Bar Impresario to Launch Major Renovation
by Kathryn Maese
Bar entrepreneur Cedd Moses of 213 Ventures last Thursday said he has taken ownership of the historic Cole’s P.E. Buffet at Sixth and Main streets, a neighborhood haunt known to most as the home of the French dip sandwich. Moses, who is partnering with C.J. Goodyear, Mike Goodyear and designer Ricki Kline on the venture, said he plans to restore the charm of the 1908 restaurant.
“We are developing plans for a renovation of this beloved place, including the installation of a new, modern kitchen,” Moses said. “What will not change is the architecture, history and character of Cole’s.”
And what about the French dip sandwiches?
“We plan to give Philippe’s a run for their money,” said Moses, referring to Downtown’s other famous French dip eatery.
Located on the lower level of the Pacific Electric Building, which is now a converted loft residence, Cole’s is the city’s oldest operating restaurant and bar. It features Tiffany lamps, a sleek mahogany bar and historic memorabilia from the building’s past as a train terminus.
For the last few years, Cole’s had seen a mini-revival from the influx of local residents and hosted live music, including regular performances by the band I See Hawks in L.A.
Cole’s will be closed for several months while the kitchen renovations are completed.