Increase in patronage pushes back Cole's French Dip's scheduled closure date
Cole's French Dip in Downtown Los Angeles Extends Operation Amidst Community Support
Cole's French Dip, the historic restaurant and saloon in downtown Los Angeles, which was initially scheduled to close on August 3, 2025, has announced an extension of its operation until mid-September 2025. This decision comes as a result of overwhelming community support and advocacy from local organizations.
The iconic restaurant, established in 1908 and credited with inventing the French dip sandwich, has been experiencing a surge in business since July 7, when owner Cedd Moses and his Pouring With Heart company announced the imminent closure. The restaurant has been opening at noon on Saturdays and Sundays to accommodate the crowds, with long lines of customers waiting for hours to get a taste of the famous French dip.
The extension provides temporary relief but does not guarantee that the restaurant will remain open beyond mid-September 2025. Moses has been seeking a new buyer for the business, expressing a desire to sell it to someone who will continue to take care of its historic value.
The challenges faced by the restaurant include the COVID-19 pandemic, rising labor costs, high rent, and other local issues. Moses has also mentioned that the current influx of customers is not sustainable for the business. However, the executive director of the Independent Hospitality Coalition, Eddie Navarrette, stated that people want to get in the restaurant one last time for a nostalgic experience.
The landmark restaurant has seen a shift in its business, with sales of French dips now rivaling those of drinks, a significant change from its recent past. The community's outpouring of support has been evident, with diners and imbibers visiting from all across Southern California to say their goodbyes.
The future plans for Cole's are yet to be confirmed, with no permanent new ownership or long-term reopening announced as of now. The community's advocacy has bought time and demonstrated the restaurant’s cultural significance, leaving open the possibility that new solutions, such as a new owner or additional support, might emerge during this period.
| Status | Details | |----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | Current status | Open with extended operation through mid-September 2025 | | Reason for extension | Strong community support and landlord agreement | | Challenges cited | Pandemic, rising costs (labor, rent), local crime, strikes | | Future plans (as of now) | No confirmed permanent solution; extension buys time |
As the community continues to rally around Cole's, the long-term fate of the historic restaurant remains uncertain beyond the extended deadline.
- Despite the challenges faced, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, rising labor costs, high rent, and local issues, the community's overwhelming support has extended the operation of Cole's French Dip in Downtown Los Angeles until mid-September 2025.
- The community's support for Cole's French Dip has influenced a significant shift in its business model, with sales of food-and-drink, particularly the French dips, now rivaling those of drinks, a marked change from its recent past.
- As the community continues to show support for Cole's French Dip, home-and-garden enthusiasts may be interested to know that the restaurant's historic value is a priority for owner Cedd Moses, who is seeking a new buyer who will continue to uphold this significance.
- Given the extension and the community's continued solidarity, there's a possibility that the cultural landscape of Los Angeles' lifestyle will continue to be influenced by this iconic music-centric city, with Cole's French Dip remaining a significant part of California's business, food-and-drink, and dining scene.
