Original owner of upscale Boise restaurant found dead
Boise Police responded to a home on Gossamer Lane about 10:45 a.m. Friday for a death investigation.
According to the Ada County Coroner’s office, a man was taken from the home to a local hospital, where an autopsy was performed. He was identified as Robert Castoro, who once owned the popular Barbacoa restaurant in Boise.
There is no evidence of a crime or evidence that a gun was involved, a Boise Police spokesperson told the Idaho Statesman. Dotti Owens, the Ada County Coroner, said results of the autopsy would be released Monday.
Known for its stylish decor — spearheaded by an ominous Medusa sculpture — Barbacoa is one of the Treasure Valley’s most popular restaurants. Barbacoa spent more money on liquor than any other bar or restaurant in the Treasure Valley in fiscal year 2019: $406,995 on 19,695 bottles.
Barbacoa, 276 West Bobwhite Court, in East Boise, opened in Boise in 2007 and became a hit with its “icetinis” and signature table-side guacamole. The restaurant burned down on New Year’s Eve 2009. Castoro rebuilt it and reopened on New Year’s Eve 2010.
This story was originally published April 18, 2020 at 4:31 PM.
