Original Pantry Cafe Faces Closure Threat Amid Union Dispute

The Original Pantry Cafe in downtown Los Angeles is facing closure due to a labor dispute, with employees alleging that the Richard J. Riordan Trust is threatening to shut the restaurant unless workers abandon their union protections. Workers from Unite Here Local 11, representing cooks, servers, and bussers, have protested against what they perceive as a union-busting move by the trust, which assumed ownership after former Mayor Richard Riordan's death in 2023. The union is demanding job security and continued representation during any potential ownership transition, but the trust has indicated it will close the restaurant if these demands are not met. Workers have expressed feelings of betrayal, as many have dedicated decades to the cafe, which has been a staple since 1924. The trust stated the closure is necessary to facilitate a potential sale, but has not confirmed any buyers. The cafe's operating hours have already been reduced, with the impending closure set for March 2, 2025, if no agreement is reached.