The historic Original Saugus Cafe, widely recognized as the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Los Angeles County, closed its doors in early 2026 after nearly a century and a half of serving the Santa Clarita community. Lawsuits and disputed contracts complicate issues, while locals are mourning the loss of a truly historic establishment.
Historic cafe shuts down after nearly 140 years
Original Saugus Cafe closed on January 4, 2026, ending a remarkable run that began in 1886. Located in the Saugus neighborhood of Santa Clarita, the restaurant had long been regarded as the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Los Angeles County.
The cafe first opened in a building connected to the old Southern Pacific rail station, serving meals to railroad travelers and local residents. Over time, it became a beloved neighborhood diner known for classic American breakfasts, burgers and comfort food.
Generations of Santa Clarita residents frequented the cafe, making it a fixture of the region’s dining scene for nearly 140 years. It’s been reported that former presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Benjamin Harrison dined there!
Dispute over ownership, lawsuits emerge
Alfredo Mercado had worked at the restaurant for years before buying the business in 1998. The building itself, however, was owned by another party. According to Mercado, he reached a verbal agreement with the property’s longtime owner that allowed him to operate the cafe indefinitely…