I’ve been carefully watching the branch of international Italian brand Obica at 606 Broadway in Downtown Santa Monica.  Recently, the restaurant went silent, and the shades have been pulled down.  A sign on the door promises a renovation, new management, and a new concept…  all by February 10th.  But things look a bit dodgy:  While I was checking for progress, a self-identified former employee approached me and told me that the staff were unceremoniously sacked with no promise of rehire.  His assumption is that Obica Mozzarella Bar is permanently gone.  A cursory glance inside the front door reveals that nothing has been touched and no work has commenced. I’ll keep watching but we’ve seen this kind of thing before…