The Original Pantry Cafe, a Downtown Los Angeles institution for a century, is scheduled to reopen its doors on November 19. The diner, known for its always-open policy, had closed in March 2025, leaving many Angelenos wondering about its future.
Real estate entrepreneur Leo Pustilnikov became the new owner in September 2025. Under his ownership, the Original Pantry Cafe will partner with Hope the Mission, a nonprofit that provides services for unhoused individuals in Greater Los Angeles. This collaboration means that every meal sold will help fund the nonprofit, while also offering job training and support to those experiencing home insecurity. A deal has also been struck with hospitality workers union Unite Here Local 11, which will see some former Original Pantry employees, many of whom worked there for decades, return to their positions.
The Original Pantry first opened in 1924 at the corner of Figueroa and Ninth Streets. Former Los Angeles mayor Richard Riordan purchased the restaurant in 1981, and it remained in his family's trust after his death in 2023. When it closed on March 2, 2025, a conflict existed between the Richard J. Riordan family trust and Unite Here Local 11, centered on allegations that the closure would violate federal labor law. At the time, the trust stated that its primary reason for the closure was to "maximize the value of the real estate." Longtime patrons had lined up for hours during its final weekend to enjoy a last serving of its ham steak and eggs, steak, pancakes, fried potatoes, and crunchy coleslaw.
Throughout its history, the Pantry was famously open at all hours, often noted for its lack of door locks, and had only closed a few times. It continued to serve customers during the 1992 Los Angeles uprising and temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. After pandemic restrictions were lifted, it resumed operations, though it no longer maintained its round-the-clock schedule. Riordan had also opened Riordan's Tavern next door in 2007.
The Pantry is not the only Downtown Los Angeles classic preparing for a return. Clifton's Republic, which began as Clifton's Cafeteria at its Broadway location in 1935, saw its new operators announce plans to resume operations. Former owner Andrew Meiran had sold the building to Robhana Group in 2022, and Clifton's Republic closed in 2025. Similarly, Cole's French Dip, which started selling its signature sandwiches in 1908, will also reopen. After several extensions of its closure, Cole's shuttered in March 2026. The Los Angeles Times reports it is set to reopen in March 2027 under new ownership.
Elsewhere in Southern California, Porto’s Bakery & Cafe has announced a new location in Ontario. Construction for this new outpost, located at the corner of Archibald Avenue and Inland Empire Boulevard, is expected to begin in 2027 with an opening planned for 2028. This will add to Porto’s existing six locations across the region. In West Hollywood, the restaurant Darling, opened last year by chef Sean Brock, continues to garner attention, with Los Angeles Times reviewer Bill Addison expressing admiration for Brock's cooking and his return to his Southern roots.
