The Original Pantry Cafe, an iconic diner recognized for its classic American breakfasts and deep ties to Los Angeles, will reopen in Downtown Los Angeles at 877 S Figueroa Street. After a sudden closure in March 2025 due to a labor dispute, the restaurant will relaunch under new ownership, marking the end of a hiatus for the establishment that has served diners for over 101 years, according to Eater Los Angeles.
The new proprietor, real estate entrepreneur Leo Pustilnikov, has reached an agreement with Unite Here Local 11 to rehire former union workers and acknowledge the union’s role in the diner’s operations. Kurt Petersen, co-president of the union, confirmed that the official reopening is scheduled for December 31, 2023. This date corrects earlier misreporting that indicated an earlier reopening.
Diners can look forward to enjoying cherished menu items once again, including pancakes, omelets, and French toast. Originally established in 1924, The Original Pantry Cafe relocated to its current site in 1950. The diner enjoyed a period of stability following its purchase by former Mayor Richard Riordan in 1981, and it remained under the management of the Riordan family trust until his passing in 2023.
The abrupt closure in March 2025 marked a pivotal moment in the cafe’s long history, which had previously seen only brief interruptions due to a 1997 health inspection and the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure also ended a longstanding tradition of never locking its doors, a practice that had been maintained until changes in operation following the pandemic led to limited hours.
The public reaction to the cafe’s closure was immediate and passionate. On September 11, 2023, a large crowd gathered outside the diner, possibly anticipating an early reopening based on incorrect reports. The scene was lively, with balloons decorating the entrance, a pancake-shaped cake, and honking cars, despite the restaurant remaining closed that day.
Pustilnikov, while primarily known for his real estate developments, has publicly committed to preserving the cultural and historic legacy of The Original Pantry Cafe. By collaborating with the union to rehire staff and restore the diner’s role within the community, he has paved the way for the eagerly awaited reopening.
With its rich history and dedicated customer base, the reopening of The Original Pantry Cafe is not only a significant event for the local community but also a restoration of a beloved piece of Los Angeles’s dining landscape.