Louie Bossi’s Boca Raton reopened in November after months of closure for repairs, offering new menu items, refreshed decor and special events planned through the month.
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Louie Bossi’s restaurant in Boca Raton has reopened after being closed for months due to a kitchen fire.The fire, which caused no injuries, was traced to an uncleaned smoke stack in the kitchen.During the closure, the restaurant was updated with new decor, air conditioning, and event spaces.Most of the staff was retained by being temporarily assigned to sister locations.The restaurant is hosting community events, including a fundraiser for the local firefighter benevolent fund.
BOCA RATON — After months of repairs following a kitchen fire, Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria reopened its Boca Raton location on Nov. 3, greeted by longtime patrons, familiar faces and an energy that made the day feel “less like a reopening and more like a family reunion,” according to the restaurant’s namesake.
The fire, which started in the restaurant’s kitchen in April, caused extensive damage to the space above the ceiling. The blaze was traced to an uncleaned smoke stack attached to an over-the-oven exhaust hood, a common source of restaurant fires, according to Boca Raton Fire Rescue.
No injuries were reported, but the restoration required months of construction, inspections and careful planning.
During that time, many Boca Raton team members were temporarily assigned to sister restaurants in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
Maintaining the staff’s employment was a priority, Bossi told The Palm Beach Post.
“Our team is like family, so keeping everyone employed during the closure was a top priority,” Bossi said. “Everyone pulled together, and we’re proud to say we were able to retain the majority of our staff, which made reopening day even more meaningful.”
The Boca Raton location received design updates inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast, including reupholstered booths, new chandeliers, warm natural textures and two semiprivate event spaces accommodating 20 and 75 guests. Bossi described the upgrades as a way to enhance the guest experience while maintaining the familiar layout.
“The layout remains the same,” Bossi said, “but we elevated the decor with thoughtful design updates.”
New air conditioning systems and a pay-at-the-table feature have also been added.
Returning guests can enjoy classics like wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, house-cured salumis and dry-aged steaks, along with new menu items such as Lumache A La Vodka, Pistachio Hummus, Chicken Marsala and a Jumbo Shrimp Fra Diavolo special on Fridays.
Happy hour and late-night happy hour menus have also been refreshed, with additions like the “Girl Dinner,” featuring the Arthur Ave Salad, Truffle Fries and a Martini for $30.
Bossi credited the Boca Raton community for helping the restaurant through the closure.
“The Boca community has been incredible,” he said. “So many of our longtime regulars reached out, expressing how much they missed their favorite neighborhood spot. That support truly carried us through this challenging time.”
To celebrate the reopening, the restaurant has planned a series of events through November. On Nov. 13, local firefighters served as guest bartenders and servers for “Tip a Firefighter,” with 15% of sales benefiting the Boca Raton Firefighter Benevolent Fund.
On Nov. 19, a mixology class will invite guests to learn how to craft Italian-inspired cocktails paired with light meats and cheeses for $50 per person.
“Boca Raton has always felt like an extended family to us, and their encouragement reminded us why we do what we do,” Bossi said. “This reopening is really a celebration of that relationship — resilience, gratitude and coming back stronger together.
Jasmine Fernández is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@pbpost.com and follow her on X at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today.
Dining and Cooking