Pea Soup Andersen's Closes Abruptly

BUELLTON, CA — A piece of California highway history recently closed with little fanfare, according to reports.

The iconic Pea Soup Andersen’s in Buellton was shuttered as of Tuesday, SantaBarbara.com reported.

The eatery off U.S. Route 101 will be taken down and rebuilt, Rose Palomino, the manager of the restaurant’s Santa Nella location, told the Los Angeles Times, citing wear and tear due to the building’s age.

Opened by Anton and Juliette Andersen a century ago as Andersen’s Electric Cafe in honor of its electric stove, the restaurant rose to fame because of its pea soup and eventually changed its name to reflect the signature dish, according to the business.

Called “the home of split pea soup,” Andersen’s is also known for its promotions featuring cartoon chefs Hap-Pea and Pea-Wee, who split peas with a mallet and chisel.

Fortunately, those seeking a hot bowl of pea soup can still get it at the Santa Nella location, the Times reported.