Photo: Neha Shaida, KFI AM 640
Cole's French Dip, Los Angeles' oldest restaurant, announced its impending closure in early June, sparking a surge in customer visits. The 117-year-old establishment, known for claiming to have invented the French dip sandwich, saw an overwhelming response from patrons eager to savor the iconic dish one last time. As a result, owner Cedd Moses announced on Tuesday that the restaurant will remain open through mid-September, extending its original closure date of August 3, 2025.
The decision to keep Cole's open longer came after Moses reached an agreement with the landlord, fueled by support from local advocacy groups like the DTLA Residents Association and the Independent Hospitality Coalition. Since the closure announcement on July 7, long lines have formed outside Cole's, with customers waiting hours to experience the historic eatery.
Moses noted that sales have dramatically increased, with the restaurant now selling as many French dips as drinks. Despite the current boom, Moses expressed concerns about the sustainability of this surge, citing ongoing challenges in the restaurant industry, including increased labor costs and the lingering impact of the pandemic.
While the restaurant's future remains uncertain, Moses is actively seeking a buyer who will honor Cole's historic significance. As he told the Los Angeles Times, "We have a lot of love for Cole's, so we don’t want to sell it to just anybody."