LA County's longest-running restaurant reopens under new ownership

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (KABC) -- Once again, it's business as usual inside Los Angeles County's longest-running restaurant after it unexpectedly shut down earlier this month.

Saugus Cafe in Santa Clarita had been open for nearly 140 years.

"Since 1973, I've been coming to this place," said Tom Bush.

It reopened under new ownership on Monday.

"I'm excited. I came here to try to do things the best that we can and hopefully it goes well for us," said Eduardo Reyna, who has taken over the restaurant.

The Original Saugus Café is now known simply as Saugus Restaurant.

"We are hoping people leave happy and they like the food," Reyna said. "It's the most important thing."

The restaurant got a little facelift while it was closed but almost everything else remains the same.

Loyal customers flocked to the eatery Monday to show their support.

Maria Douglass has worked at Saugus Restaurant for 18 years. She is one of several employees who returned to work.

"They're happy to be back. They were surprised the menu is the same... they loved our menu before so they're going to love it now again. As a matter of fact, I was surprised how many that came earlier just to support and see us as well," Douglass said.

Barry Goldberg has been eating at the restaurant for 40 years.

"I actually was here yesterday doing some business, saw them cleaning the window and said when are you guys opening. They said tomorrow. I said I'll be here."

Saugus Restaurant has been a staple in the community for decades so customers and staff are hopeful for the future as the historic establishment enters its new chapter.

"The one thing I really hope that the new owner does is get this building declared as a landmark," Goldberg said.

Reyna has big plans for Saugus Restaurant. He wants to add new food items to the menu, extend the hours and possibly add a happy hour.