Los Angeles ,California (Thechieftainspear) – For over a hundred years, The Original Pantry Cafe has been a beloved staple in Downtown Los Angeles, drawing crowds with its hearty American breakfasts and nostalgic charm. Located at the corner of 9th and Figueroa streets, the historic diner first opened its doors in 1924 and quickly became a favorite among locals. However, today marks the end of an era, as the restaurant is closing its doors for good.
A Change in Ownership
The late former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan purchased The Pantry in 1981 and continued to operate it as a personal passion project. Following his passing, control of the restaurant fell to his administrative trust, which also manages the Riordan Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to educational initiatives for low-income students.
In a statement to KCAL News, the trust explained that the decision to close and sell the property was made to better support the foundation’s mission.
“The trustees of the Mayor’s estate have determined that closing The Pantry and selling the property upon which it is located is the best path to provide the Foundation with the most financial resources to continue its wonderful charitable mission,” the statement read.
A Bittersweet Farewell
Word of the diner’s closure spread quickly, prompting a surge of customers eager to enjoy one last meal at the iconic eatery. Longtime patrons lined up down James M. Wood Boulevard, stretching around the block to Francisco Street. Some waited nearly three hours for a final taste of the cafe’s famous sourdough bread, pancakes, and ham steak.
Josephine Garza of Montebello made sure to arrive early, determined to savor her favorite dish one last time. “If it’s the last day, I’ve got to eat that bread,” she said. “I love the bread—it’s delicious.”
Also Read – Drug Traffickers Sentenced: Two Men Get Federal Prison Time
For Dolores Rivoli of El Sereno, The Pantry was more than just a restaurant—it was a place filled with family memories. She often dined there with her late husband and honored him on closing day by ordering his favorite meal. “He loved the ham steak, the potatoes, the sourdough bread, and the delicious pancakes. And, of course, no one made coffee like they did,” Rivoli reminisced.
Inside, diners soaked up the atmosphere, chatting with longtime waitstaff, leaving generous tips, and capturing final moments in a place that had become a second home to many. For Ronnie Medina of Norwalk, the day was filled with nostalgia. He had shared meals with his father at the counter as a child and later carried on the tradition with his own son.
“One time, I was eating here with my son, and I realized we had the same waiter who served me 40 years ago,” Medina recalled. “When I asked how that was possible, he told me, ‘Because I’ve never missed a day.’”
Uncertain Futures for Workers
While customers celebrated the legacy of The Pantry, employees faced an uncertain future. Many received only three weeks’ notice of the closure. Brenda De La Rosa, the restaurant’s only cashier on Sunday, had worked there for just over a year, but her mother had been a server for decades.
“We’re all sad. They gave us a three-week notice,” De La Rosa said. “We’re still going to protest and try to fight. Customers are heartbroken too. They have so many memories here.”
UNITE HERE Local 11, the union representing the restaurant’s workers, attempted to renegotiate contracts to secure employment protections under new ownership. However, no agreement was reached before the restaurant’s closure.
After 26 years of working at The Pantry, Maricela Granados said she was still holding out hope. “Today’s our last day. We’re hoping for a miracle or something, you know,” she said. “Thank you to all the loyal customers who supported us.”
As the final plates were served and the last cups of coffee poured, The Original Pantry Cafe closed not just as a restaurant but as a cherished institution, leaving behind generations of memories in the heart of Los Angeles .
- Michelle Trachtenberg’s Passing: Official Cause of Death Finally Disclosed - April 30, 2025
- 21-Year-Old Man Stabbed to Death, Juvenile Arrested in SoCal Incident - April 30, 2025
- 14-Year-Old Boy Repeatedly Hit by Deputy in Southern California - April 30, 2025
