WE SAVED THE PANTRY!
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.
On September 11, 2025 we 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 of Pantry lovers and cherished clients.
THE ORIGINAL PANTRY WILL REOPEN!
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 Leo Pustilnikov and Local 11, the Pantry will reopen early 2026.
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!”
LA TIMES: L.A.’s Original Pantry to reopen with new owner and same workers
“Real estate developer Leo Pustilnikov bought the Original Pantry’s nearly 8,000-square-foot building on James M. Wood Boulevard with the blessing of hospitality union Unite Here Local 11. The union, which represents Pantry workers, inked a deal with Pustilnikov ensuring that the diner would keep union representation and bring back all 25 workers who lost their jobs when it closed in March.”
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”
Ash Wednesday blessing of the workers of The Original Pantry
Members of UNITE HERE Local 11 Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice gathered outside The Original Pantry Café on Ash Wednesday to dispense ashes and offer blessings to the Pantry workers on what would otherwise be a normal work shift at the recently-shuttered LA icon. More images
The Original Pantry Cafe Workers Refuse to Be Thrown Out on The Street
Steadfast after closure, workers at The Original Pantry say the fight for the restaurant’s future is not over
The Original Pantry Café closed its doors for the last time at 5 PM yesterday, according to the entity that controls the restaurant. But long-time workers are seeking further talks with the Richard J. Riordan Trust, the entity that decided to close the restaurant, in an ongoing effort to keep the L.A. icon open under new ownership.
Last night, after workers wiped down the tables and mopped the floors, they gathered in the restaurant’s historic dining room while still in uniform and asked to speak with a representative from the Trust. Trust representatives refused to speak with the workers and instead called the police on The Pantry’s employees.
Under threat of arrest, workers exited the restaurant peacefully at 7 PM to the cheers and applause of supporters rallying outside. The LAPD briefly detained and cited UNITE HERE Local 11 co-president Kurt Petersen.
“Mayor Riordan’s heirs and the trustees of his estate have chosen to discard these workers in a shameless move straight out of Elon Musk’s playbook,” said Petersen. “I think the late mayor would be appalled at the greed on display.”
In negotiations with UNITE HERE Local 11, the union that represents the workers, The Pantry gave its employees an ultimatum: The restaurant will shut down and fire all workers unless workers give up their demand for job security and continued union representation when the restaurant changes hands.
Maricela Granados, a 26-year server known by her long-time customers as Mary G., said as she left the restaurant, “I didn’t believe they would really close and kick us all out. I’m not sure what I’m going to do next, but I won’t stop fighting for the Pantry.”
Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice have launched a GoFundMe for the fired workers.
PRESS ADVISORY: LA Councilmember Curren Price, State Senators Durazo, Smallwood Cuevas and More Rally to Save Original Pantry Cafe Jobs Ahead of Riordan Trust’s Threat to Close Sunday Inbox
Earlier this week, the Original Pantry workers and the union representing them, UNITE HERE Local 11, met with The Richard J. Riordan Trust, who since Mr. Riordan’s passing in 2023, has assumed control of the historic restaurant.
The Richard J. Riordan Trust continues to be set on its intention to close the restaurant on Sunday, March 2nd at 5pm. In negotiations, The Pantry reasserted its ultimatum to employees: The restaurant will shut down and fire all workers unless workers give up their demand for job security and continued union representation when the restaurant changes hands.
In spite of The Pantry’s threat, workers remain committed to saving their jobs, keeping their union, and maintaining the 100-year old institution open.
Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice and the community plans to have an Ash Wednesday action on March 5th between 7am-8am to gather and pray outside the Pantry, workers encourage the community to attend.
BREAKING: Outraged Without A Deal To Protect Union Jobs, Original Pantry Cafe Workers Vow to Keep Fighting Ahead of Sunday Closure Threat by Riordan Trust
Los Angeles: Last night, the Original Pantry workers and union representing them, UNITE HERE Local 11, met with The Richard J. Riordan Trust, who since Mr. Riordan’s passing in 2023, has assumed control of the historic restaurant.
It is a shame not only to Los Angeles and the millions of customers and families this restaurant has served that the Trust refuses to save this place and protect the jobs of the workers who have given their lives.
Community Rallies Around The Original Pantry Cafe, Host Dine-In to Save Worker Jobs!
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.
Save the Pantry!
The Original Pantry Cafe owner threatens to close historic diner over union contract dispute
Original Pantry Cafe in downtown LA could shut down amid labor dispute