Cole’s French Dip Closes After Over a Century of Service

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The once-bustling Cole's French Dip now closed, reflecting the challenges faced by local businesses.

News Summary

Cole’s French Dip, a historic restaurant in downtown Los Angeles, has officially closed its doors after more than 100 years of operation. The closure is attributed to the adverse effects of recent tariff policies impacting local businesses. During a discussion led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, the relationship between tariffs, local economy, and business struggles was highlighted. Business leaders expressed concerns regarding trade policies and their significant negative impact on various sectors, marking a troubling time for the economy in California.

Los Angeles – Cole’s French Dip, a historic restaurant located in downtown Los Angeles, officially closed its doors permanently after over 100 years of service. The announcement came on Monday just before a roundtable discussion led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta focusing on the implications of recent tariff policies on local businesses.

Nella McOsker, president and CEO of the Central City Association of Los Angeles, pointed out that the ongoing tariff situation has played a significant role in the restaurant’s closure, contributing to the broader struggles faced by local businesses. McOsker took part in discussions about how tariffs are impacting various industries across California, which is notable for being the nation’s largest importer and the second-largest exporter. If California were considered a separate nation, it would rank as having the fourth-largest economy globally.

According to Attorney General Bonta, California is suffering disproportionately from the adverse effects of tariffs given its large economy. The conversation among business leaders revealed their viewpoints on the harmful consequences of trade policies, which they described as “devastating.” Bonta highlighted the unpredictability of tariffs that complicates long-term budgeting and capital expenditures for businesses trying to navigate uncertain economic waters.

Jason Hodge, commissioner of the Port of Hueneme, raised alarms over the “frightening” ripple effects of the tariffs introduced under the Trump administration’s trade policy. Concerns were expressed regarding the unstable market environment, which could lead to job outsourcing and discourage potential investments in facilities by shipping customers.

In response to the ongoing issues, California has filed a lawsuit contesting President Trump’s authority to implement international tariffs without congressional approval. This marks the first lawsuit of its kind from a state against the federal administration’s trade policy. Furthermore, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a separate lawsuit challenging the legality of the tariffs, underscoring the state’s position against federal trade strategies that are perceived to threaten the local economy.

Business leaders voiced their frustrations regarding the impact of these trade policies, which are projected to create a significant shrinkage of $178 billion in the U.S. economy. Many local officials are also troubled by recent immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles, which they believe negatively affect local business operations and community morale.

Amidst these challenges, Carlos Singer from the L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce emphasized the current state of business as one experiencing “intense flux,” which detrimental to both emotional and community stability. Local business leaders have called for concrete evidence demonstrating how current federal policies are adversely affecting business conditions and overall prosperity.

While the Trump administration has claimed that tariffs are intended to bolster the U.S. economy by reducing trade deficits, many business leaders criticized the lack of stability these policies inject into the marketplace, making it difficult for businesses to thrive. During the roundtable discussion, it was noted that various economic sectors, such as construction, manufacturing, and retail, are under threat from both tariff and immigration policies.

This conversation highlighted the far-reaching detrimental effects of federal actions on the economic landscape and well-being of communities in California. The ongoing challenges seem to pose significant risks not only for individual businesses like Cole’s French Dip, but for the vitality of various sectors across the state.