A recent day at the Deaf Puppy Comedy Club provided a glimpse at where Chris Teicheira is headed when it comes to the venue in the 100 block of North Main in downtown Manteca.

A paint and sip gathering was taking place on the patio.

The comedy showroom was abuzz with a birthday party for a 10 year-old.

A small lunch crowd was in the bar and grill.

And preparations were underway for an evening event that — depending on the night is either a comedy show or free events such as karaoke night, open mic comedy, trivia and skills, plus more.

Teicheira is preparing to expand into adjoining storefront space and providing more seating in an outdoor patio.

A Manteca Planning Commission hearing is taking place on April 2 to exempt the expansion from the California Environmental Quality Act review.

It is an effort to expand upon what Deaf Puppy has become for many — a gathering place for people six days a week.

“A lot of people think the Deaf Puppy is just a comedy club,” Teicheria said.

In the coming weeks, he’s taking advantage of the open space of the showroom that can seat up to 130 for a comedy show to step up the appeal of the Deaf Puppy as a family gathering place.

It will include a game simulator for everything from golf to frisbee, corn hole and more.

“You keep hearing people say there is nowhere for me and the kids to go in Manteca,” Teicheria said.

The bar and grill is licensed in the same category as an Applebee’s that allows those 21 and under.

Deaf Puppy, which is open Tuesday through Sunday, is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., with the kitchen closing at 10 p.m.

Teicheria said the goal is to be a Manteca version of Dave and Buster’s keeping comedy shows featuring professional comics primarily on Friday night that has turned into the primary night people in the valley want to go out for a night of laughs.

The expansion will accommodate private parties and events.

It also is seen by Teicheria’s uncle Ed Machado as a daytime gathering place for Manteca area farmer’s, reminiscent of Brawley’s coffee shop that once stood where Chick-Fil-A is now located at East Yosemite Avenue and Northwoods Avenue.

Upcoming events

at Deaf Puppy

*Free karaoke night tonight (and every Tuesday) starting at 7 p.m., with seating starting at 6 p.m.

*Free open mic comedy night every Wednesday at 7 p.m.

*Free trivia and skills night with Jacob Goss at 6 p.m., with signups starting at 5 p.m.

*Big Irish Jay Hollingsworth comic with shows Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28. Tickets can be purchased at deafpuppyclub.com

*Vendor fair on the patio featuring arts, craft, clothing, food, and more on Saturday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

*Marc Maple’s Dark & Darker dark comedy show on Saturday, April 4, at 7 p.m. Tickets at deafpuppyclub.com

*Sierra High Sober Graduation benefit comedy show April 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets at deafpuppyclub.com

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com