Topline:
It's truly an end of an era for The Original Pantry — the famed downtown greasy spoon that had been open for more than 100 years. The eatery closed its doors in early March, drawing thousands of diners and nostalgia-seekers. Now, the building where The Pantry called home is up for sale.
Why now? In the sale listing, the nearly 8,000-square-foot building on James M. Wood Boulevard is pitched as an "irreplaceable property [that] offers unparalleled upside potential in the heart of the city’s urban core, just steps away from LA LIVE and Crypto.com Arena." No price is listed and offers are due May 23.
The background: Former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan bought the restaurant in 1981. After his death, his administrative trust, which also oversees the charitable nonprofit Riordan Foundation, took ownership. In a statement in March to LAist’s media partner KCAL News, the Richard J. Riordan Administrative Trust said selling the restaurant will better fund the foundation’s education work for low income students.
It's truly an end of an era for The Original Pantry — the famed downtown greasy spoon that had been open for more than 100 years. The eatery closed its doors in early March, drawing thousands of diners, nostalgia-seekers and Angelenos back to their old hangout for one last meal.
Now, the building where The Pantry called home is up for sale.
In the sale listing, the nearly 8,000-square-foot building on James M. Wood Boulevard is pitched as an "irreplaceable property [that] offers unparalleled upside potential in the heart of the city’s urban core, just steps away from LA LIVE and Crypto.com Arena."
Buyers, the listing goes on to say, has the chance to "make history" with the purchase.
No price is listed and offers are due May 23.
Todd Cobin, executive vice president with Wilshire Advisory Group, the firm representing the property, told LAist they want to give "each interested buyer an opportunity to evaluate the property based on their own criteria and then submit their best offer for consideration."
In 2024, the total assessment of the property was nearly $1.5 million, according to Los Angeles County Office of the Assessor.
Cobin said since the listing went up yesterday, inquiries have been consistent.
"It's been a steady flow and we believe it's gonna continue. The calls and inquiries are just gonna just keep coming in," he said.
The Original Pantry Cafe in 1979.
The Original Pantry Cafe, on the northwest corner of Figueroa and 9th streets, in 1978.
The building has had a storied past.
Former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan bought the restaurant in 1981. After his death, his administrative trust, which also oversees the charitable nonprofit Riordan Foundation, took ownership.
In a statement in March to LAist’s media partner KCAL News, the Richard J. Riordan Administrative Trust said selling the restaurant will better fund the foundation’s education work for low income students.
Riordan operated the restaurant as a passion project, but the foundation said it was never profitable:
“The trustees of the Mayor’s estate have determined that closing The Pantry and selling the property upon which it is located is the best path to provide the Foundation with the most financial resources to continue its wonderful charitable mission,” the foundation added in its statement.
Cobin said that the proceeds of the sale go to the Riordan Foundation.
LAist's Dañiel Martinez visited The Pantry on its closing date on March 2. Check out their story here.
