Coco Frio Has Closed After Five Months

Though its only been open for four months, Venezuelan-inspired Coco Frio is calling it quits in the Mission. However, this time it's not rising rents that are behind the closure of a Mission restaurant: chef/owner Manny de Torres Gimenez (Quince, SPQR) and his wife Katerina de Torres have chosen to sell their business and travel the world for a year.

Following the recent fire at his other restaurant, The Palace, and the death of his father, the chef says it was time to take the chance. "These are decisions you have to make in your life," said Torres. "My dad really wanted me to do this. Life is short and if you don't go get it you're never going to see what you're supposed to see." The timeline of a year is based on the amount of time it will take to repair The Palace, which was extremely damaged after an electrical fire in December. Upon his return, Torres plans to reopen The Palace, though he says it will definitely reflect what he learns as he travels and stages at restaurants around the world.  "We did good [at Coco Frio]. We got two stars from Bauer, he seemed to like it," said Torres. "But it's time to refresh and restart."

As for Coco Frio, the 2,000-square-foot restaurant is now closed and listed at $500,000, a price that includes liquor license, lease and all the trappings. "You can walk in and open the restaurant tomorrow," said Torres. "It's ready to go." Stay tuned for updates upon the de Torres' return.