The Original Pantry Café, commonly known as The Pantry, was a legendary diner in downtown Los Angeles that had been serving customers since 1924 and now is closed, for good. Founded by Dewey Logan, the restaurant quickly became known for its generous portions, no-nonsense service, and classic American comfort food.One of its most famous features is its claim to have never closed—not even for a single day—until 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced a temporary shutdown. Before that, The Pantry had been open 24/7 for nearly a century, earning a reputation as a go-to spot for night owls, early risers, and everyone in between.Over the years, The Pantry has remained a cultural landmark, frequented by celebrities, politicians, and locals alike. It is now owned by former Los Angeles mayor Richard Riordan, who took over in the 1980s and preserved its old-school charm. Known for its rustic interior, cash-only policy, and famous sourdough bread, The Pantry remains an enduring symbol of L.A.’s rich dining history. The Original Pantry Café, closed permanently on Sunday, March 2, 2025. The closure resulted from a labor dispute between the Richard J. Riordan Trust, which owns the café, and Unite Here Local 11, the union representing its workers. The trust, managing the estate of former LA Mayor Richard Riordan, announced plans to sell the property, leading to conflicts over job security and union representation. Despite efforts to negotiate, the parties couldn’t reach an agreement, culminating in the café’s closure after more than a century of continuous operation.
Sitting on the corner of South Figueroa St. and 9th Street, people would line-up daily for their dose of high carbohydrates. Generous portions of breakfast steaks and chops, with gravy and biscuits got the day started. Dinner was every kind of steak imaginable — Again served with gravy, biscuits, French fries and mashed potatoes. It was a feast and made the usual long wait in line worth it.
There has been dizzy amount of closings as of late:
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Bar Chelou (Pasadena, CA) – A beloved local establishment that shut down permanently following the Eaton Fire, which caused widespread displacement and community dispersion.
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Sage (Echo Park, Los Angeles, CA) – A plant-based restaurant that closed after 14 years of service.
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Catch Steak (West Hollywood, CA) – A notable steakhouse that closed its doors recently.
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Piknik (Echo Park, Los Angeles, CA) – A restaurant that ceased operations recently.
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Amacita (Culver City, CA) – Chef Josef Centeno’s Tex-Mex spot that closed its doors, with hints of future evolution.
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Manzke (Los Angeles, CA) – A Michelin-starred restaurant offering a contemporary style blending French techniques with Californian influences and Asian notes, closed due to increasing costs and financial pressures.
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Taco María (Costa Mesa, CA) – A Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant that closed with plans to relocate to a larger space.
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Side Pie (Altadena, CA) – A pizza restaurant that began as a pop-up and later moved to a commercial space, destroyed in the Eaton Fire.
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Maude (Beverly Hills, CA) – A Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Curtis Stone, closed to allow focus on other ventures.
These closures reflect the challenges faced by the restaurant industry in Southern California, including financial pressures, natural disasters, and evolving business strategies.
