News Summary
The Original Pantry Café in downtown Los Angeles will reopen on January 1, 2026, following a six-month closure due to a labor dispute. Now under new ownership by Leo Pustilnikov, the diner returns with its original staff and a fresh agreement with workers. Employees expressed excitement about their return, underscoring the café’s enduring importance to the community. The reopening marks a positive development in labor relations and promises to restore a cherished dining option renowned for its classic fare and 24-hour service.
Los Angeles – The Original Pantry Café, a renowned diner located in downtown Los Angeles, is set to reopen its doors on January 1, 2026, after a six-month closure caused by a labor dispute. This historic eatery, which first opened in 1924, will now operate under new ownership by real estate entrepreneur Leo Pustilnikov.
The diner was closed on March 2, 2025, following a conflict between the previous management and the employees regarding work agreements and union representation. The prolonged closure resulted in the loss of jobs for staff members, which raised significant concerns amongst both the workforce and the local community.
The announcement of the reopening was made during a celebratory event attended by Pustilnikov and representatives from Unite Here Local 11, the union that represents the café’s employees. Under the new ownership, a fresh agreement has been established, allowing the diner to reopen with the original staff who were employed before the closure.
The employees expressed optimism and excitement about returning to work at the diner. Indicative of this sentiment, server Jesus Moran, who has dedicated 48 years to the Original Pantry Café, shared that the team is hopeful that they will continue serving the community for another hundred years. Their anticipation reflects the diner’s role as a cherished establishment within the local culture.
Union officials hailed the reopening as a decisive victory not only for the workers but also for the city. They recognized the importance of ensuring fair labor practices and are pleased that the Original Pantry Café has become a model for successful negotiations. The reopening signifies a positive turn for labor relations in the area, with increased focus on employee rights and workplace conditions.
Pustilnikov remarked on the diner’s significance to Los Angeles history, noting that it stands as an emblematic part of the city’s narrative. He conveyed optimism that the reopening would play a crucial role in the ongoing revitalization efforts in downtown Los Angeles, aligning with the broader goals of enhancing the urban landscape and local economy.
During the closure, some employees adapted by temporarily joining a new establishment called East Los Tacos, where they created a pop-up operation known as East Los Pantry. This interim venture offered a limited menu featuring similar items to those served at the Original Pantry Café. This innovation allowed employees to maintain a degree of income while keeping the community engaged with the café’s brand during the transition period.
The Original Pantry Café’s reopening promises to restore a beloved dining option for both locals and visitors in downtown Los Angeles. Known for its classic diner fare and 24-hour service, the café has long been a gathering spot offering comfort food and a sense of community. With the new management and return of the original staff, there is a sense of renewed hope for a bright future ahead for this historic venue.
As the January opening date approaches, the community waits in anticipation, ready to welcome back a staple of the downtown culinary scene and relive the memories associated with this decades-old diner.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Los Angeles Restaurant Industry Faces Ongoing Struggles
New Culinary Hotspots and Restaurant Closures in Los Angeles
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- Eater LA
- Secret Los Angeles
- Wikipedia: Restaurant
- Google Search: Original Pantry Café
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like 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 drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
