Key Takeaways:
- Saugus Cafe, the longest-running restaurant in Los Angeles County, will close its doors for good on January 4, 2026.
- The restaurant has been in business for nearly 140 years and has hosted big stars such as John Wayne and Frank Sinatra.
- The landowner’s decision not to renew the restaurant’s lease has led to its closure.
- The community is heartbroken over the loss of a staple in Santa Clarita and Los Angeles County.
- The cafe owners have expressed their gratitude to customers for their support over the years.
Introduction to Saugus Cafe
Saugus Cafe, a beloved institution in Santa Clarita, California, is set to close its doors for good after nearly 140 years in business. The restaurant, which has been a staple in Los Angeles County, has hosted many big stars, including John Wayne and Frank Sinatra, and has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike. As the news of its closure spreads, customers are flocking to the restaurant to experience its hospitality and cuisine one last time.
The Reason Behind the Closure
According to a longtime customer, the landowner’s decision not to renew the restaurant’s lease is the reason behind its closure. This news has come as a shock to the community, who are heartbroken over the loss of a piece of their history. The cafe owners have also confirmed this in a statement, expressing their gratitude to customers for their support over the years. The decision to close was not made lightly, and the owners are saddened to leave behind a legacy that has been built over nearly a century and a half.
Community Reaction
The community is mourning the loss of Saugus Cafe, with many expressing their sadness and disappointment on social media. Customers who have been visiting the restaurant for years are sharing their fond memories and experiences, and are grateful for the role that the cafe has played in their lives. As Kevin Tsiligian, a longtime customer, said, "It’s the oldest restaurant in Los Angeles County. It’s a staple of Santa Clarita, and it’s hard. It’s hard. In fact, it’s going to be weird seeing this place empty next week." Rob Goldstein, another customer, echoed this sentiment, saying, "There is just so much history here. It’s really hard to see, like what he said, it’s not only a staple of Santa Clarita, but a staple of Los Angeles County that’s been around for so many years."
A Statement from the Cafe Owners
The cafe owners have released a statement expressing their gratitude to customers for their support over the years. The statement reads, "On behalf of the Saugus Cafe staff and ownership, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to our community for the incredible support you have shown us throughout the years. For 139 years, Saugus Cafe has been more than just a restaurant, it has been a place where memories were made, stories were shared, and generations came together. We are truly honored to have served this community for so long." The owners have also acknowledged that the decision to close was not made lightly and have thanked customers for allowing them to be a part of their lives for nearly a century and a half.
The Future of the Building
The future plans for the building are currently unknown, and it remains to be seen what will become of the historic site. The cafe owners have not disclosed any information about potential new tenants or developments, and the community is left to wonder what the future holds for the beloved restaurant. As the community says goodbye to Saugus Cafe, they are also left to wonder what the future holds for the site and whether it will be able to retain its historic charm and character.
Conclusion
The closure of Saugus Cafe marks the end of an era in Santa Clarita and Los Angeles County. The restaurant has been a staple in the community for nearly 140 years, and its loss will be deeply felt. As customers flock to the restaurant for one last meal, they are not only saying goodbye to a beloved institution but also to a piece of their history. The cafe owners have expressed their gratitude to customers for their support over the years, and the community will always remember the role that Saugus Cafe played in their lives. As the doors close for the final time, the community will be left to cherish the memories and experiences that they had at the restaurant, and to wonder what the future holds for the historic site.