Investment banker Richard C. Blum, superrich husband of California Senator Diane Feinstein, is making an octopus grab for the venerable Nut Tree, a landmark roadside stop between Sacramento and San Francisco on I-80.

The purchase price was not revealed, which includes land and buildings at the Nut Tree, but not the Coffee Tree, located on the other side of the interstate. A Blum flack said his boss was drawn to the Nut Tree because of its "name recognition, its infrastructure, signage. We certainly do want to take advantage of the 75-year history of the place." Sure. He went on to say that the future owners would be looking at "other...uses, business park uses," for the property.

Started in 1921 under a lone black walnut tree, the Nut Tree evolved into a beloved icon. But in recent years, chain restaurants and discount strip malls have crowded in, and the business began losing millions as fewer patronized the restaurant, with its large indoor aviary. The complex closed in January 1996.

Update - March 2006: All that remains is a towering concrete "Nut Tree" sign visible from I-80. Nov. 2003 - reported torn down.

[03/22/1997]