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Philippe, the French dip place, says goodbye to a century-old tradition: the sawdust on its floors
Phillipe is saying goodbye to the sawdust on its floor.
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Photo by ~db~ via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
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LAist
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Phillippe is known for its French dip sandwiches.
But just as famous, many would argue, is the sawdust scattered about on the floor of the the century-old shop in Chinatown.
The quirky signature even (still) has an entry on the shop's FAQ page:
- Why is there sawdust on the floor?
It is a tradition to Philippe.
Explanation of why sawdust is on the floor of Phillipe posted on the shop's website.
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Screengrab of Philippe's website
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Dennis Block submitted a filing in eviction court that a judge called “fabricated.” He’s now facing potential discipline from the California State Bar.
Well, that quirk is no more. Philippe announced Wednesday on social media in a "sawdust update" bidding goodbye to the tradition because of safety reasons, effective March 31.
Philippe announced Wednesday it's getting rid of the sawdust on its floor.
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Fiona Ng
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LAist
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"After more than 100 years, the sawdust on our floors will officially be retired," the post reads. "While this wasn’t our decision, it was a necessary step to meet current safety and insurance standards. It’s a change we didn’t make lightly."
The "sawdust update" posted inside Philippe.
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Fiona Ng
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LAist
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The granddaddy of French dips has been at its Chinatown location since the 1950s; the shop itself for more than 100 years. Philippe response on the origins of sawdust notwithstanding, restaurants apparently scatter the stuff around to prevent slip, help soak up grease and for better traction.
Longtime fans of the French dip institution are sad to see the tradition (yup) bites the dust.
Evelyn and Domingo Torres Rangel have lived in the San Gabriel Valley for more than four decades. When they have a hankering for a French dip, they always come to Philippe’s.
“It’s just part of the ambiance of the cafeteria here,” Evelyn said on Wednesday, just after the lunch rush.
“I like it because it’s traditional,” Domingo added.
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Oscar Rocinos, born-and-raised Angeleno, feels the same way about the sawdust.
“We’ll miss it,” he said. “I feel like it’s another piece of L.A. that’s going away.”
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