""The pantry is sort of like the story of LA," Pustilnikov said."
""It's had its ups and downs, and hopefully, much like LA and much like Downtown, the reopening will boost the rebirth of Downtown with everything coming to it.""
The Original Pantry Cafe closed suddenly in March 2025 after 101 years, ending a long history of near-continuous 24/7 operation. The closure followed a labor dispute between Unite Here 11-represented workers and the Richard J. Riordan family trust. Real estate entrepreneur Leo Pustilnikov purchased the diner and agreed to rehire the workers and recognize the union. Unite Here 11 announced the reopening on September 9 and held a press conference on September 11, where a crowd gathered and Kurt Petersen announced the reopening date. Pustilnikov expressed hope that the New Year's Eve 2025 reopening will boost Downtown Los Angeles's rebirth.
Read at Eater LA
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