Castle Restaurant in Leicester sold; to become upscale Spanish restaurant

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Castle Restaurant in Leicester sold; to become upscale Spanish restaurant

LEICESTER – A fine-dining destination for 71 years, the Castle Restaurant has been sold to a family who will transform it into an upscale Spanish restaurant, according to James Nicas, who owns the Castle with his sister, Evangeline Nicas. 

James Nicas announced in January 2020 that the restaurant was up for sale. During the pandemic, the restaurant offered curbside pickup and outdoor dining.  

While it took months for the sale to finalize, James Nicas said Tuesday, “We’re thrilled with the outcome and the family that has bought the property. They truly, truly are a wonderful family. They understand the real meaning of hospitality.”

Nicas in recent years has worked the Castle kitchen line with restaurant employees and local chefs who helped out. His wife, Denise, also pitched in.

“I’m in my 70s and it’s time to spend more time with our grandchildren and for Denise and I to travel,” said Nicas, who said he and his wife will keep their home located next to the restaurant. The couple also have a home on the Cape.

“We’ve had a great run,” said Nicas about the restaurant, formerly owned and operated by his parents, noted executive chef Stanley J. Nicas and Helen Nicas. His brother, the late John S. Nicas, was executive chef at the Castle Restaurant prior to his death.

The news was posted on the restaurant’s website: “Though we’ve had almost two years to come to terms with this decision, we can’t help but feel the weight of the emotions that 2020 and 2021 have brought, and reflect on the 71 years of lives well-lived within these Castle walls. We have been blessed to have all of you as our extended family.”