After almost 140 years of serving comfort food to locals, politicians and celebrities, Los Angeles County’s oldest restaurant is closing its doors this weekend.
The Original Saugus Cafe, which was established in 1886, announced on its Facebook page that it will be closing its doors on Sunday, Jan. 4.
“This decision was not made lightly, and it comes with heartfelt appreciation for everyone who walked through our doors, supported our staff, and made this cafe what it was,” read the statement, which was posted on Dec. 29. ’s tagline read “Thank you, Santa Clarita for all of your support! 1886-2026.”
No reason was given for the closure and calls to the restaurant were not answered.
Located at 25861 Railroad Ave. in Santa Clarita, the cafe was founded during the construction of the Saugus train station by James Herbert Tolfree. It was originally named the Saugus Eating House.
Due to its location on what was then a major transit hub and filming spot for Hollywood, the cafe served presidents such as Theodore Roosevelt, who reportedly had a steak there in 1903, as well as movie stars like Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford.
As of today the cafe still has that old diner feel with bar seating, green booths and a menu that includes hefty breakfast and steak dishes.
“For 139 years, Saugus Cafe has been more than just a restaurant it has been a place where memories were made, stories shared, and generations came together. We are truly honored to have served the community for so long,” the Facebook post stated.
The news comes after the announcement of the closures of other Los Angeles landmark restaurants like Cole’s French Dip, which announced in the summer that it would close on Aug. 3 after 117 years in business. However after news of the impending closure spread, people began lining up to eat at the downtown restaurant and bar and the closure has been extended a couple of times since then. Cole’s Instagram page currently states that the restaurant will be open through January.
Other long running restaurants have also faced hard times but have managed to later survive. In early 2025, The Pantry, which opened in downtown Los Angeles in 1924, abruptly shut down. But after it was purchased by real estate entrepreneur Leo Pustilnikov, it was announced in September that the Pantry will eventually reopen again.
Related Articles
Yet another ‘last’ meal at Cole’s French Dips, still open in DTLA Indian cuisine, smash burgers and other delicious dining trends for 2026 Rose Parade 2026: These 22 restaurants are near the New Year’s Day action Merchants in Old Town Canoga Park hosted their first Holiday Stroll N’ Shop Gourmet toast spot Toastique opens in Porter RanchHence then, the article about original saugus cafe set to close sunday after nearly 140 years in business was published today ( ) and is available on Los Angeles Daily News ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Original Saugus Cafe set to close Sunday after nearly 140 years in business )
Also on site :