Beloved in the city for a century, Los Angeles staple Original Pantry Cafe is closing its doors for good, despite efforts to save it.
Loyal customers waited for hours on Sunday to eat one more time at the iconic diner, located on the corner of Figueroa Street and James Wood Boulevard in downtown L.A.
“We’re hoping we’re not going to have to say goodbye,” one customer shared with KTLA’s Angeli Kakade. “I think you really don’t, it stays in your heart forever.”
The restaurant was owned by former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan, and it was placed in a trust after his death in 2023.
While news of the trust selling the pantry has been ongoing for months, Unite Here! Local 11 – representing restaurant employees – was trying to negotiate a contract with the trust to help workers keep their jobs even if the restaurant sells.
Demonstrations took place this week to keep the pantry open – without success.
Riordan’s daughter sent KTLA a statement saying, “As with most Angelinos, our family saw the Pantry as our home away from home. Our hearts go out to all those involved in the Pantry as it moves on to its next chapter.”
This sentiment was shared by hundreds who showed up to bid farewell.
The union told KTLA that as of Sunday, the trust wouldn’t say if they had a buyer lined up or not, but representatives said the fight isn’t over.
