News Summary
The Original Pantry Café, a historic diner in downtown Los Angeles, will reopen on New Year’s Eve after a six-month closure due to a labor dispute. The café, which has operated since 1924, was recently acquired by real estate developer Leo Pustilnikov, who plans to rehire all former employees. Support from the hospitality union and the community has been crucial in reviving this staple establishment. Special events are planned for its reopening, marking a significant moment for the local community and its traditions.
Los Angeles – The Original Pantry Café, a beloved diner in downtown Los Angeles, is set to reopen its doors on New Year’s Eve following a six-month closure sparked by a labor dispute. The café, renowned for its 24-hour service and rich history, first opened in 1924 and has been a staple in the community for nearly 100 years.
The almost 8,000-square-foot property, located on James M. Wood Boulevard, was recently acquired by real estate developer Leo Pustilnikov for $5.5 million. His purchase has garnered support from the hospitality union Unite Here Local 11, which represents the diner’s workers. Crucially, an agreement has been established to rehire all 25 employees who lost their jobs when the café closed in March.
The closure was initiated by the Richard J. Riordan Administrative Trust following the death of former owner Richard Riordan in 2023. This led to a significant labor dispute over employee rights and union representation, prompting the café’s temporary shutdown. Despite these challenges, Pustilnikov emphasized his intention to preserve the diner due to its status as an integral part of Los Angeles history, aiming for the long-serving employees to complete their careers at the establishment.
To celebrate the reopening, special events have been planned, including a festive gathering with balloons, a pancake-shaped cake, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This ceremony is expected to draw workers, their families, union organizers, labor leaders, and local government officials, including members of the Los Angeles City Council. Many of the workers have expressed their strong connection to the diner, with some employees having dedicated nearly 50 years to it, underscoring the importance of community and tradition in the café’s operations.
The successful reopening of the Original Pantry Café is credited to a community-driven campaign that featured protests, fundraising efforts for the diner, and extensive public support. In recent years, the diner faced various challenges, including legal disputes concerning unpaid wages, leading to its listing for sale amid the labor conflicts.
Pustilnikov, who has experience with other real estate projects throughout Southern California, plans to reopen the diner with the previous team of employees. This move is expected to not only reinstate jobs but also contribute positively to the revitalization efforts of downtown Los Angeles.
As a piece of Los Angeles history, the Original Pantry Café holds a unique place in the city’s culture. After relocating in the 1950s due to the construction of a freeway off-ramp, it has continued to be a gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. The anticipated reopening is seen as a beacon of hope for the community, reflecting resilience in the face of adversity and a commitment to preserving historic landmarks in the city.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- NBC Los Angeles
- Eater LA
- ABC7 News
- Time Out Los Angeles
- Wikipedia: Original Pantry Cafe
- Google Search: Original Pantry Cafe reopening
- Google Scholar: Original Pantry Cafe
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Original Pantry Cafe
- Google News: Original Pantry Cafe
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LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
