Community
Original Pantry Cafe sets November return in downtown Los Angeles
The century-old Figueroa Street diner is scheduled to reopen November 19 with a new owner, returning workers and a partnership with Hope the Mission.
The Original Pantry Cafe, the longtime diner at Figueroa and Ninth streets in downtown Los Angeles, is expected to resume service on November 19, according to Eater LA. The restaurant closed in March 2025 after operating for more than a century.
Reopening date: November 19
Location: 877 S. Figueroa St., downtown Los Angeles
Community partner: Hope the Mission
A familiar restaurant, new operators
Eater LA reported that real-estate entrepreneur Leo Pustilnikov became the restaurant’s owner in September 2025. The reopening plan includes a partnership with the Los Angeles nonprofit Hope the Mission; the outlet reported that meals are intended to help support the organization’s work and job-training efforts.
Some former employees are also expected to return after a new agreement with Unite Here Local 11, Eater LA reported. The source story describes the reopening as a return for a diner that began serving customers in 1924 and became a well-known downtown gathering place.
What is confirmed
The November reopening date and partnership details are from Eater LA’s October 23 report. Operational details, including hours and menu specifics, were not included in the report and may change before service resumes.
Original reporting: Eater LA — October 23 →