The Original Pantry will have a grand reopening that will be operated by Hope the Mission this coming April

Downtown L.A.’s most beloved breakfast spot, the Original Pantry, will be officially reopening to the public with a new philanthropic feel.

The Pantry has served tourists, celebrities and local L.A. residents since 1924. Founded by Dewey Logan and co-run by former mayor Richard Riordan, the restaurant still stands in the same building as it did when it originally opened.

Open 24 hours and seven days a week, customers will find themselves surrounded by skyscrapers and in close proximity to the famous Crypto.com Arena.

Despite how the business was shuttered last March, along with union controversies and real estate drama, the Pantry is now collaborating with Hope the Mission to get back into business.

Hope the Mission is a non-profit organization that serves to provide the unhoused in the greater L.A. area. Any monetary profit that is earned from the reopening will now go towards homeless shelters that are overlooked by the non-profit around the area.

“This restaurant is getting a second chance…it’s going to be called the Original Pantry Cafe, but the tagline is ‘a second serving,’” Ken Craft, who is the chief executive of Hope the Mission, stated.

When the news was first shared with Unite Here Local 11, Craft said that the anticipated reopening would be in May. However, the circumstances are prone to change. They also stated that all former workers of the restaurant came to an agreement to go back to work.

Two brothers, Jesus and Jose Moran, shared that they are elated to be working side-by-side again in a place where they feel so comfortable. They have been working together for the past 50 years at the Pantry.

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Co-president of Unite Here Local 11, Kurt Petersen, stated, “This is exactly the kind of story that we need right now in Los Angeles, one of hope, one of bringing people together and breaking bread at the Original Pantry – one of the greatest restaurants in the city of Los Angeles.”

‘A Second Serving’

Credit: Photo by Chris Nichols

The historic monument is currently under construction. Customers will find new flooring and menu items, but should still expect to see the traditional decor untouched.

Hope the Mission food director, Jason Moniz, mentioned that new Latino and Korean dishes are being considered to hopefully have a spot on the Pantry’s new menu.

“What we’re trying to do is honor what L.A. has become in this very multicultural city with such a diverse food scene,” said Moniz. He also prefaced that they don’t want to lose the core of what made this restaurant so iconic. They want to enhance small things within their menu to keep up with the status of the community.

Craft also mentioned that the Pantry would like to start hiring formerly homeless individuals. They will be providing training at their union’s Hospitality Training Academy.

They are planning on obtaining $50,000 in net proceeds a month. This number is based on previous foot traffic. This would help support other businesses that the non-profit is also working with. Craft said that their goal is to eventually get the restaurant back to a 24/7 business once they get fully back on their feet.

“We say people deserve a second chance. How about a second chance at a restaurant that just got a second chance to help other people that are getting a second chance,” stated Craft.