Posted on 04/09/2026 6:34:11 PM PDT by nickcarraway
One of the Central Coast’s most iconic landmarks is up for sale or lease.
The owner of the property that houses the Giant Artichoke Restaurant says the building is available, opening the door to a new chapter for the well-known Castroville landmark.
The post, shared in the Facebook group Prunedale Bargains, Deals and Independent Businesses, reads: “For sale or for lease. Interested parties only, please no solicitation for listing here.” It also includes several photos of the restaurant, including its iconic giant artichoke at the front of the building.
In a message to KSBW 8, Boudreault confirmed he owns the Giant Artichoke Restaurant property and said he is currently looking either for “a great new long-term tenant” or to sell the building.
“If we were to engage in a new lease, we would be more interested in knowing what they were going to do with the property,” Boudreault said. “But if we sold the property outright, then it would be up to the new owners to decide what they want to do, as we would sell it more than likely vacant.”
Boudreault said he and his wife bought the property years ago from Ocean Mist. He said they originally operated the Giant Artichoke Restaurant and also owned Norma’s Family Restaurant at the time, but have since retired from the restaurant business.
He said the building is currently leased to the restaurant’s operators, who are also looking to retire.
Boudreault said he sees the property as “a great opportunity” for a new owner or tenant.
“I believe that is a great opportunity, for the next generation, who is full of energy and wants to create something exciting and new,” he said.
He did not provide an asking price, saying interested parties can discuss that directly with him.
The restaurant is known for embracing what Castroville is famous for: artichokes. Its menu features a wide range of artichoke-centered dishes, including samplers, dips, nachos, rolls, salads, burgers, pasta and more.
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Ping
I would turn it into a gas station.
I think there is at least one gas station next store.

Italian Stuffed Artichokes filled w/ garlicky
bread crumbs cooked in lemon wine sauce.
Okay, not next store, but right across `156.
I love that. Italian immigrants did bring artichokes to the area.
Thx.....history of artichoke farming was interesting.
Memories deep fried artichoke. As a kid I liked forward to that special treat.
Further down Hwy. 1 towards Marina/Ft.Ord/Seaside/Monterey:
And this bummer news item:
https://kingcityrustler.com/artichoke-festival-closes-its-doors-after-65-years/
Thx
At least the garlic festival further North off Hwy. 101 is OK for now:
https://gilroygarlicfestival.com
That is good news.
Want to post recipe.
Were the entire chokes deep-fried.
Just the leaves? The hearts?
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