The Giant Artichoke Restaurant, a Castroville fixture that’s showcased Monterey County’s famous green bracted produce for 61 years, is set to close its doors Wednesday.
The restaurant announced the closure Monday in a Facebook post that stated the building’s owners had put it up for sale and the restaurant owners were selling their recipes. The 3,726-square-foot property is listed for $1.9 million, down from its original $2.3 million asking price.
“Sorry Guys Wednesday September 30 will be our Last day of operation,” the post said. “We’ve had the Restaurant for 25 years and it’s been an honor serving our community and faithful customers, buts (sic) time to move on.”
The real estate listing indicated that the closure comes as the owner sought to retire.
“The existing operator, a family member of ownership, is retiring and the property will be delivered vacant at closing, creating a unique opportunity for immediate repositioning or redevelopment without tenant complications,” the listing on LoopNet.com said.
Juan Salazar, a restaurant employee reached by phone Tuesday, told SFGATE that the closure is bittersweet after his 23-year career at the iconic roadside stop.
“It’s sad that it’s closing, but it’s a good opportunity for something new,” Salazar said.
A giant green artichoke sculpture outside the main entrance has for the better part of a century lured passing tourists and locals to pull over for a photo. The San Francisco Examiner reported in 1986 that the restaurant opened in 1965 and originally featured a 6-by-3-foot sheet metal thistle positioned on the roof. It was later replaced by a massive 16-foot artichoke sculpture in 1971.
“This big piece of American kitsch is a favorite landmark for many travelers, even appearing in People magazine this summer,” the Examiner wrote.
The storied Castroville restaurant has remained a mainstay on Merritt Street ever since. Over the years, customers have flocked to the restaurant to savor its extensive artichoke menu that pays homage to Castroville’s biggest export. The menu includes artichoke bread, artichoke nachos and fried artichoke hearts.
The fate of the giant artichoke sculpture following the sale is unknown. Salazar was not available for additional questions. Neighboring business the Giant Artichoke Cafe said that it would remain open following the Giant Artichoke Restaurant’s closure.
Dining and Cooking