After losing their jobs when downtown L.A.’s iconic Original Pantry Cafe laid off most of its kitchen staff, a group of longtime cooks has found a new home — and a second chance — at a humble taco joint in East LA. Their story is one of resilience, community, and culinary loyalty.
Key Highlights:
- 📍 New Location: Tacos y Burritos El Sol, East Los Angeles
- 👨🍳 Cooks Involved: Former staff from the Original Pantry Cafe
- 💼 Layoffs: Most pantry cooks were laid off in April 2024
- 💬 Community Response: Loyal diners followed the cooks to their new spot
- 🌯 Menu: Mexican breakfast and lunch favorites, plus touches of old Pantry flavors
- 🕰️ Hours: Open 6 a.m. – 3 p.m., seven days a week
Details:
A Sudden Change
The Original Pantry Cafe, a legendary 24-hour diner in downtown LA, laid off a large part of its back-of-house staff in spring 2024, citing a shift in operations. For many of the cooks — some with over 25 years of service — the layoffs were devastating.
A New Beginning
Soon after, Tacos y Burritos El Sol in East LA offered several of the Pantry cooks a place in their kitchen. The result? A taco shop now blending traditional Mexican flavors with diner-style hospitality and skillful cooking.
Loyalty Lives On
What’s remarkable is the steady stream of longtime Pantry customers showing up at El Sol — not for nostalgia, but for the cooks themselves. Many say they come for the people behind the food, not just the plates.
Summary:
A group of laid-off cooks from the historic Original Pantry Cafe have found new purpose and loyal diners at Tacos y Burritos El Sol in East LA. Their story highlights the power of food, resilience, and community.
