The Original Pantry Cafe Closes its Doors After 101 Years of Service
A Legacy of 24/7 Service
After 101 years of service, The Original Pantry Cafe, one of Los Angeles’ most iconic restaurants, shuttered on Sunday, March 2. Closing its doors was a rarity for the establishment. Since 1924, the Original Pantry Cafe had mainly operated 24/7. It was known for its diner staples, such as country-fried steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, burgers, fried potatoes, and Portuguese sausage.
Ambiance and Community
The restaurant’s ambiance reflected the city’s busy nature, welcoming families of all stripes, early-morning workers, late-night owls, and college kids. It had all the hallmarks of a traditional diner, with tables separated by wood-paneled dividers and an open kitchen where a seat at the front counter offered a lively kitchen of short-order cooks preparing the menu’s best.
A New Era
Former Los Angeles mayor Richard Riordan purchased the eatery in 1981 after a server told him he was eating too slowly while reading a book. "I fell in love with it right then," Riordan told the Los Angeles Times in 2008. Riordan operated the restaurant for decades and opened Riordan’s Tavern next door.
A Posthumous Legacy
A post on the restaurant’s Instagram page on April 20, 2023, announced the death of Riordan, writing, "We are saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Richard Riordan, Thank you for all the wonderful memories and for being the greatest boss of all time. You will be greatly missed. ❤️" After his death, the Richard J. Riordan family trust assumed ownership and planned to sell the restaurant to focus on philanthropic efforts.
The Final Curtain
The Los Angeles Times reports citing a dispute between unionizing workers and the trust over the abrupt closure. Last week, the Los Angeles Times reported that Unite Here Local 11, the union representing the restaurant workers, tried to renegotiate a contract where the trust would agree to keep employees and their union representation even under new ownership. The trust responded by threatening to shut down the restaurant. It ultimately decided to do so after its last day, serving fans who waited for hours over the weekend to get a final taste of the diner’s offerings.
Reactions and Reflections
Some users expressed concern and confusion over the closure on social media, with one user asking, "What will happen to all the workers?" "Did the Riordan Trust sell this icon to Frank McCourt? Why is the Original Pantry being closed permanently and lifelong employees being forced from their jobs?" wrote another Instagram user. Others reflected on its place in the city’s late-night scene before the coronavirus pandemic. Like many other restaurants disrupted by the pandemic, the Original Pantry Cafe’s original service hours remained permanently altered, only operating from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and until 5 p.m.
Conclusion
The Original Pantry Cafe’s closure marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of 101 years of service, community, and memories. As fans and former employees mourn the loss, we remember the countless moments shared within its walls, from late-night breakfasts to early morning coffee breaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What will happen to the former employees of the Original Pantry Cafe?
- Will the restaurant reopen under new ownership?
- What will become of the property and the building?
- How will the community and fans of the restaurant continue to honor its legacy?
