Clifton's Puts Building Up for Sale as Business Struggles
Eric Richardson
[Flickr]
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Clifton's Cafeteria on Broadway may be a cultural icon, but lately that hasn't translated into sales for the historic eatery. The family that owns the restaurant has put the Broadway building up for sale just three years after finally acquiring it and ending 71 years of rent payments.
The L.A. Times reports that the restaurant intends to keep operating, but hopes a cash infusion will shore up a suffering business.
Donald Clinton — son of the cafeteria’s founder, Clifton Clinton — told The Times in February that business had been down 30% in the previous six months.
“We are trying to survive during difficult times,” he said.
(Calls to Robert Clinton, the president of Clifton Cafeteria Inc., were not returned Wednesday.)
Broker Ed Rosenthal said the ideal buyer would be able to improve the building and restore it to its previous splendor while allowing the cafeteria to continue operating there. But in the meantime, the family, he said, “is hoping to get lucky....[to] just make some money.”
The restaurant opened in 1935 as Clifton's Brookdale, and was part of a chain that had cafeterias across the Los Angeles area.
In 2006 the Clinton family finally acquired the Broadway building, which contains five stories and a basement. At the time, Clifton's president Robert Clinton told the Downtown News that "Now we're able to control our destiny, a little more at least."
The five-story building is being marketed for $4.75 million.
Ken H on August 04, 2009, at 08:30PM – #1
I guess this underscores how bad the recession is...I would think in times like this, a cafeteria would be doing really well: Good Food + low prices = Lots of business...but I guess not.
I hope they can find a buyer, I can't imagine downtown without Clifton's!
Oscar on August 05, 2009, at 06:18AM – #2
Theproblem there is they have bad food + high prices + horrible CS.
What they need is fire + re-hire... everybody there...
gerardo on August 05, 2009, at 07:12AM – #3
I had very good times on Clifftons back in 1972 I remember allways very bussy lots of tourist from everywhere jus to go there lot f old timers was there every morning youu almost feel a familiar place I took my father once he came to visit me from Mexico and he put everything you can imagened cake dessert well he just grab must he could I saw him delighted and I enjoyed that he love the place he never soguht so much food and I didnt say anithing I just pay but he neverm forgot that place he past away 20 years ago and he told lot of people in mexico my son took me o best place in L.A. to eat thanks for good times there god bless Family Clifton
A B on August 05, 2009, at 08:40AM – #4
What they need to do it get the ugly metal facing off the front of the building. Bring it back to it's original splendor, and put some lofts in, above the restaurant.
It's easier said then done, but if Coles can do it...........
Tim on August 05, 2009, at 09:42AM – #5
It was painful to see this in the TIMES this morning. This is a living piece of L.A. history. I cannot imagine downtown without it.
By the way, I don't find the prices to be too high. The problem is that it is easy to wind up taking too much food and then having a high bill. If you instead set a price point, say $7, and stick to it, you will be more than satisfied with the meal.
M.I.R. on August 05, 2009, at 06:37PM – #6
I love cliftons its where I go for my birthday. The carrot cake is the best. I go whenever I have the chance. My mom took me there when I was 6 years old if cliftons closes; downtown will never be the same. I hope they find a good owner that will let them operate the cafeteria.
Marc Caldwell on August 06, 2009, at 09:53AM – #7
Ken totally called it: high prices for bad food...and A B nailed it too: take down the mid-century facade of grating (as it is grating). I love Clifton's (believe it or not) for its unique interiors and make it a part of any out of towner's downtown L.A. visit. But I've only eaten there a handful of times.
JM on August 06, 2009, at 10:23AM – #8
I hope Clifton's can sell the building (bummer) and stay in the present location. It's such a landmark on Broadway and I actually like their food. Anytime we have a guest from out of town, we swing by Clifton's as it's just such a wacky and fantastic place.
LO on August 06, 2009, at 02:07PM – #9
I often visit Clifton's, more for the kitsch then the food.
I do agree that perhaps they should revise what they offer to be more relevant to what the new customers want as well. I am not saying to get rid of everything, but that maybe to consider updating what it is people eat that are moving into the lofts. Some healthier choices, more lunch appropriate for the hours they keep. Also scale down what you offer, it is a caf yes, but that many choices are not necessary, quality over quantity.
Also, the prices area bit high for the smaller items, and what you get.
Again, it is an amazing place, and they should consider looking into promoting it in a different light.
I know tons of people that live blocks away and do not even know it exsists!
These are the type of people that go to the Cicada Club, and perhaps Mr. Clinton should team up with the Cicada Club, or Art Walk, and on other community night and do deals and stay open later?
I realize this has initial costs, but I think it is a small investment that could lead to good things. Also get in touch with the news, hold community appreciation night. Maybe offer 25% off to every lofts in a few block radius like Cole's did. Also, get back in touch with the space rental for film again, as Cole's has done.
If Cole's is thriving there is a demand for keeping this culture a live, it just needs a facelift and maybe some lovely looking young hipsters working there. Also, the website doesn't sell it well. It is an amazing place, the site needs to grab people, maybe have a video blog with someone doing interviews there? Get on Twitter!
Please Mr. Clinton do consider these ideas, or even hiring a younger person with a marketing background, that understands this culture there are quite a few at your doorstep. There was even a whole feature on these things in LA WEEKLY a month or two ago.
Warm Wishes!
LO on August 06, 2009, at 02:11PM – #10
Last note:
Please look into doing something with the Downtown Film Festival this month! It is also on the blog, the picture says it all!