The Original Pantry Cafe in downtown Los Angeles is scheduled to reopen on Nov. 19 under new ownership and management, as reported by News from California, across the nation and world - Los Angeles Times. Real estate developer Leo Pustilnikov purchased the nearly 8,000-square-foot building in September 2025 and placed the historic diner under the management of the San Fernando Valley nonprofit Hope the Mission.
The restaurant originally opened in 1924 and closed in March 2025 following pandemic-era hardships and a labor dispute. Unite Here Local 11 stated that all recently employed staff were offered jobs at the revived restaurant, with 13 of the 21 workers at the time of closure returning under a new contract. The reopened diner will feature new dishes alongside a philanthropic focus, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit's programs and shelters.
