Los Angeles’ most iconic restaurant, The Original Pantry Cafe, has closed its doors after 101 years of operation. The diner, known for its traditional American fare and lively atmosphere, had mainly operated 24/7 since its opening in 1924.
Former Mayor Richard Riordan purchased the eatery in 1981 and ran it for decades before his passing in 2023. His family trust took over management after his death, but a dispute with unionizing workers led to the restaurant’s abrupt closure. The Los Angeles Times reports that the trust had threatened to shut down the restaurant unless employees and their union representation were agreed upon.
Fans of the diner expressed shock and sadness on social media, with many lamenting the loss of the restaurant’s late-night scene before the pandemic. Some users called for the preservation of the restaurant’s original hours, which had been altered due to the pandemic.
The closure marks a significant loss for Los Angeles’ culinary scene, and fans will have to say goodbye to a beloved institution that served generations of Angelenos.
Source: https://www.dailynews.com/2025/03/03/the-original-pantry-cafe-in-los-angeles-closes-after-101-years-of-service