{"id":19180,"date":"2025-07-30T22:55:19","date_gmt":"2025-07-31T05:55:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/los-angeles\/coles-french-dip-now-set-to-stay-open-through-mid-september-daily-news\/"},"modified":"2025-07-30T22:55:21","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T05:55:21","slug":"coles-french-dip-now-set-to-stay-open-through-mid-september-daily-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/los-angeles\/coles-french-dip-now-set-to-stay-open-through-mid-september-daily-news\/","title":{"rendered":"Cole\u2019s French Dip now set to stay open through mid-September \u2013 Daily News"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cole\u2019s French Dip Now Set to Stay Open Through Mid-September<\/h1>\n

Introduction to the Reprieve<\/h2>\n

Following a July announcement that Cole\u2019s French Dip would close on Aug. 3 after 117 years in business as the city\u2019s oldest restaurant and bar, there now seems to be a glimmer of hope for the iconic eatery.
\nIn a statement emailed to the Southern California News Group restaurant, officials said the restaurant \u2014 one of two historic L.A. spots that claim to have invented the French Dip sandwich \u2014 will remain open for another 45 days thanks to an influx of customers who have come to Cole\u2019s ever since the closure was announced.<\/p>\n

Reasons for the Initial Closure Announcement<\/h2>\n

In early July, Cedd Moses, founder of Pouring with Heart, which owns Cole\u2019s, cited myriad reasons for its August closure such as the global pandemic, the actors and writers strikes, overall crime, as well as the consistently rising costs of labor and goods, unsustainably high rents, mounting bureaucracy and legal exposure.<\/p>\n

Community Response and Advocacy<\/h2>\n

Restaurant officials also credited local groups like DTLA Residents Association, Independent Hospitality Coalition, Historic Core BID, Central City Association and the DTLA Alliance for advocating for the restaurant.
\n\u201cThis love and these rallying cries from the LA community have been so heartfelt during this difficult time \u2013\u2013 it\u2019s not only extremely appreciated, but truly eye-opening that, with enough noise and enough fight, change can actually be made,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n

History of Cole\u2019s French Dip<\/h2>\n

Located at 118 E. Sixth St., in the Pacific Electric Building, Cole\u2019s was founded by Henry Cole in 1908 and in 1974 it was dedicated as a city Historic-Cultural Landmark. Cole\u2019s claim to fame is inventing the French dip sandwich, which nearby establishment Philippe The Original has also claimed.
\nCole\u2019s was purchased by Moses and underwent a $1.6 million renovation that brought it back to its 1908 state, with original glass lighting and restored penny-tile floors plus a 40-foot mahogany bar adorned with old photos that depict the history of Cole\u2019s and Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

Extended Operation and Customer Response<\/h2>\n

And after the news got out customers began lining up to get into the downtown Los Angeles restaurant.
\n\u201cDiners and imbibers have been visiting from all across Southern California to say their goodbyes, for which we couldn\u2019t be more grateful. Though it\u2019s likely not going to be forever, it is still a gift to keep the ovens on, the drinks flowing and our family of staff employed for a little bit longer,\u201d the statement continued.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The decision to extend the operation of Cole\u2019s French Dip through mid-September is a testament to the power of community support and the enduring appeal of this historic establishment. As the restaurant continues to serve its iconic French dip sandwiches and other offerings, it remains a beloved part of Los Angeles\u2019 culinary and cultural heritage.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n