I guess the rumors were correct: La Stalla Rustica Cucina now empty in downtown Chandler

Well, that happened quickly.

Just four days after I reported La Stalla Rustica Cucina might be closing or moving in the coming months, the 14-year mainstay of the downtown Chandler dining scene has shut down.

Diners on Monday were greeted by an empty restaurant. Tables, chairs, and equipment were gone.

The restaurant made no announcement on its website or social media, and there was no explanation on the door other than its usual “Closed” sign.

As I previously noted, La Stalla owner Paolo Vetrati has applied for a liquor license for a new La Stalla on the southeast corner of 48th Street and Warner in Ahwatukee.

The strip mall on that corner was home to recently closed Los Dos Molinos.