Cole’s French Dip recently announced it would be closing — for good — for a “litany of reasons,” including the coronavirus pandemic, strikes in Hollywood, an uptick in crime and an increase in costs for labor, goods and rent.
A longtime staple of L.A., the 117-year-old downtown L.A. establishment claims to be the birthplace of the French Dip sandwich. Another local restaurant, Philippe the Original, also claimed to be the birthplace of the French Dip; however, the City of Los Angeles designated Cole’s as a historical landmark site in 1974 and recognized them as the true originator of the sandwich, according to the Cole’s website.
The bar previously hidden in the back of Cole’s, The Varnish, had already closed due to mounting costs in 2024.
Another Los Angeles staple, Langer’s Delicatessen, sympathized with Cole’s management, saying that independent restaurants across the country have “faced extraordinary challenges.”
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“Langer’s has felt those pressures too. I’m heartsick that Cole’s, with all its history and heart, could not only survive but continue to thrive,” Langer’s owner, Norm Langer, said in a statement to Nexstar’s KTLA.
“It was the kind of place where you could find a warm meal, a good drink and a friendly face, even in the late hours of the night,” he said.
Langer admitted that his restaurant had even considering closing at one point, for many of the same reasons that Cole’s cited.
Langer went on to describe Cole’s — founded in 1908, 39 years before Langer’s opened its doors in 1947 – as a piece of the city’s soul and a crown jewel.
“Its absence will be felt by all who value tradition, resilience and the unique cultural fabric that made this city great,” he said.
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Ahead of the closure of Cole’s, the restaurant is inviting the public to stop by and enjoy a final meal in the historic establishment. It should be noted that Cole’s, the city’s oldest operating restaurant and bar, is 21+ after 7 p.m.
“We have cherished our time serving the downtown community and will continue to craft great drinks and our renowned French dip sandwiches until we shutter. We care deeply about our family of staff and are immensely grateful for our amazing guests who have supported Cole’s over the years,” the restaurant said in a statement to KTLA on Monday.
Cole’s will officially close its doors on Aug. 3.
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