A founding family behind San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood, the Busalacchis have opened Lala Italian gastropub next door to sister restaurant Barbusa. A Sicilian immigrant who moved to San Diego as a young boy, Joe Busalacchi took a leap of faith on Little Italy's then-desolate India Street in 1984 when he opened Trattoria Fantastica.

Now, 40 years and many successful restaurants later, including Barbusa, Nonna, and Zucchero in Little Italy, Joe Busalacchi along with his two sons, Joey and PJ, are ready to unveil their fourth restaurant in San Diego's top dining neighborhood. Earlier this year, the Busalacchis took over the 1,500 square-foot space that last housed a pet supply and grooming business sited directly next door to their Barbusa restaurant on India Street to open Lala.