After serving hungry customers in Santa Clarita for almost 140 years, The Original Saugus Café, one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles County, is shutting down.
The diner was bustling on Tuesday with customers determined to enjoy one more meal at the community staple before it closes its doors for good. The eatery announced its closure on Monday in a Facebook post thanking Santa Clarita for its 100+ years of support.
“For 139 years, Saugus Café has been more than just a restaurant,” the announcement said. “It has been a place where memories were made, stories were shared and generations came together. We are truly honored to have served this community for so long.”
According to the announcement, the restaurant will close on Jan. 4.
“This decision was not made lightly, and it comes with heartfelt appreciation for everyone who walked through our doors, supported our staff and made this café what it was,” the announcement continued.
A reason for the closure was not disclosed, but customers shared they are devastated by the news.
“Sorry,” a nearly tearful Jamie Santellano said. “It’s emotional because it’s been here for so long. My family has come here for breakfast, and we brought my mom here. My mom’s no longer with us. We had Thanksgiving with her here one year.”
Jessie Ponce, whose father, Alfredo, owns and cooks at the eatery, said she and her family would like to thank their clientele.
“It warms my heart because I see people in the morning literally crying, saying, ‘It’s my last meal here,’ and I have to literally hold back my tears because it’s an all-day kind of thing,” said Ponce, who also manages the restaurant.
The owners noted that it’s unclear what the future will hold for the building.