Introduction to Cole’s French Dip
Cole’s French Dip, a landmark downtown L.A. eatery, has been open for 117 years. It was initially set to close this summer, but due to an outpouring of support from the community, the closure has been postponed multiple times.
Initial Closure Announcement
A spokesperson for Cole’s announced in July that the restaurant would be permanently closing due to a variety of reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic, worker strikes, increased crime, rising costs, high rents, and legal challenges.
Extension of Closure Date
Later that month, it was announced that Cole’s would be staying open for an additional 45 days because of the community’s support, meaning the closure was postponed until mid-September. This closure was also postponed, this time until Nov. 1, according to Eater L.A.
Reasons for Closure Postponement
The main reason for the closure postponement was the outpouring of support from the community. The restaurant received multiple requests for holiday events and decided to stay open for the holiday season.
Latest Update on Closure
Now, just as it was set to close for good, Cole’s announced yet another postponement. The exterior sign of Cole’s French Dip in downtown Los Angeles.
“Based on continued support from our guests and the community, Cole’s has decided to stay open for the holiday season,” the restaurant said on social media. “We have fielded multiple requests for holiday events and it’s always our favorite time of year to enjoy Cole’s warm environment.”
Planned Last Night of Regular Service
Restaurant staff expressed that in spite of being able to “stay open a little longer than expected,” the planned last night of regular service will be Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve.
Special Send-Off Soirée
Cole’s won’t go out without a bang though; the eatery is still planning to partner with the Independent Hospitality Coalition for an official send-off soirée with special guests.
Legend has it that Cole’s is where the French Dip sandwich was created, and indeed, the restaurant calls itself “the Originators of the French Dip.”
French Dip Origin
That said, another longstanding L.A. establishment, Philippe The Original, also claims to have invented the French Dip.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cole’s French Dip, a 117-year-old landmark downtown L.A. eatery, has had its closure postponed multiple times due to community support. The restaurant will now remain open until Dec. 31, with a special send-off soirée planned.
FAQs
Q: When was Cole’s French Dip initially set to close?
A: Cole’s French Dip was initially set to close in August.
Q: Why was the closure postponed?
A: The closure was postponed due to an outpouring of support from the community.
Q: What is the new planned last night of regular service?
A: The planned last night of regular service will be Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve.
Q: Is Cole’s French Dip the originator of the French Dip sandwich?
A: Cole’s French Dip claims to be the originator of the French Dip sandwich, but another establishment, Philippe The Original, also makes this claim.

