At a Glance
- The Original Saugus Café, a 139-year-old Santa Clarita landmark, will close on Jan. 4.
- The closure was announced on Facebook with a heartfelt thank-you to the community.
- Patrons and staff are stunned; the future of the historic building remains uncertain.
- Why it matters: The café has been a generational gathering place for over a century, and its shutdown marks the end of an era in Santa Clarita’s culinary history.
The original article: “In a quiet Tuesday morning, long-time diners walked into The Original Saugus Café for what would be their final meal at the beloved eatery. The 139-year-old restaurant, one of Los Angeles County’s oldest, announced its permanent closure on Jan. 4, leaving a void in the community it has served since the early 1900s.”
The Final Day
The café was bustling on Tuesday with customers determined to enjoy one more meal at the community staple before it closes its doors for good. The eatery announced its closure on Monday in a Facebook post thanking Santa Clarita for its 100+ years of support.
- 139 years of service
- First day of closure: Jan. 4
- Facebook announcement
Announcement & Acknowledgment
The Facebook post read, “For 139 years, Saugus Café has been more than just a restaurant. 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 announcement also said the decision was not made lightly and expressed heartfelt appreciation for everyone who walked through the doors.
Announcement (from the Facebook post):
> “For 139 years, Saugus Café has been more than just a restaurant. 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 post added that the café would close on Jan. 4, but no reason for the closure was disclosed.
Emotional Reactions
Customers shared their devastation. Jamie Santellano, nearly tearful, said: “Sorry. It’s emotional because it’s been here for so long. My family has come here for breakfast, and we brought my mom here. My mom’s no longer with us. We had Thanksgiving with her here one year.”
Jamie Santellano:
> “Sorry. It’s emotional because it’s been here for so long. My family has come here for breakfast, and we brought my mom here. My mom’s no longer with us. We had Thanksgiving with her here one year.”
Jessie Ponce, who manages the restaurant and whose father Alfredo cooks there, expressed gratitude. “It warms my heart because I see people in the morning literally crying, saying, ‘It’s my last meal here,’ and I have to literally hold back my tears because it’s an all-day kind of thing,” she said.
Jessie Ponce:
> “It warms my heart because I see people in the morning literally crying, saying, ‘It’s my last meal here,’ and I have to literally hold back my tears because it’s an all-day kind of thing.”
Ponce also thanked the clientele and noted that the owners are uncertain about the building’s future.
The Building’s Future
The owners stated that it’s unclear what will happen next with the historic structure. No plans for renovation or sale were announced.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opening year | Early 1900s (approx) |
| Years in business | 139 |
| Closing date | Jan. 4, 2025 |
| Facebook post date | Monday (exact date not given) |
| Current status | Closed |
Key Takeaways
- The Original Saugus Café will close on Jan. 4 after 139 years of service.
- The closure was announced via a heartfelt Facebook post with no disclosed reason.
- Patrons and staff are deeply affected; the building’s future remains unknown.
As the final bell rings, the community mourns the loss of a historic dining landmark that has nourished generations. The café’s closure marks the end of a chapter in Santa Clarita’s culinary heritage.
