It seems like only yesterday we stood in line for six hours stretched around the block outside The Original Pantry.
It felt like only yesterday, because it was yesterday, but instead of just waiting with locked knees outside the doors for the host to call the next guest, we went to take what may very well be our last bite, as news spread that The Original Pantry, a stalwart of downtown Los Angeles, would be shuttering its doors?
Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan photo by legendary photographer Gary Leonard
Say it isn’t so.
For 100 years, The Original Pantry wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a living, breathing testament to the city’s resilience. Opened around the clock, it was a haven of comfort, community, and tourism alike. Within its no-nonsense atmosphere, generous portions of unwavering commitment made the Pantry a haven for late-night workers, weary travelers, celebrities, politicians, and thousands of people who didn’t mind waiting in line for hours for a chance to eat. The clatter of plates, the sizzle of bacon, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee formed a symphony unique to its walls, and almost everyone in LA has a story.
How did we get to this?
In the years before its closing, The Original Pantry was owned by former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, yet following his death in 2023, the restaurant’s ownership passed to his estate.
The decision to close the Pantry was made by the estate, with a focus on prioritizing the charitable mission of the Riordan Foundation and eventually selling the property. This shift in priorities ultimately led to the end of the Pantry’s century-long run.
Photo courtesy of The Original Pantry.
With news of the sale, a local union, Unite Here UNION Local 11 that represented the long-time employees actively advocated for their members. Their demands centered on ensuring that employees would retain their positions under any new ownership, that their union contract would be honored, and that union representation would continue with whatever new owners came about. A decision the estate said could hamper their abilities to find a potential buyer.
Despite evidence The Pantry supported its workers, seen here from the 100th-year celebratory post, stating,
“Happy 100th anniversary to us. This day would not have been possible without Mayor Richard Reardon and the love he had for his restaurant and all the hard work of our employees, as well as all the support from our loyal customers. Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with us, and cheers to 100 years.”
Photo courtesy of The Original Pantry.
When news of the restaurant’s pushback hit the internet, fans of the restaurant began expressing their opinions.
Soon nostalgic recollections of late-night pancakes, hearty steaks, and signature coleslaw would be served with a side of salt as a wave of support for the workers emerged, stating Riordan estate’s handling of the closure was unfair.
Photo courtesy – The Original Pantry
Amidst the negativity commentary and daily protest outside its doors, the estate doubled down, and instead of participating in ongoing disputes, cancel culture, and picket lines that could diminish its brand’s favor forever, it decided it would close.
The changing landscape of downtown Los Angeles undoubtedly also played a role in the decision to sell. Shifting demographics, the pandemic, and the increasing competition from trendy new eateries have put immense pressure on the long-standing business.
Photo courtesy of The Original Pantry.
For those who spent countless hours in and outside its walls, the closure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. The Pantry’s legacy, however, will live on in the stories and memories shared by the countless patrons who found solace within its comforting embrace. Now, we find ourselves in line once again, this time for a buyer knowing that regardless of what the future holds, on the corner of 9th and Olympic, one thing is certain: good things come to those who wait.
