The Original Saugus Cafe is officially closing its doors after almost 140 years of being in business — making it, as of its final days, the longest-running restaurant in Los Angeles County.
Saugus Cafe was first opened in 1888 by James Herbert Tolfree and was first called the “Saugus Eating House.” It officially became the famed Saugus Cafe in 1899. The café moved out of the train station in 1916 and across the tracks to a location that’s approximately where it exists now.
The area at the time was becoming a favored film making location. Directors John Ford and D.W. Griffith came for lunch or dinner. Doug Fairbanks, Mary Pickford and Charlie Chaplin stopped by in 1919.
Former president Theodore Roosevelt and silent film star William S. Hart were patrons at the restaurant at some point, too.
The restaurant’s last day of service is on Jan. 4 until 9 p.m., according to Jesse Mercado, the daughter of the owner.
Mercado also wanted to set the record straight after published media reports said that the restaurant was just renovating and would be reopening after the renovations. She called those reports “incorrect” and said that the family is closing the restaurant.
She added that despite social media posts and comments about them “not actually closing,” her family made an official statement that was posted on their front door entrance.
“We are truly honored to have served this community for so long. While the future plans for the building are currently unknown, we want to share that Saugus Cafe will officially close its doors on Jan. 4, 2026. 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 café what it was,” the statement said.
