Original Pantry Cafe Closes After 101 Years in LA

The Original Pantry Cafe, an iconic diner in downtown Los Angeles, closed its doors for the final time on March 2 after nearly 101 years in operation. The closure, attributed to a combination of post-pandemic challenges, a transition in ownership following the death of former Mayor Richard Riordan, and an unresolved labor dispute, left many employees and patrons heartbroken. Longtime customers lined up to share their final meals and reminisce about the diner’s significance, which had historically served as a gathering place for diverse communities. Unionized workers staged protests against the closure, arguing that the new ownership did not honor existing contracts. Despite efforts to negotiate, the trust managing the diner decided to sell the property to fund charitable initiatives, effectively ending a beloved chapter in Los Angeles dining history. The diner was known for its 24-hour service and hearty meals, making it a staple for generations of Angelenos.