The restaurant business can be rewarding, but it can also be heartbreaking. This was evident throughout 2025, with thousands of local restaurants, old and new, closing across the country for various reasons.
As the calendar turns to 2026, a California restaurant that dates back to the 19th century will close its doors for good. The Original Saugus Cafe, which has been in business for nearly 140 years, is closing.
Historic run comes to an end
The Original Saugus Cafe is located in Santa Clarita, California. It opened in 1886 as the Saugus Eating House and changed to its current name in 1899. It is currently the longest-running restaurant in Los Angeles County.
Over the years, the restaurant has served celebrities including former President Theodore Roosevelt, Hollywood legend Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Charlie Chaplin and William S. Hart.
According to the Santa Clarita Valley Signal , there are reports that the restaurant will be temporarily closed for renovations before reopening. However, Jesse Mercado, the daughter of café owner Alfredo Mercado, confirmed the closure will be permanent.
When is the last day at the Original Saugus Cafe?
An official statement released by Mercado’s family revealed that the Original Saugus Cafe will officially close on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
In the letter, the owners said it was a “great honor” to serve the community and wanted to express their “deepest gratitude” for all the support.
“For 139 years, Saugus Cafe was more than just a restaurant, it was 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 letter reads.
“While future plans for the building are unknown at this time, we would like to share that Saugus Cafe will officially close its doors on January 4, 2026. This decision was not taken lightly, and we sincerely thank everyone who has walked through our doors, supported our staff, and made this cafe what it is.”
This article was originally published by Men’s Journal on December 30, 2025, and first appeared in the Food section. Click here to add Men’s Diary as your go-to source.