PRESS RELEASE: LA’s Historic Original Pantry Café To Open Early 2026! UNITE HERE Local 11 and New Owner Leo Pustilnikov Ink Deal to Save Restaurant

Los Angeles, CA: The Original Pantry Café workers, some of whom have served Angelenos for more than 40 years, will return to their jobs after a landmark agreement between the new owner and Real Estate Entrepreneur Leo Pustilnikov and UNITE HERE Local 11.  Together, they celebrated the announcement of reopening of the beloved 101-year old restaurant with city leaders, community allies and loyal patrons.  Workers were joined by Los Angeles council members, Ysabel Jurado, Curren Price and dozens more outside the Pantry today.

Now, under new ownership, the Pantry will reopen with its remarkable workers, the union and a renewed commitment to remain a cornerstone of Los Angeles. The Pantry is expected to reopen January 1st, 2026.

The deal comes six months after Richard J. Riordan Trust, the restaurant’s former owner, abruptly shuttered the Pantry after workers insisted that any new ownership must protect their jobs and honor their union. Thanks to a community-led campaign—including protests, pancake fundraisers, and public pressure—workers and allies kept the fight alive.

Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11 said, “That the Original Pantry will reopen is not just a union victory — it is a Los Angeles victory. It’s a love story with a storybook ending, arriving at a moment when our city needs it most. The Pantry’s dishwashers, cooks, and servers — with more than 300 years of service between them — never gave up. They are true heroes of Los Angeles.  Let’s go eat some pancakes!”

Real Estate Entrepreneur and new owner of the Original Pantry Cafe Leo Pustilnikov said,  “The resilience of the Pantry is in many ways proof of the resilience of Downtown as a whole. Both have had ups and downs and both will emerge stronger and more vibrant for future generations of Angelenos”

“The reopening of the Pantry could not have happened without the determination of its workers. I am proud to have helped facilitate the conversations with the new ownership that made this agreement possible,” said Councilmember Ysabel Jurado. “By bringing people together at the table and standing with our workers, we have turned their fight into a lasting victory for Downtown LA and all of Los Angeles.”

Jesus Moran, a server at the Original Pantry for  48 years said “We’re so happy for this new resolution! We hope to serve Los Angeles for another 100 years! To our customers, thank you for your support during our events, and to UNITE HERE Local 11 and Mr. Leo for bringing us back. We look forward to serving lots of pancakes again!”

Rev. Mark Hallahan, a member of CLUE, said “CLUE is elated to celebrate the Original Pantry’s reopening with the Workers who fought to ensure that sacred hospitality will continue to be offered here in the heart of downtown. We give thanks to God for the just resolution before us and pray that the Pantry will continue to be a place where folks can gather together in community and break bread that is served with love and justice”