Statement by Norm Langer of Langer’s Deli on the Closing of Cole’s French Dip

It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of nostalgia that I learned about the impending closure of Cole’s French Dip — a beloved Los Angeles institution that has stood the test of time for more than a century.

Founded before Prohibition, Cole’s wasn’t just a restaurant — it was a fixture of downtown Los Angeles and a second home to generations of Angelenos. For 117 years, it served up comfort food, community, and memories. It was the kind of place where you could find a warm meal, a good drink, and a friendly face, even in the late hours of the night.

As we’ve seen in recent years — through the pandemic, rising crime, increased operating costs, and an ever-growing tangle of bureaucracy — independent restaurants have faced extraordinary challenges. Langer’s has felt those pressures too. I’m heartsick that Cole’s, with all its history and heart, could not only survive but continue to thrive.

Los Angeles has lost more than a business; we’ve lost a piece of our soul. Cole’s was a crown jewel, and its absence will be felt by all who value tradition, resilience, and the unique cultural fabric that made this city great.

— Norm Langer, Langer’s Deli