Tad Curtz, a co-owner and culinary talent behind Garden District and Etto, has died. The DC police department responded to a 911 call on the morning of May 30th. Curtz was transported to Howard University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 8:50 AM. He was 38.

Curtz and business partner David Rosner opened their 14th Street beer garden, previously called Standard, in 2011 and quickly started drawing crowds for their barbecue, giant beer steins, and sidewalk doughnuts. In 2013, they teamed up with 2Amys founders Peter Pastan and Amy Morgan to open Etto, specializing in salumi, anchovies, and pizza. The restaurant has repeatedly ranked among Washington’s 100 Very Best.

“His staff remember him as a leader and mentor who loved life to the fullest,” Rosner says in an email statement. “He was a creative force and an inspiration behind both restaurants where he wore many hats, from building the countertops to greeting customers, serving variously as manager, chef, donut fryer, gardener and more. His loss will be felt widely. A celebration of his life will be held later this year. Etto and Garden District will continue to be open at regular hours.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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