Famous L.A. Deli Laments Closure of Landmark Local Restaurant
Introduction to the Closure
From one longtime Angeleno favorite to another.
Cole’s French Dip recently announced it would be closing for good due to a “litany of reasons,” including the coronavirus pandemic, strikes in Hollywood, an uptick in crime and an increase in costs for labor, goods and rent. The bar previously hidden in the back of Cole’s, The Varnish, closed due to mounting costs in 2024.
History of Cole’s French Dip
A longtime staple of L.A., the 117-year-old downtown L.A. establishment claims to be the birthplace of the French Dip sandwich. Another local restaurant, Philippe the Original, also claimed to be the birthplace of the French Dip; however, the City of Los Angeles designated Cole’s as a historical landmark site in 1974 and recognized them as the true inventor of the sandwich, according to the Cole’s website.
The exterior sign of Cole’s French Dip in downtown Los Angeles. (KTLA)
Reaction from Another L.A. Staple
Another Los Angeles staple, Langer’s Delicatessen, is now paying homage to its food serving compatriot. In recent times, Langer’s has struggled too – even considering closing at one point – and the restaurant was forced to add a 50-cent surcharge on eggs earlier this year; the surcharge was dropped late last month after the avian flu outbreak that caused the rise in egg prices was contained.
Statement from Langer’s Owner
“It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of nostalgia that I learned about the impending closure of Cole’s French Dip – a beloved Los Angeles institution that has stood the test of time for more than a century,” Langer’s owner, Norm Langer, said in a statement to KTLA. “Founded before Prohibition, Cole’s wasn’t just a restaurant – it was a fixture of downtown Los Angeles and a second home to generations of Angelenos.”
“It was the kind of place where you could find a warm meal, a good drink and a friendly face, even in the late hours of the night,” Langer continued.
Challenges Faced by Independent Restaurants
The Langer’s owner sympathized with Cole’s management on the reasons for the closure, saying that independent restaurants across the country have “faced extraordinary challenges.”
“As we’ve seen in recent years – through the pandemic, rising crime, increased operating costs and an ever-growing tangle of bureaucracy – independent restaurants have faced extraordinary challenges,” he said. “Langer’s has felt those pressures too. I’m heartsick that Cole’s, with all its history and heart, could not only survive but continue to thrive.”
Santiago Garcia, right, and Jaime Castaneda make sandwiches at Langer’s Deli, also known as Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant, in in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles, opposite MacArthur Park, on August 21, 2024. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Impact of the Closure
Langer went on to describe Cole’s — founded in 1908, 39 years before Langer’s opened its doors in 1947 – as a piece of the city’s soul and a crown jewel.
“Its absence will be felt by all who value tradition, resilience and the unique cultural fabric that made this city great,” he said.
Final Days of Cole’s
Ahead of the closure of Cole’s, the restaurant is inviting the public to stop by and enjoy a final meal in the historic establishment. It should be noted that Cole’s, the city’s oldest operating restaurant and bar, is 21+ after 7 p.m.
“We have cherished our time serving the downtown community and will continue to craft great drinks and our renowned French dip sandwiches until we shutter. We care deeply about our family of staff and are immensely grateful for our amazing guests who have supported Cole’s over the years,” the restaurant said in a statement to KTLA on Monday.
Cole’s will officially close its doors on Aug. 3.
Conclusion
The closure of Cole’s French Dip marks the end of an era for Los Angeles, as the city loses a piece of its soul and a historical landmark. As Langer’s Delicatessen and other local restaurants continue to struggle with the challenges of operating in the city, the loss of Cole’s serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the cultural fabric of the community.
FAQs
Q: Why is Cole’s French Dip closing?
A: Cole’s French Dip is closing due to a combination of factors, including the coronavirus pandemic, strikes in Hollywood, an uptick in crime, and increased costs for labor, goods, and rent.
Q: What is the history of Cole’s French Dip?
A: Cole’s French Dip has been a staple of Los Angeles since 1908 and claims to be the birthplace of the French Dip sandwich.
Q: How has Langer’s Delicatessen been affected by the challenges faced by independent restaurants?
A: Langer’s Delicatessen has also struggled with the challenges faced by independent restaurants, including considering closing at one point and adding a surcharge on eggs.
Q: What is the final day of operation for Cole’s French Dip?
A: Cole’s French Dip will officially close its doors on Aug. 3.
