Homicide Suspected In Death of Clifton’s Cafeteria Co-Owner

The 83-year-old co-owner of Clifton’s Cafeteria, the iconic downtown Los Angeles eatery, was found dead in her penthouse condominium in what police suspect was a homicide, authorities said Thursday.

The body of Jean Clinton Roeschlaub, daughter of Clifton’s founder Clifford Clinton, was discovered Wednesday at her 16th-floor condominium in the 200 block of Monterey Road, Glendale police spokesman John Balian said.

There were “suspicious circumstances” surrounding her death, Balian said. He did not elaborate.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office is conducting an autopsy.

Up to her death, Roeschlaub was active in the running of the Clifton’s Brookdale Cafeteria at 648 S. Broadway, the only remaining restaurant in a chain that began serving up budget meals during the Great Depression.

Her sudden death shocked her family.

The family started in food service in 1888 and Clifton’s Cafeteria was founded in 1931 with a mission to feed the hungry. The restaurant still sports the slogan “Dine Free Unless Delighted.”

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