IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Laid-off waiters seize historic Buenos Aires cafe

One of the literary cafes that made Argentina's capital such a romantic travel destination is now gone.
/ Source: The Associated Press

One of the literary cafes that made Argentina's capital such a romantic travel destination is now gone.

The Cafe Richmond in Buenos Aires opened in 1917 and became a favored gathering place for author Jorge Luis Borges and other intellectuals.

For many years, chess players also hung out there. But the elegant cafe lost much of its luster, and most of the tourists crowding Florida Street don't know its history.

Waiters showed up Monday to find the cafe closed down. The owners reportedly plan to rent it out for a Nike store, and have already cleared out all the furniture and historic artifacts.

The workers are now occupying the site and say they won't leave until they get paid.