Community Rallies Around The Original Pantry Cafe, Host Dine-In to Save Worker Jobs!

Beloved institution formerly owned by Richard Riordan under closure threat by trust that controls the late mayor’s estate

Los Angeles: Dozens of community leaders and neighbors plan to hold a Dine-In at the Original Pantry Cafe. The upsurge in community support to save the Pantry and good union jobs comes after last week dozens of workers of the historic landmark picketed the iconic institution formerly owned by Mayor Richard Riordan. Since his passing in 2023, The Richard J. Riordan Trust has exercised control over the restaurant, which has been designated an LA Historic-Cultural Monument.  The Trust has announced its intention that the restaurant be closed.  The Pantry is demanding that, in order to avoid the closure and loss of workers’ jobs, workers must give up their demand for job security and continued union representation if the restaurant changes hands.

Community leaders plan to come together on the same day the Trust is set to resume negotiations with the union and workers. Their hope is to send a strong message to the owners in hope that they will agree to a fair contract and job protections.

The union representing the workers, UNITE HERE Local 11, has filed a pending unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board alleging that the threatened closure violates federal labor law. Workers at this historic restaurant are fighting for a fair and dignified contract and to guarantee they are able to keep their jobs and the rights that come with union representation.