End of an Era: Pea Soup Andersen’s in Buellton Closes and Faces Vandalism

Pea Soup Andersen’s, a beloved historic restaurant on California’s Central Coast, has served countless road-trippers over the decades. Known for its unique charm and iconic split pea soup, the restaurant in Buellton became a landmark.

However, the restaurant closed in 2024, leaving locals and travelers saddened by the loss. Unfortunately, after its closure, the site became a target for vandalism. Vandals sprayed ketchup and mustard across the dining area and stripped the building of copper wiring and pipes, damaging many artifacts. These acts led city officials to vote for partial demolition of the building due to safety concerns.

City Manager Scott Wolfe expressed concerns about potential dangers, fearing severe incidents with the abandoned site. Safety and historical preservation have been competing priorities for city leaders. The restaurant’s history dates back to 1924 when Anton Andersen and his wife, Juliette, established it. Originally named Andersen’s Electric Cafe, it highlighted their prized electric stove and later expanded under the name Bueltmore, connected to Anton’s work at the Los Angeles Biltmore.

The restaurant gained fame for its split pea soup, becoming known as “The Home of Split Pea Soup.” It drew in tourists, salesmen, and travelers along Highway 246 near the 101 Freeway. Despite its thriving past, the Buellton location saw a decline and ceased operations in January 2024. Vince Evans, a former owner, had opened an additional location in Santa Nella, which continues to operate.

Wolfe, who moved to the city in 2019, observed that the restaurant was rarely busy, as changing tastes led fewer people to seek pea soup. Although workforce turnover increased, he proposed making the site a historic landmark to allow city oversight on future developments. Nevertheless, the City Council voted to remove the historic designation to allow demolition.

Some parts with historical significance will be preserved, such as the rooftop signage and stained-glass windows. However, many elements were stolen or destroyed, including the hoped-to-be-preserved copper countertop. Issues with vandalism began after its closure, with reports of break-in incidents and social media attention drawing more urban explorers curious about the building’s state.

Despite efforts to secure the building, with gated barricades and boarded-up windows, the sheer size and location made it difficult to prevent intrusion. Even local officials, like Councilmember John Sanchez, have visited out of curiosity, acknowledging the urgency to address the situation. The tales of Pea Soup Andersen’s echo those of other abandoned sites, like the Westminster Mall, facing vandalism and unwanted public attention. As urban explorers continue to infiltrate the area, officials look for solutions to minimize further damages while honoring the site’s historical significance.