The original Pantry Cafe, a beloved dining institution in Los Angeles, closed its doors on March 2, 2025, after 101 years of operation. Opened in 1924 as a 24-hour diner, it had moved to its current location in 1950. The cafe faced various challenges over the years, including health inspections and reduced operating hours after the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the death of former Mayor Richard Riordan in 2023, the Riordan Family Trust decided to close the cafe to maximize property value, linking its closure to plans for nearby developments related to the 2028 Summer Olympics.
The closure elicited strong reactions, especially from union representatives who argued that the workers’ needs were disregarded. Prior to its closure, the cafe employed 25, down from 80 before the pandemic. Union officials criticized the Trust’s actions and expressed disappointment at the treatment of employees who had been unionized for decades.
Though the cafe had been designated a Historic and Cultural Monument in 1987, allowing for potential delays in demolition, there is no guarantee of its preservation. The Trust awaits negotiations regarding the closure and worker resignations, as employees and union members lament the loss of a significant community fixture and the memories associated with it. The Trust asserts that selling the property is in the best interest of maximizing its value, even as employees and supporters argue for the importance of the cafe’s legacy.
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