Clifton’s Cafeteria reopening appears imminent

Clifton's Cafeteria, Los Angeles

For the past three years, the historic Clifton’s Cafeteria in downtown Los Angeles has undergone a massive renovation. Preservationists and the restaurant’s fans had long speculated on its reopening.

A reopening date for Clifton’s still hasn’t been set. But the date it will throw open its doors appears much closer, thanks to a Craiglist ad for a job fair Monday and Wednesday, according to KNBC-TV in Los Angeles.

The ad requested applicants for cooks, dishwashers, cafeteria line workers, porters, hosts, cashiers, servers, bartenders and security.

Clifton’s opened in 1935 near what was the original western terminus of Route 66 in downtown Los Angeles, before it was extended to Santa Monica. During the renovations, the new owner found a lot of artifacts, including a neon sign that’s been constantly burning since 1939.

Many people have wondered what would stay and what would arrive during the Clifton’s refurbishment. This part of its website might provide some answers:

Many people also ask what will become of the Clifton’s they know from their childhood and generations of patronage and wonder. What will emerge from this restoration is Clifton’s “The Brookdale,” a food, entertainment and nightlife destination designed in the spirit of Clifford Clinton’s original vision. All existing historic fabric will be thoughtfully and carefully retained– including the Chapel, the Waterfall and Brook (what would The Brookdale be without its brook?!), the Redwood trees and Terraces — the elements that have made Clifton’s an institution for so many decades. Missing fanciful elements like the original Water Wheel, Old Tree Wishing Well, Limeade Springs and the Sherbet Mine will be re-created in a fashion; bringing to life the history Clifton’s represents.

In addition, guests will encounter an entirely new world of wonder within the same walls. A historic soda fountain, specialty grocery, five distinct lounges and bars, a butcher shop and world class bakery– along with several surprises– will complement the existing Cafeteria in serving our diverse community.

The Pacific Seas, a Polynesian themed Tiki bar, will open in honor of the original Clifton’s Pacific Seas that originally stood on Olive Street.

Stay tuned.

(Night image of Clifton’s Cafeteria in January by Omar Barcena via Flickr)

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