Un Solo Sol, a vegan restaurant that has served the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles for 16 years, will close its doors on September 28. Owner Carlos Ortez announced the decision on social media, citing a combination of rising operational costs, inflation, and the challenging economic climate as the primary reasons for the closure.
Ortez stated that the restaurant stopped being profitable in 2022 and that he had been personally financing its operations since then. The economic pressures have made it increasingly difficult to sustain the business, he explained.
The restaurant, known for its plant-based interpretations of Latin American cuisine, including vegan pozole and pupusas, had built a loyal following since opening. It was located across from Mariachi Plaza.
Neighboring businesses and patrons expressed sadness over the closure, with some noting the broader trend of restaurant closures in Los Angeles and the impact of gentrification on the community. Ortez indicated that while this is a pause, he hopes to eventually re-emerge with a new plant-based concept.
Un Solo Sol's closure highlights the financial challenges faced by many small, independent businesses in the current economic landscape, particularly within the restaurant industry.