After nearly a century in operation, Pea Soup Andersen’s in Buellton has abruptly closed, marking a significant change in the drive between Los Angeles and the Central Coast. SF Gate reports that the iconic roadside restaurant, renowned for its eponymous pea soup and distinctive design, shut its doors this week.
The Los Angeles Times indicates that the property is set for redevelopment, and there is potential for the restaurant to reopen after reconstruction, suggesting this may not be the ultimate conclusion for pea soup enthusiasts in Buellton.
The origins of the restaurant trace back to 1924 when Danish immigrant Anton Andersen purchased a piece of land and established Andersen’s Electric Cafe with his wife, Juliette. Over the years, as Buellton evolved, Andersen expanded the establishment, incorporating a hotel and dining room, eventually named the Bueltmore.
In 1947, the restaurant officially adopted the name Pea Soup Andersen’s after Juliette’s now-famous split-pea soup. The Pea Soup Andersen’s location on the I-5 in Santa Nella remains operational.
After nearly a century of serving its renowned split pea soup and Danish-style pumpernickel, the original location of Pea Soup Andersen’s in the Central Coast town of Buellton (Santa Barbara County) has been closed.
A confirmation of the closure was provided by an employee at the Santa Nella location, the second operating branch located in the Merced County town of Santa Nella, just off Interstate 5.
The closure, previously reported by SFGATE and santabarbara.com, was initially revealed on the latter website. In 2021, the Buellton location was listed for sale, as reported by the Lompoc Record.
It’s noteworthy that the Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn, a hotel associated with the restaurant, was not part of the sale listing and continues to operate independently, affirming that it remains open for business as usual.
Founded in 1924 by Danish immigrant Anton Andersen as a roadside eatery for travelers in the Danish community of Buellton, the restaurant gained popularity for its pea soup, originally crafted by Andersen’s French wife, Juliette. Over the years, it became the establishment’s main attraction and lent its name to the restaurant. Despite the closure, the Santa Nella location, adorned with Danish decor and a prominent windmill, remains open and claims to have served “millions” of bowls of soup annually.
The end of an era is signified by the closure of Pea Soup Andersen’s original Buellton location, a span of almost a century leaving a void in the culinary landscape of the Central Coast. Established in 1924, the restaurant evolved into a beloved stop for travelers, providing not just a delectable meal but a glimpse of Danish culture through its iconic windmill and decor.
As this roadside gem bids adieu, the tradition of serving its renowned pea soup endures at the Santa Nella location. The distinction between the Buellton restaurant and Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn contributes a nuanced chapter to the establishment’s enduring legacy.
This information has been updated to incorporate details from Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn.
