Just a few days after reopening, we have sad news that Cafe La Boheme's general manager Brian O'Connor has died. He was 52. O'Connor has a long history with the LA restaurant scene having worked at Jonathan Sedlar's Bikini in the 90's, and Nic's in Beverly Hills, Joe's in Venice, and with Hans Rockenwagner over the years. We don't have all the details yet, but we're told the funeral will be in New York this weekend. More to come.
From an official bio: "Born to a family of restaurateurs and innkeepers in upstate New York, Brian O’Connor’s introduction to the business of restaurants came early, arriving first in the fine dining establishments of the Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston. After relocating to New York City at the age of twenty-one, Brian began his career with Chef Michael Roberts and the ubiquitous McNally brothers at One Fifth Avenue. He enjoyed a momentary veering from his career path when Elite Models contracted with him to work in Paris, where he resided for three years before returning home to Manhattan, assuming a management position at Pesca. He remained for four years before relocating to Minneapolis, assisting his sister, Cynthia, in the opening of a chain of highly successful sports themed restaurants. Making his way to Southern California, a brief stop in Santa Fe to visit an old friend evolved into yet another management opportunity, when he was asked to assume the GM position for the esteemed Santa Cafe. At last reaching his intended destination, Brian arrived in Los Angeles for the opening of Bikini, with restaurateurs Andy Nakano and John Sedlar. Most recently, he has worked locally with Larry Nicola at Nic’s, Joe Miller at Joe’s, and Hans Rockenwagener at FAMA. His recent arrival at La Boheme serves to complete a very personal circle. “I always brought all of my friends to La Boheme,” he reflects. “I always loved the space and had the most wonderful memories of my dining experiences here.”"
