Introduction to The Original Pantry Cafe
The Original Pantry Cafe, a beloved Los Angeles restaurant, is set to reopen after a 6-month shutdown. This news was announced by Unite Here Local 11, a union that represents hospitality workers in Los Angeles and Arizona. The reopening is a result of an agreement between the union and the restaurant’s new owner, Leo Pustilnikov, a real estate entrepreneur.
Background of the Shutdown
The Original Pantry Cafe abruptly shut down six months ago due to a disagreement between the Richard J. Riordan Trust and workers who insisted that any new ownership must protect their jobs and honor their union. The restaurant, which was previously owned by the late Richard Riordan, a former Los Angeles mayor, had been in operation since 1924 and was mainly open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
After the shutdown, fans of the diner were left waiting in line for hours over the final weekend to get a last taste of the diner’s food. The closure caught many customers off guard, and the community was eagerly awaiting news of its reopening.
The Reopening Agreement
According to a release, the union worked with the restaurant’s new owner to come up with an agreement that would reopen the Pantry with its original staff, some of whom have been working at the 101-year-old restaurant for decades. The union called the agreement "A Ray of Hope in a Dark Time for our City." More details on the agreement will be provided during a news conference at the downtown restaurant on Thursday, Sept. 11.
Community Reaction
People walk by The Original Pantry Cafe, which has been closed for six months, in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. The Pantry is reopening with its original staff, some of whom have been working at the 101-year-old restaurant for decades according to Unite Here Local 11. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Many fans of the diner expressed their joy at the reopening news, with comments on the popular Instagram food page @hungryinla reading "The best news this week" and "A huge part of LA is back thank goodness." The Original Pantry, known for classic diner dishes like the hefty country-fried steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, fried potatoes coleslaw, and popular pancakes, had become part of the fabric of the city.
Cultural Significance
The Original Pantry had become an important cultural landmark, appealing to families, early morning workers, and late-night partiers who would crowd its tables and front counter. Since it operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for most of its run, it was a vital part of the community. Fans of the restaurant are hoping that this will all return once the doors open again.
Reaction from the Community
A man walks by The Original Pantry Cafe, which has been closed for six months, in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. The Pantry is reopening with its original staff, some of whom have been working at the 101-year-old restaurant for decades according to Unite Here Local 11. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Hal Bastian, a downtown Los Angeles real estate broker and long-time resident and advocate who frequented The Pantry, said, "This is the best news that Downtown Los Angeles has had in a long time. And we’re very excited to see the institution reopen and once again becoming a vital part of the community."
Conclusion
The reopening of The Original Pantry Cafe is a welcome news for the community, and fans of the diner are eagerly awaiting its return. With its original staff and classic diner dishes, the restaurant is expected to once again become a vital part of the community. The agreement between the union and the new owner is a positive step towards preserving the jobs and union of the workers, and the community is looking forward to seeing the institution thrive once again.
FAQs
Q: When is The Original Pantry Cafe reopening?
A: The exact date of the reopening has not been announced, but a news conference is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 11, to provide more details.
Q: Who is the new owner of The Original Pantry Cafe?
A: The new owner is Leo Pustilnikov, a real estate entrepreneur.
Q: Will the original staff be returning to The Original Pantry Cafe?
A: Yes, the agreement between the union and the new owner includes the return of the original staff, some of whom have been working at the restaurant for decades.
Q: What is the significance of The Original Pantry Cafe to the community?
A: The Original Pantry Cafe is an important cultural landmark and a vital part of the community, appealing to families, early morning workers, and late-night partiers.
Q: Where can I find more information about The Original Pantry Cafe reopening?
A: More information will be provided during a news conference at the downtown restaurant on Thursday, Sept. 11.
Originally Published: September 10, 2025 at 12:35 PM PDT
