Cole’s French Dip, one of the original purveyors of the French dip sandwich, will remain open a little longer than expected, restaurant officials confirmed to KTLA.
The historic downtown Los Angeles eatery was initially scheduled to close permanently on Aug. 3, but will now operate for an additional 45 days. Cole’s is now expected to shut its doors in mid-September.
“This love and these rallying cries from the L.A. community have been so heartfelt during this difficult time– it’s not only extremely appreciated, but truly eye-opening that, with enough noise and enough fight, change can actually be made,” a restaurant spokesperson said in a statement.
The restaurant also credited advocacy from groups, including the DTLA Residents Association, Independent Hospitality Coalition, Historic Core BID, Central City Association, and the DTLA Alliance.
Diners have flocked to Cole’s to pay their respects since news of the closure broke in July. The restaurant cited a “litany of reasons” for its decision to close, including financial impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hollywood strikes, increased crime, rising costs of labor and goods, high rent, and legal challenges.
Located in downtown Los Angeles, Cole’s was founded in 1908 by entrepreneur Harry Cole and originally opened as the Red Car Bar.
As first reported by Eater LA, chef Jack Garlinghouse created the first French dip sandwich by dipping bread in jus to soften it for a customer with sensitive gums.
The post Cole’s French Dip to stay open 45 more days, thanks to community support appeared first on KTLA.
