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

Categorized Under: Arts , Arts & Culture , Business Spotlight , Food Scene , Music & Dance , Things To Do

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!

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