The Original Pantry Cafe
Second Serving Capital Campaign
Giving Opportunities
Founding Table Sponsors – $100,000+
Founding Table Sponsors will receive a custom naming plate permanently affixed to a Pantry table and have the opportunity to name a menu item or specialty drink of their choosing — creating a highly visible and lasting legacy within the Pantry.
Corner Booth Sponsors – $50,000+
Corner Booth Sponsors will receive a custom naming plate permanently affixed to a Pantry table, honoring their contribution for generations of guests to see.
Counter Seat Sponsors – $25,000+
Daily Special Sponsors – $10,000+
Back-of-House Sponsors – $5,000+
Those who contribute $5,000 or more will also have their name permanently displayed on a large marquee prominently placed inside the restaurant — visible to all who walk through the doors. It will be a lasting tribute to those who helped transform and relaunch a Los Angeles icon
into a force for good and turn meals into a mission!
Hope the Mission is reopening the iconic and beloved Original Pantry Cafe in Downtown LA, and every plate served will help fight homelessness in our city.
For over 100 years, the Original Pantry Café was a beloved part of Los Angeles—a place where people gathered, stories were shared, and meals were served with consistency and care. Today, we have a rare opportunity to be part of history by giving this iconic landmark a Second Serving!
Just as Hope the Mission is built on the belief that everyone deserves a second chance, we believe The Original Pantry Cafe deserves one, too. A second life. A renewed purpose. A Second Serving that turns meals into mission. When The Pantry reopens, guests will enjoy the same famous menu items and classic experience they have always loved (along with some healthier options!) But now, 100% of the profits will go directly to Hope the Mission and our efforts to end homelessness in Los Angeles.
We believe we can generate nearly $50,000 per month to support shelter, meals, housing navigation, recovery programs, and life-changing services for those most in need. Just like our highly successful Thrift Stores, The Pantry will operate as a powerful social enterprise, creating sustainable revenue that fuels transformation every single day.
With Los Angeles preparing to host the World Cup in 2026 and the Olympic Games in 2028, the timing could not be more significant. Downtown Los Angeles will experience record-breaking visibility and visitor traffic, and this legendary location is directly in the path of that global energy. It is also within the footprint of the Crypto Arena and L.A. Live, providing an incredible location and visibility. Together, we can restore a treasure that Angelenos have cherished for over 100 years which they can enjoy every day, while helping serve the homeless.
Prior to Covid, The Original Pantry generated $6 million in revenue every year. Our award-winning Chefs and kitchen team are convinced we can generate the same level of revenue with an ambitious goal of 20% net profit. All profits would go back into helping solve the homeless crisis and food insecurity the city of Los Angeles faces every day.
This property and the adjacent Riordan’s Tavern will be used to host special fundraising dinners for supporters of Hope the Mission, featuring celebrity chefs, culinary partners, and community leaders. These experiences will strengthen donor engagement and bring renewed life and purpose to a space synonymous with service, community, and civic leadership.
Hope the Mission brings operational strength and proven leadership to this business and charitable opportunity. Our Social Enterprise Division already operates eight successful thrift stores generating millions annually. We have a highly skilled and experienced team in running high-volume, mission-driven businesses. Chef Jason, our Director of Food Services, currently oversees production of more than 7,800 meals per day, soon surpassing 10,000 daily across more than 40 planned facilities this year, making him the ideal leader to steward culinary operations, training programs, and quality standards.
But to launch strong, we need community support. Hope the Mission is preparing to reopen the Original Pantry in April/May 2026, and we have launched a simple, community-driven capital campaign to raise $800,000 to make this relaunch possible. These funds will be used to refurbish the historic site, purchase new and upgraded kitchen equipment, hire initial staff, and stock food inventory so we can reopen the doors with excellence from day one.
This is more than reopening a restaurant. It is preserving history while creating hope. It is giving an iconic LA institution a Second Serving — so thousands of men, women, and children can receive theirs. On behalf of those we are proud to serve every day, thank you for partnering with this us on this historic opportunity. It is truly a unique endeavor of service, compassion, and second chances.
For more information about becoming a founding partner, please contact Hope the Mission Founder and CEO Ken Craft directly, at 805-279-3055 (cell) or ken.craft@hopethemission.org.