Although San Antonio’s hospitality scene has been turbulent following the aftershocks of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Pearl district has been relatively steady. After some initial shuffling, the anchor restaurants in the heart of the development have remained unchanged for more than half a decade. But there's no accounting for the personal lives of chefs, and one of Pearl’s staples has thrown in the towel.

In a heartfelt social media message, chef Geronimo Lopez shared that August 4 would be the last day of business for Botika. Although he did not share the exact reasoning behind the move, he said it was made with “a lot of thoughtful consideration.”

“Life sometimes brings new priorities and opportunities,” Lopez wrote. “For me, this means spending more time with my family and exploring new personal and professional interests.”

Botika opened in July 2016, taking over the space once held by Arcade Midtown Kitchen. The concept, a tribute to the Chinese and Japanese influences of Peruvian cooking, was novel at a time when the national dining scene inched towards an appreciation of international cuisine. Tons of positive press helped solidify San Antonio’s status as an emerging culinary city.

Lopez was already a well-known figure in the city’s restaurant world. An instructor at the Culinary Institute of America, he also serves as the executive chef of Nao, later Nao Latin Gastro Bar.

It’s unclear what Botika’s closure means for the popular tourist destination. In recent years, the property has expanded its footprint with newcomers like Ladino, Full Goods Diner, Stable Hall, and, most recently, Pullman Market. Botika occupies a coveted spot in the district’s busiest pedestrian promenade, but so far there has been no word of a replacement.