Pasadena Loses Two Iconic Restaurants as La Grande Orange and Luggage Room Pizzeria Close

Two of Pasadena’s most beloved and long-lasting restaurants, La Grande Orange and Luggage Room Pizzeria, permanently closed their doors last week, March 31, after years of serving the community from the historic Del Mar Train Station development.

The restaurants had become fixtures during their respective 16-year and 14-year tenures.

Restaurateur Bob Lynn, who founded both establishments, cited mounting financial pressures and difficulties maintaining the historic property as reasons behind the closures. Lynn said he attempted to negotiate with the property owners but found no viable solution to keep the restaurants operational.

“We honestly wish that we could remain in operation for many years to come and contribute to the community’s recovery after the trauma of COVID and now the wildfires that have caused so much pain and destruction,” Lynn said in a statement sent to Eater LA.

La Grande Orange first opened in Pasadena in 2008, expanding from its original Arizona location. The restaurant became known for its California-inspired menu featuring salads, grilled salmon, and deviled eggs. Luggage Room Pizzeria followed in 2010, specializing in seasonal pizzas served in what had been the bar section of La Grande Orange.

Lynn had previously operated another La Grande Orange location on Main Street in Santa Monica, which closed in 2011. That space was replaced by M Street Kitchen and Stella Rossa Pizzeria, though both have since shuttered, too.

Despite these closures, Lynn continues his restaurant ventures elsewhere. He currently operates The Misfit in Santa Monica and plans to transform his previously closed Ingo’s Tasty Diner on Wilshire Boulevard into a new concept called Diner Antonette later this year.