On March 2, 2025, Los Angeles said goodbye to a cherished landmark—the Original Pantry Cafe. After 101 years of serving customers, this iconic diner closed its doors. Many Angelenos are left wondering why such a beloved spot had to close.
The Original Pantry Cafe opened in 1924 as a 24-hour restaurant. In 1950, it relocated to its current spot because of the 110 freeway construction. Legend has it that the diner served breakfast at the old location and reopened for dinner at its new one. It closed just twice: once after a health inspection issue in 1997 (which was quickly resolved) and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it reopened later, it shifted from 24/7 hours to a more limited schedule of early morning to mid-afternoon. In 1981, then-mayor Richard Riordan bought the diner, running it until his passing in 2023.
Riordan was also involved in other ventures, including Riordan’s Tavern, which opened next door in 2008. Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, the Original Pantry Cafe managed to reopen, but Riordan’s Tavern never resumed operations and remains closed.
The Richard J. Riordan family trust attributed the cafe’s closure to a desire to maximize the property’s value. Their statement emphasized that selling the property would provide more resources for the foundation they run, which focuses on education and charitable causes. The site’s proximity to major venues in Los Angeles makes it a hot spot for potential redevelopment.
The trust says they aim to help underserved communities through education, boasting $24 million in assets as of 2023. Yet, this decision didn’t sit well with everyone. Kurt Petersen, president of Unite Here Local 11, expressed outrage, saying that the real value lies in the workers, not just the property. He condemned the trust’s handling of the situation, claiming they gave workers an ultimatum that left them with no choice.
Petersen described the closure as “cold-blooded,” and it struck a nerve with many who had built their lives around the diner. At the time of closing, only 25 employees remained, down from 80 at the start of the pandemic. For decades, these workers had formed a tight-knit community under Riordan, who treated them well. Petersen noted that the cafe had always been a profitable establishment, contradicting claims made by the trust.
Negotiations about severance and closure details were ongoing, creating even more uncertainty for the workers. Meanwhile, the legacy of Riordan looms large; he once sold air rights to prevent high-rise constructions around the diner, ensuring it maintained a certain character and charm. In 1987, the Original Pantry Cafe was designated a Historic-Cultural Monument by Los Angeles, which gives it some protection against demolition.
Despite the trust’s claims that union demands created obstacles for potential buyers, union leaders say the employees remained loyal even when facing closure. They had voted to keep their union contract. Communication from the trust indicated that they had known about potential closure plans since the summer of 2024, yet workers learned of the official closure only on January 30, 2025.
Alejandro Ortiz, who worked at the diner for over 25 years, couldn’t believe the news. He reminisced about his time there, describing the Original Pantry Cafe as a second home. The abrupt closure left him feeling loss and betrayal, saying, “The family doesn’t care about us; they just want to sell.”
On the last day, tensions ran high as representatives from the trust came to deliver workers’ final paychecks. Employees hoped for a conversation but ended up facing police after trying to communicate their concerns. Petersen watched in disbelief, noting how heartbreaking it was to witness such treatment of loyal staff.
As the trust anticipates a profitable sale, Los Angeles loses an important piece of its history. Although the diner is protected for now, there are no guarantees for its future. The hope is that other historic restaurants in the city will remain safe and cherished.
Ortiz reflected on a night when he had to juggle multiple roles due to a lack of staff, feeling a profound sadness now that the diner has closed. “I worked there because I loved the restaurant,” he said, underscoring the emotional ties many had to this historic eatery.
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