Cole’s French Dip, one of Los Angeles’ oldest operating restaurants, will close its doors permanently next month after 117 years of service.
According to a statement from Cedd Moses, Cole’s is struggling to maintain their business due to a combination of factors including the Covid-19 pandemic, the Hollywood strike in 2023, the local bureaucracy, local bureaucracy, rising and high rents.
Since 1908, the landmark restaurant in downtown Los Angeles has been offering its distinctive French dip sandwiches, claiming to have proudly invented it. Others may recognize iconic movie restaurants like Forest Gump’s famous big year day scene.
Blair Besten, executive director of the historic Core Business Improvement District, says more restaurants will continue to follow the troubling trend of iconic eateries closing without any changes to regulations or tax incentives.
“We really need to think about what we can do to support small businesses that handle so many things at once,” Besten said.
Coles will be taking part in the original Pantry Cafe and Pacific Dining Car this year.
Its brother bar, Varnish, was closed in June 2024 after being a staple food in the Los Angeles cocktail scene for 15 years.
Another famous French dip spot, Philippe diner, Reuben Muñoz, highlighted the importance of historical places like Coles.
“Our friends come from all over the country. They want to see places like this,” Munoz said. “LA was full of them, or was full of them.”
Historic Core is looking for someone to buy a call and save the place in downtown Los Angeles.
“We really have to see this as our history we’re losing,” she said.
Coles was designated by the city of Los Angeles as a historic landmark site in 1974 and a state of historical interest.
In 2009, the Los Angeles Conservancy honored the restaurant with a preservation award, recognising Joe for his outstanding achievements in the field of historic preservation.
