The Original Pantry Cafe, a 102-year-old landmark restaurant in Los Angeles, is reopening its doors as a social contribution-focused eatery dedicated to helping the homeless.
The Pantry Cafe is partnering with the homeless support non-profit organization Hope the Mission to resume operations on November 19. This comes about one year and eight months after it closed its doors in March of last year due to labor-management disputes and acquisition issues. The location remains the same near the intersection of Figueroa Street and 9th Street.
Following the closure, former employees continued to sell food on the sidewalk near the restaurant and showcased traditional menu items at another restaurant in East LA to keep the tradition alive. Real estate developer Leo Pustilnikov later acquired the venue, paving the way for the reopening.
The biggest change lies in the operational model. Under an agreement with Hope the Mission, the newly opened Pantry Cafe will direct 100% of its net profits—excluding operating costs—toward homeless support initiatives. Beyond traditional restaurant operations, this model gives back to the local community. An agreement with the union also guaranteed the return of former employees.
Hope the Mission aims to secure approximately $50,000 per month through restaurant operations to fund homeless shelters, free meal services, housing support, and rehabilitation programs. While maintaining existing popular menu items, the restaurant also plans to introduce healthy meal options. Additionally, a charity dinner featuring prominent chefs and local figures is planned at the adjacent ‘Riordan’s Tavern.’
A fundraising goal of $80,000 has been set for the reopening. The funds will be used for aging facility repairs, kitchen equipment replacements, and staff hiring. Hope the Mission already operates eight thrift stores and channels the proceeds into welfare projects, while also providing over 7,800 meals daily to support the homeless.
Opened on May 29, 1924, the Pantry Cafe is a historic LA landmark that has welcomed famous figures such as Marilyn Monroe and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It has long been beloved by Los Angeles citizens for its generous and hearty traditional menu, including unlimited drip coffee and large hash browns.
