In a powerful display of community spirit and cultural preservation, the beloved Cole’s French Dip, one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles, has been granted a temporary reprieve. The legendary establishment, which first opened its doors in 1908, announced earlier this summer that it would be shutting down permanently on August 3, 2025. However, thanks to an outpouring of support from locals, advocacy groups, and longtime patrons, the restaurant will now remain open through mid-September.
The extension came after weeks of overwhelming community action. Crowds lined up daily, sometimes hours before the doors opened, in order to enjoy one final French dip sandwich at the restaurant’s historic bar and dining hall. The surge in customers, coupled with formal efforts from organizations such as the DTLA Residents Association, the Independent Hospitality Coalition, the Central City Association, and the DTLA Alliance, persuaded the landlord to grant an additional 45 days of operation. For many Angelenos, the decision represented more than extra time—it was a victory for cultural identity and living history.
Cole’s holds a unique place in Los Angeles lore as one of the two restaurants claiming to have invented the French dip sandwich, a staple that has become synonymous with Southern California’s culinary traditions. Beyond its food, Cole’s has stood as a landmark of the city’s evolution, operating inside the Pacific Electric Building and serving generations of diners. Designated a historic-cultural monument in 1989, the restaurant’s legacy has extended into Hollywood, appearing in films and television series including Forrest Gump, Mad Men, The X-Files, and A Lot Like Love.
Owner Cedd Moses, who has overseen the restaurant through years of changing fortunes, described the extension as nothing short of “a gift.” According to Moses, the recent surge in customers restored sales to levels not seen since before the pandemic, with sandwiches flying out of the kitchen at the same pace as the restaurant’s well-known cocktails. He acknowledged, however, that this boost may not be sustainable in the long term. Rising rent, higher labor costs, pandemic aftershocks, the recent Hollywood strikes, and safety concerns in the downtown area all contributed to the restaurant’s initial decision to close. These systemic pressures continue to cast uncertainty over the restaurant’s long-term future.
While the extension ensures Cole’s can remain a part of downtown Los Angeles for a little longer, its ultimate fate is still in question. Moses has indicated that discussions are ongoing to find a buyer who might preserve the restaurant’s identity and heritage. The hope among many in the community is that the renewed attention and financial lift from the campaign will inspire a solution that keeps Cole’s alive beyond September.
The emotional response to the closure announcement demonstrated the deep connection Angelenos feel toward the restaurant. For many, visiting Cole’s was not just about grabbing a meal—it was about walking into a piece of history. The worn wooden booths, century-old floors, and historic photographs lining the walls tell the story of a city that has grown, struggled, and reinvented itself over time. In that sense, the French dip became more than a sandwich. It was a symbol of continuity in a city known for rapid change.
The efforts to keep Cole’s open, even temporarily, have highlighted a broader conversation about the future of historic businesses in Los Angeles. As the city grapples with affordability issues, commercial rent hikes, and shifting consumer patterns, many long-standing establishments are finding it difficult to survive. The case of Cole’s underscores the importance of community advocacy in preserving not only buildings and recipes but also the intangible cultural fabric of Los Angeles.
For now, Cole’s French Dip continues to serve its iconic sandwiches, its bar still bustling with patrons eager to relive old memories or create new ones before the final day arrives. Whether this brief reprieve leads to a permanent solution remains to be seen, but the restaurant’s story is already a reminder of the power of public passion. In the heart of downtown, Cole’s endures for at least a little longer, a living testament to history, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a city and one of its most cherished landmarks.
