Cole’s French Dip, an historic downtown Los Angeles restaurant that claims to have originated the French dip sandwich, is set to close Sunday after 118 years in business.
The eatery, located on Sixth Street, has announced multiple closure dates over the past several months, but said it will finally shut down Sunday following a final weekend of service.
Cole’s closing comes on the same day another iconic restaurant, Taix — a french eatery in Echo Park — is set to shut its doors for the last time after 99 years in business.
In an Instagram post Monday, Cole’s owners invited customers to attend “a very L.A. farewell (for real this time) to the iconic Cole’s French Dip,” with special events this weekend featuring collaborations with local chefs and restaurants.
A portion of the proceeds will go to the Independent Hospitality Coalition, according to Cole’s.
Ownership has cited ongoing financial challenges for the closure, including rising costs and declining business in recent years.
Cole’s has been in operation since 1908 and is widely known as one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles. It has long been part of a friendly rivalry with nearby Philippe The Original, which also claims to have invented the French dip sandwich.
After earlier closure announcements in 2025, lines stretched down the block outside Cole’s, with wait times reaching up to 90 minutes as customers flocked for a final French dip sandwich. But even during its busiest periods, owner Cedd Moses said the restaurant barely broke even.
“We delayed the closure because we got such a great, big response of people coming out to support the restaurant, which we really appreciate,” Moses told the Los Angeles Times. “But then business started receding again, so now at this point, we’re forced to close. We just can’t keep the doors open and keep hemorrhaging money.”
The restaurant changed ownership several times over its first century. After taking over, Pouring with Heart spent roughly $1.6 million on a yearlong renovation that added a new kitchen, removed asbestos and restored historic features, including recreating original wallpaper through digital reproduction to preserve its vintage look.
The owners have indicated they are seeking a potential buyer, but the restaurant is expected to close in its current form.
Meanwhile in Echo Park, Michael Taix sold his property to a developer, who plans to build 170 apartments on the site at 1911 Sunset Blvd. but leave space for a new version of the Taix restaurant, which will include a lounge, dining room and outdoor seating, according to media reports.