LA's Original Pantry Cafe Reopens

Founded in 1924 by Dewey Logan, The Original Pantry Cafe started as a 15-stool counter and grew into a Los Angeles landmark famous for its claim of never closing and never being without a customer. For decades, it served classic American diner fare 24/7, attracting celebrities and politicians alike. The restaurant's ownership eventually transferred to former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan in 1981. After Riordan's death in 2023, the Richard J. Riordan Trust took over and decided to sell the property to fund its charitable work. This led to a labor dispute with the employees' union, Unite Here Local 11, over job security under new ownership. The conflict escalated, and after 101 years of operation, the cafe closed its doors on March 2, 2025, following employee protests and stalled contract negotiations. The closure was also preceded by a class-action lawsuit filed by workers in April 2023, alleging unpaid wages for overtime and missed breaks. In September 2025, real estate developer Leo Pustilnikov purchased the building and the adjacent parking lot for $5.5 million, striking a deal with the union to rehire the 25 displaced workers. The reopening, initially slated for New Year's Eve 2025, faced delays. Now, a new partnership has been announced with the nonprofit Hope the Mission. The cafe is now targeting a May or June 2026 reopening, operating as a philanthropic restaurant. Under this new model, all profits from the diner will be directed to Hope the Mission's programs to feed and shelter people experiencing homelessness. While the classic interior will be preserved, the menu may see some updates to include Korean and Latino dishes, reflecting the city's diverse culinary landscape. Some former employees who found work at East Los Tacos after the closure now face the decision of whether to return to the downtown institution.