Cole's, a historic restaurant in Downtown LA and one of the purported inventors of the French dip sandwich, will close permanently on August 3, 2025. This closure is attributed to multiple factors, including the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 writers and actors strikes, increasing labor and rent costs, and local bureaucracy. Opened in 1908, Cole's has a rich history and has faced competition from Philippe the Original for over a century regarding the French dip sandwich's origin. Cedd Moses acquired and restored Cole's in 2008, creating a vintage atmosphere.
Moses stated, "Many historical independent restaurants are struggling under the weight of these issues and have already closed, while those remaining are fighting to survive."
Cole's first opened in 1908 from entrepreneur Harry Cole, operating inside the Pacific Electric Building, where the city's famed street car served over 100,000 passengers daily.
In 2008, Moses's 213 Nightlife acquired Cole's, restoring it after a $1.6 million renovation, creating a faux vintage atmosphere.
The competition for the title of originator of the French dip sandwich remains between Cole's and Los Angeles's Philippe the Original, which has lasted over a century.
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