BOISE, Idaho — This article was originally published by Ximena Bustillo and Rachel Roberts of theIdaho Statesman.
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. Castoro owned the restaurant until 2015 when he was forced to sell his business to his sister after an Ada County jury found him guilty of felony drug possession, according to previous Idaho Statesman reporting.
