the staff of TTG was unusually passionate about their work, and few sought out new employment after hearing that Charlie Trotter's would close—they believed TTG would remain open, and if not, they would go down with the ship. Which is, unfortunately, what they're now doing.

Phone calls to Trotter's offices were not immediately returned; if and when I hear from Trotter or one of his reps, I'll let you know what he says.