California Magic Theater Gets A New Home

The , which has been wowing audiences with feats of magic and wonder since April 1, 2004, has vanished from its longtime home on Castro Street. But the popular eatery and magic showcase will reappear at its new home at 514 Main St. in early July.

"The landlord is finishing up the work they have to do, and we have some work we have to do," said Gerry Griffin, owner of the Magic Theater. "We'll probably be up and running by early July."

The lease was up on the previous building, he said, and seismic retrofitting required that he move out. After several months of negotiations with Lippow Realty, Griffin signed a lease for 514 Main St., site of the former Arigato Japanese restaurant, which has been closed for months.

Is Griffin happy to be staying in Martinez?

"Absolutely," he said. "Martinez has been extremely good to us, both the people at City Hall and the citizens."

Public Works Director Dave Scola reportedly had a hand in helping Griffin secure a lease at the site.

The new theater will seat about 45, Griffin said, which is about 10 fewer people than the old theater, but he added that several features of the new building will make the experience better than before.

The theater serves a full multi-course meal and afterwards presents a night of live magic by a variety of professional magicians. It has long been one of the most popular night spots in and around Martinez.

It will be the latest edition to a block of Main Street already known for fine dining, with Haute Stuff, Lemon Grass Bistro, La Tapatia and Luigi's Deli all doing brisk business.