The Original Pantry Cafe, a landmark diner known for its classic American breakfasts and deep Los Angeles roots, is set to reopen in Downtown Los Angeles at 877 S Figueroa Street.
The restaurant, which closed suddenly in March following a labor dispute, will reopen under new ownership after 101 years of continuous service, according to Eater Los Angeles. The new owner, real estate entrepreneur Leo Pustilnikov, has reached an agreement with Unite Here Local 11 to rehire union workers and recognize the union. According to union co-president Kurt Petersen, the reopening is officially scheduled for December 31, though some local outlets mistakenly reported an earlier date. Diners can expect the return of longtime favorites like pancakes, omelets, and French toast.
Originally opened in 1924, The Original Pantry Cafe moved to its current location in 1950. The diner was purchased by then-Mayor Richard Riordan in 1981 and operated under the Riordan family trust until his passing in 2023. The March 2025 closure marked a significant moment in the cafe’s history, which had previously only experienced brief closures due to a 1997 health inspection and the COVID-19 pandemic. It also ended the restaurant’s legacy of never locking its doors, a tradition that had been maintained until post-pandemic changes led to limited hours.
The public response to the closure was immediate and vocal. On September 11, a crowd gathered outside the cafe, possibly expecting an early reopening based on mistaken reporting. The scene included balloons over the doorway, a pancake-shaped cake, and honking cars—though the restaurant remained closed that day.
The new owner, Pustilnikov, is better known for his real estate developments, but has taken a public stance in support of maintaining the Pantry’s cultural and historic legacy. By working with the union to rehire staff and restore the diner’s role in the community, he has helped clear the way for the highly anticipated reopening.
