Legendary California Oyster Enclave Hits Market for $13 Million
A historic 16-acre property in Marshall, California, featuring the renowned Marshall Store and 101 years of continuous family ownership, is now for sale.
A storied parcel of land in Marshall, California, a coastal community known for its oyster farms, has been listed for $13 million. The 16-acre property, located approximately 60 miles north of San Francisco, includes commercial and residential buildings along Highway 1 and is anchored by the popular seafood restaurant, The Marshall Store.
This waterfront property has been in the same family for over a century, having been purchased in 1925 by Croatian immigrants Nickola and Nickolina Vilicich. It has remained under continuous family ownership since.
Other businesses operating on the land include Point Reyes Oyster Co., Marshall Boat Works, and the local U.S. Post Office. The Marshall Store, which opened in 2006, has garnered significant acclaim, including a spot on The New York Times' list of the top 50 restaurants in America in 2021. Owner Shannon Gregory attributes the restaurant's success to its casual atmosphere, emphasizing its accessibility to all patrons.
A brochure for the listing indicates that the combined properties generate $400,000 in operating income against $250,000 in expenses. Three of the parcels are zoned for commercial use, offering various income-producing and development prospects.
The area is also home to the Tomales Bay Oyster Company, founded in 1917 and co-owned by Gregory's sister, Heidi. This company stands as California's longest-operating oyster farm.
In recent years, the oyster farming village has experienced increased development. Nearby, Nick's Cove, a restaurant and waterfront inn, was renovated into a high-end hotel. The Hog Island Oyster Company, which began on Tomales Bay in the early 1980s, has since expanded to operate upscale oyster bars in several Bay Area cities.
