Disney Pulls the Plug on Earl of Sandwich, Will Permanently Close Restaurant Today

Disney has confirmed the permanent closure of a favorite Anaheim dining location.

The decision comes as Downtown Disney remains in the midst of a steady, multi-year redevelopment plan. Recent years have introduced new restaurants, retail concepts, and revised spaces meant to refresh the district and broaden its appeal to different types of guests.

Downtown Disney has shifted noticeably across the west end. Céntrico, Paseo, and Tiendita represent newer dining directions influenced by regional flavors and distinct hospitality partners. The area also saw the introduction of Din Tai Fung, bringing a widely known international restaurant name into the district’s lineup.

The Jazz Kitchen was refreshed as part of the broader reimagining. While some guests welcomed the update, others expressed disappointment over its more generic design (although some argue it helped differentiate itself from Tiana’s Palace inside Disneyland Park).

Earlier this year, Disney Wonderful World of Sweets opened in the former Marceline’s Confectionery space. The new store introduced characters named Jimmi, Lolli, Fluffi, and Bonni, marking a branding shift while still offering confections in a central promenade location. Other former establishments, such as Tortilla Jo’s, have also bid adieu to make way for new additions.

Even with these changes, the transformation of the district is ongoing.

Closure Makes Way for Porto’s Bakery

Disney confirmed that the Earl of Sandwich on the east side of Downtown Disney District will permanently close after business today, November 7.

NEW: The Earl of Sandwich on the east side of Downtown Disney District will permanently close after business today. The closure will allow for construction to begin on the upcoming Porto’s Bakery.

The pop-up Earl’s location near Star Wars Trading Post will remain open.

NEW: The Earl of Sandwich on the east side of Downtown Disney District will permanently close after business today. The closure will allow for construction to begin on the upcoming Porto's Bakery.

The pop-up Earl’s location near Star Wars Trading Post will remain open. pic.twitter.com/JT4vfmOnE5

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) November 7, 2025

Porto’s Bakery was first announced in 2022. La Brea Bakery closed to make way for the new arrival the following year, though visible construction progress has moved gradually. The upcoming project remains one of the most anticipated additions among local guests.

A smaller pop-up Earl of Sandwich near the Star Wars Trading Post will remain open. The temporary location offers a limited menu and is expected to serve as a transitional option for guests until additional dining updates are completed.

The table-service Earl of Sandwich Tavern, adjacent to the original location, has also now closed. The shutdown was not announced ahead of time and occurred today, a change likely unexpected for regular visitors. Both closures were originally slated for earlier in 2025 but were postponed.

What the Future Location Will Offer

A new two-story Earl of Sandwich is currently under construction at the opposite end of Downtown Disney. The redesigned location will include a gastropub concept called Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby. Disney has not yet provided an opening date, and project timelines have not been publicly detailed.

Earl of Sandwich is widely recognized among theme park visitors for hot carved sandwiches, soups, and salads. Items such as the Holiday Turkey sandwich maintain a consistent following. The brand also operates locations at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World and Disney Village at Disneyland Paris.

As Downtown Disney continues to evolve, the closure highlights the broader shift occurring across the district.

The coming months are expected to bring additional updates as new construction phases progress and more information is released regarding future opening dates.

Do you tend to visit Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney?