One of California's most iconic roadside destinations closed suddenly this week, though guests looking for a bowl of split pea soup might find it again in Buellton one day.
Century-old Pea Soup restaurant and hotel Andersen's, beloved for its namesake soup, quaint windmill and Scandinavian-themed dining facilities, has closed one of its two remaining locations, but according to several company representatives, the Buellton restaurant could return after remodeling. of the site.
Pea Soup Andersen's continues to operate its restaurant, market and banquet hall in Santa Nella, where employees were notified Tuesday of the closure of the sister location, which was first reported by santabarbara.com.
A bowl of the chain's signature pea soup at the Pea Soup Andersen's location in Buellton in 2017.
(Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times)
“What we know from our corporate office is that the Buellton location will actually be torn down and rebuilt; I'm not sure how long it's going to take,” said Rose Palomino, manager of the Santa Nella restaurant, an employee for about 35 years. “They have never indicated that we are going to close soon… They are breaking that [Buellton] down, mainly due to age; The wear and tear on it is quite damaged.”
The Buellton location has hosted countless guests since June 1924.
Danish chef Anton Andersen and his wife, Juliette, started their beloved restaurant as a roadside stop called Andersen's Electric Cafe, which sold coffee, sandwiches, and other light fare. Juliette, from France, excelled at making soups and as demand especially for her pea soup increased, the duo dubbed their restaurant “The Home of Pea Soup.”
The Andersens built a hotel in their restaurant and renamed it appropriately. In the 1930s, his son, Robert, joined the family business and helped establish its iconography, including the restaurant and hotel's famous roadside advertising signs depicting cartoon chefs (Hap-Pea and Pea -Wee) splitting peas with a mallet and chisel.
An exterior of the Buellton location of Pea Soup Andersen's in 2017.
(Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times)
In 1965, the Andersens sold the property and brand to actor and rancher Vince Evans, who expanded the operation to Santa Nella. The brand has changed hands several times since then, but in 1999 Buellton was acquired by Milt Guggia Enterprises, followed by Santa Nella in 2007. The company also operates AJ Spurs steakhouses, Cracked Crab seafood restaurants, Crumbles Café & Bake Shop and Many other California restaurants nearby. the coast.
“What we know is that it is temporarily closed for remodeling,” said Milt Guggia Enterprises property manager Krista Guggia, noting that no further details are currently available. “As for our location in Santa Nella,” she added, “they will remain open [with] Normal business hours and days as always.”
The canned pea soup found online, in select grocery stores and at Santa Nella's restaurant is sold through a separate company and will not be affected by Buellton's closure. Other items such as spice mixes, Andersen brand Danish cookies, dry soup mixes and products may also be sold. ordered online.
