One of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles County, where the likes of Charlie Chaplin and former president Teddy Roosevelt once dined, is abruptly closing its doors after nearly 140 years.
The Original Saugus Café — a family-run joint serving classic American breakfast, lunch and dinner fare in Santa Clarita — will shut up shop from Jan. 4, its owners revealed in a social media post.
“For 139 years, Saugus Café has been more than just a restaurant,” the announcement said.
“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 didn’t give a reason for the shock closure but said the decision “was not made lightly.”
“It comes with heartfelt appreciation for everyone who walked through our doors, supported our staff and made this café what it was,” the owners said of the decision.
“Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives for nearly a century and a half.”
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It wasn’t immediately clear what, if anything, would replace the diner.
The restaurant first opened its doors way back in 1886 and welcomed a flurry of household names over the years.
Actors Charlie Chaplin, Doug Fairbanks and Mary Pickford stopped by around 1919, the Santa Clarita Valley Signal reported.
Former president Teddy Roosevelt also stopped by for a bite at one point.
Devastated customers flooded the restaurant’s Facebook page with comments in the wake of the news, calling for the beloved eatery to be turned into a museum or historical landmark.
“I am beyond heartbroken,” one diner wrote.
“So damn sad!” another said.
