The Evolution of Beloved Downtown Eatery, Cast Iron Trading Co.

Posted on August 24, 2025September 3, 2025 by Courtney Wood

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By: Zachary Hulsey

Located in the heart of Downtown Stockton, Cast Iron Trading Co – 114 N. San Joaquin Street, Stockton, CA -. is a deeply community-rooted food businesses serving some of the best local eats! For over 9 years, Cast Iron Trading Co. has been grounded in our community.

Beginnings

Originally opened by Eric Lee, Cast Iron has become a go-to spot in our community where Stocktonians can grab unique and delicious options for food and drinks like no other. The spot has unique artisan food and an industrial vibe. But it’s more than just a place to grab a bite, it’s a place that also hosts intimate live music nights. On certain Thursdays and Saturdays, Cast Iron Trading Co. has artists perform live music inside their space or in the alley next door. Having local artists perform live has helped make Cast Iron a gathering space that highlights the music scene in our city.

Located just off of Weber Avenue in downtown, it has served as a central hub for downtown workers, residents, and everyday Stocktonians looking to experience something special. At a time when downtown was quiet and underutilized, Cast Iron came onto the scene and made a niche for itself by bringing something different to the downtown community. It offered food and beverage options never seen before – including multiple tantalizing vegan options; locally sourced menu items; and a space that didn’t feel like a typical café or bar. From their Thursday-only Cali burrito to their BBQ chicken flatbread, each food option has its own unique taste crafted by amazing chefs. Whether it was hosting poetry readings, live jazz, or pop-up events, Cast Iron found a way to stay deeply rooted in our community while maintaining a level of quality that earned it praise beyond just the 209.

Evolution

David Cicileo took on the ownership of Cast Iron a few years ago, and this year, Cast Iron Trading Company faces another evolution as the business has recently been acquired by a new set of owners!

For the past few months, new owners, Shane Tracewell and Daniel and Bri Cortes, have been maintaining the 9-year-old business. I went in person to meet with one of the owners, Shane Tracewell, and I asked him what he looks forward to most in the future of the company. Shane shared, “We’re hoping to inject some life into downtown.” As far as the future of Cast Iron’s ties to the community, Shane said, “It would be nice to utilize our spot to highlight local talent, community, and events to improve downtown while also supplying all local goods.”

If you’ve been to 114 N. San Joaquin Street in the last month, you may have noticed that the restaurant has undergone a deep clean; it is sparkling a ready for its new chapter. You may also have seen that there are new happy hours – 3p–6p, Wed, Thurs, Fri – and that their pub menu is now offered all day long!

As Cast Iron Trading Co. enters a new chapter of ownership, the change is more than just a shift in management, it’s a moment that could redefine what the space stands for. In many ways, Cast Iron is symbolic of Stockton itself. It’s urban, beautiful, underrated, and full of promise. The transition in ownership is the start of a new era.

Reasons to Visit

Cast Iron Trading Co. is a vibrant downtown business, and it’ll continue to revitalize our downtown community through their role in our city’s food and drink scene. Whether it’s their smash burger or their caprese salad, you really can’t go wrong with anything on their menu; it’s all delicious. Whether it’s a date night, meeting, or even just to hang out, it’s a great spot to reinvest your money back into the local economy – a space for Stockton, by Stockton.

The only true way to experience the industrial vibe of Cast Iron Trading Co. is by going there! Follow their accounts to find out when they will next be hosting live music! Tell them the Downtown Stockton Alliance sent you!

Information

114 N. San Joaquin Street, Stockton, CA, 95205
Open Monday – Saturday
- Monday & Tuesday: 11 AM – 2 PM
- Wednesday & Thursday: 11 AM – 8 PM
- Friday: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 4 – 9 PM
Website: https://www.castirontrading.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/CastIronTradingCo
IG: https://www.instagram.com/cast_iron_trading_co/

Flavorfest: Foodie’s Delight – Happening TODAY!🍕

Posted on May 19, 2024July 31, 2024 by Courtney Wood

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By Courtney Wood

🥓🥙This weekend is the third year of Stockton Flavorfest! If you’re looking for something fun to do this Sunday, come to Weber Point to experience this Visit Stockton-hosted festival full of food and fun! 🧁🍻

Tickets:

Buy tickets here.

Adults/Seniors: $10.00 Saturday & Sunday ($12 at the gate)

Age 6 – 17: $5.00

Kids 5 & Under: Free

When:

Sunday, May 19th, 12 PM – 7 PM

Where:

Weber Point Events Center

221 Center Street

Stockton, CA

Parking:

Surface level street parking and all-day (starting at 9 AM) $10 garage parking is available at Coy Garage and SEB Garage. View the Park Mobile App and the Downtown Parking Guide for more parking information.

ABOUT FLAVORFEST:

With art vendors and exhibits; live entertainment and workshops; over 30 food trucks and booths; a beer and wine garden; and the beautiful Downtown Stockton waterfront, Flavorfest is the best way to spend a mid-May weekend. The event started May 17th, and is running through TODAY, Sunday the 19th!

Director of Marketing & Communications, Amy Alpers, from Visit Stockton shared that “Stockton Flavor Fest is a celebration of the culture, community, and cuisine of our region, and Visit Stockton is so excited to bring back this award winning event to Weber Point Events Center May 17-19.” To her, Flavorfest “is a labor of love from us to Stockton, and we are proud to highlight the diversity and creativity that makes this place a wonderful place to visit, live, and grow. The event is meant for everyone…we can’t wait to welcome everyone!”

🍙 FOOD VENDORS 🥟

Here are a list of some of the mouth-watering food vendors you can enjoy at this year’s event:

Bangin’ Bowls
Black Kat Cafe Company
Bubble Express
Bubble Hive
Casa Pinoy
Chefomeezie Ultimate Comfort Food
Charlie’s Fruitilocos
Cousins Maine Lobster
Cruising Cones 6
Don Tomas Pizza Fever
Drea’s Kitchen
El Parcero Empanadas Colombianas
Flavors Of Chef Nessa
Foxy’s Toffee
Fruitopia Fruit Bowls
Fudging Around
Grajedas Mexican Grill
Hawaiian Honey Cones
Hawkins Burgers On Wheels
Hella Good Kettle Corn
Hyderabadi Eatz
Jeeroz Mediterranean
Jerk Street Tacos
Mely’s Churros
Mike & Niki’s Honey Co.
Miss Dulcelicious
Mr. Jalepeño
Panda’s Smoke Shack
Patrick’s House Catering
Pinorrito
Pizza Lovers Sac
Problem Baker
River City Snowie Shaved Ice
Salmon Going Nuggetz
Saucey Oysters
Snappers Seafood
Street Philly Truck
Supreme Musubi
Sweet Berry Lyfe
Taqueria El Trebol
Taste of Curry Fiji Style
The Drunken Dumpling
The Sweet Life
Treats by Ness

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Here’s a sample Sunday afternoon itinerary for you to ponder:

Buy your ticket online for easier check-in and a cheaper price.
Park at SEB Garage or take the bus, if you’re inclined.
Check in at the entrance booth and take a selfie next to the giant Stockton letters near the main stage!
Browse through Art Alley to have your portrait drawn, and maybe get a psychic reading.
Start your foodventure off right with an iced coffee from Mely’s Churros and a healthy fruit cup from Fruitopia Fruit Bowls.
Stop into The Kitchen @ Stonebrier tent to see what you can learn and sample in their demo kitchen.
Peruse the vendors nearby, and wave hello to us at the Downtown Stockton Alliance booth, where we are selling our brand new merchandise – Bob Hope T-Shirts, Chung Wah dragon T-Shirts, Rainbow tank tops, hoodies, and more!
Enjoy a vegan dumpling from the Drunken Dumpling (pictured below – very tasty 😋)!
Walk through the shopping vendor aisle near the Back Porch and pick up some Flavorfest gear.
Pop into the Back Porch beer garden to sip while listening to the styles of CalFamous, Chloe Alexis, or Mundo, and gazing upon the water glittering gently in the background.
Check out the food truck ring behind the Michelob Ultra stage, and try a goodie or two.
Head to the main stage area to dance to the tunes of The Outlaw Mariachi.
Now that you’ve worked up your appetite, finish your experience with a personal pizza from Pizza Lovers Sac and a uniquely shaped treat from Hawaiian Honey Cones.
Roll yourself to your car and dream about what you will try next year!

The Downtown Stockton Alliance booth at Flavorfest - check us out near The Kitchen @ Stonebrier.

WRAP UP

🌯🍤Flavorfest comes but once a year, so bring yourself out to enjoy this incredible food truck extravaganza while it lasts! The foodie in you will be living a candy-coated, caramel-glazed, ice cream dream. 🍧🍦

Business Highlight: Yasoo Yani

Posted on April 18, 2023April 18, 2023 by Courtney Wood

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By Shaun Chatrath

Yasoo Yani Restaurant is a hidden gem in Downtown Stockton, California. Located at 326 E. Main St. and established in 1975, this Greek restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in traditional Greek cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. In this blog, I will tell you all about the restaurant’s fabulous dishes, its unique ambiance, and why you should visit this charming downtown staple.

The Food:

Yasoo Yani Restaurant has an extensive menu of authentic Greek dishes, from appetizers to desserts. Whether you crave freshly grilled lamb chops, a classic Greek salad, or mouth-watering souvlaki, this restaurant has it all; but what makes Yasoo Yani stand out is its exceptional seafood dishes. The calamari is cooked to perfection, the garlic shrimp is divine, and the grilled octopus is a must-try. Don’t miss out on their signature dish, Yiouvetsi, a delicious combination of lamb and orzo pasta that melts in your mouth. You can also indulge your sweet tooth with traditional Greek desserts like baklava or galaktoboureko.

The Ambience:

Yasoo Yani Restaurant provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a small taverna in Greece. The walls are adorned with beautiful Greek art pieces, and the muted lighting adds to the ambiance. The outdoor seating area transports you to the Mediterranean, giving you the feeling of dining by the sea.

The Customer Service:

The staff at Yasoo Yani is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm smile, and the staff is more than happy to offer recommendations based on your preferences. The service is prompt and efficient, ensuring that you’re not kept waiting for long.

Why Visit Yasoo Yani Restaurant?

If you’re looking to experience the flavors of Greece, Yasoo Yani Restaurant is the perfect place to do so. The food is delicious, the ambiance is inviting, and the customer service is exceptional. Whether you want to impress a date or enjoy a night out with family and friends, Yasoo Yani is an excellent choice. So what are you waiting for? Head over to Yasoo Yani Restaurant and treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience.

Yasoo Yani Contact Information:

Yasoo Yani Restaurant | Stockton CA | Facebook