Latter-day Saint temple cafeterias to close in 2022

The Hamilton New Zealand and Guayaquil Ecuador Temples will require an additional transition period.

(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is undergoing major renovations. Photo taken Aug. 4, 2021.

By Connor Sanders | Nov. 6, 2021, 12:40 a.m.

Cafeterias inside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temples will permanently close in early 2022, the Church announced in a news release Friday.

The release states that the cafeterias inside temples will close to “simplify temple operations.” Cafeterias that are currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic will not reopen, according to the release.

The cafeterias inside the Guayaquil Ecuador and Hamilton New Zealand Temples will not close with the other 22 temples with cafeterias as they will require a longer transition period, the release states.

“We are grateful for the dedication of Church members and employees who have assisted in the operation of temple cafeterias for many years,” Church officials said in an email sent to Latter-day Saints who serve in the temples with cafeterias on Friday.

A spokesperson for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints declined a request for comment from The Salt Lake Tribune Friday.