News Summary
The Original Pantry Cafe in downtown Los Angeles is set to reopen on New Year’s Eve 2025 after a labor dispute led to its closure. New owner Leo Pustilnikov is committed to rehiring former staff and recognizing the union. The reopening marks a hopeful revival for the historic diner, known for its 24-hour service and classic American dishes. Community support during the closure has been strong, and the reopening is anticipated to renew its legacy in the city’s dining scene.
Los Angeles – The Original Pantry Cafe, a treasured diner in downtown Los Angeles, is set to reopen its doors on New Year’s Eve 2025, following a closure that began in March 2025 due to a labor dispute. This iconic establishment, which has been in operation for 101 years, briefly closed as a result of disagreements between unionized employees and the previous owner, the Richard J. Riordan family trust.
The new proprietor, Leo Pustilnikov, a real estate entrepreneur, has committed to rehiring former employees and recognizing the union, Unite Here Local 11, as part of the transition process. The union recently announced the reopening date in a press release, capturing a sense of optimism for both workers and patrons alike.
A press conference to outline the details surrounding the reopening was scheduled for September 11, generating considerable excitement and attendance, with a crowd gathering on James M. Wood Boulevard. Co-president of Unite Here Local 11, Kurt Petersen, shared the reopening announcement alongside Pustilnikov and several past employees of the diner.
Background on the Original Pantry Cafe
The Original Pantry Cafe first opened in 1924, quickly gaining a reputation for its 24-hour service and classic American dishes, such as French toast, omelets, and pancakes. The diner, which moved to its current location in 1950, was acquired by Richard Riordan in 1981, who maintained the eatery until his death in 2023. Throughout its long history, the diner has rarely closed for extended periods, with a lone substantial closure occurring in 1997 due to health inspection issues.
The café faced its longest shutdown before the recent closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, following which it ceased to operate 24 hours a day. The legacy of the original Pantry Cafe is marked not only by its operational resilience but also by its devoted customer base that sees it as a central feature of the Los Angeles dining landscape.
Labor Dispute and Community Response
The labor dispute, which contributed significantly to the café’s closure, arose from previous attempts by the union to negotiate terms that would protect the workers’ rights amid the ownership change. Despite these efforts, the standoff resulted in the abrupt shuttering of the diner, leading to widespread community disappointment.
In response to the closure, workers rallied together, organizing protests and fundraising initiatives to advocate for the eatery’s return to the community. Such solidarity among employees and local supporters exemplified the strong connection the diner has cultivated over the decades.
The Future of the Original Pantry Cafe
Pustilnikov’s acquisition of the diner and the accompanying parking lot cost a total of $5.5 million. His acknowledgment of the establishment’s historical significance highlights the diner not just as a business, but as a cherished part of Los Angeles heritage. The forthcoming reopening is seen as a revival of hope within a restaurant industry that continues to face numerous challenges in the city.
During the reopening event, a red ribbon cutting ceremony will mark the occasion, complemented by a celebratory cake shaped like pancakes—symbolizing not only the restaurant’s culinary offerings but also the spirit of resilience that it represents for the community.
As the countdown to reunion with patrons begins, the Original Pantry Cafe’s reopening is anticipated to bring comfort and continuation of a legacy that spans more than a century, rooting itself even deeper into the fabric of Los Angeles history.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Times
- LAist
- ABC7
- Eater LA
- Wikipedia: Original Pantry Cafe
- Google Search: Los Angeles Original Pantry Cafe
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- Google News: Original Pantry Cafe
- Time Out Los Angeles
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
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
