There is a definite trend starting to pick up steam in downtown.
The Manteca Chamber of Commerce leadership sees it.
So does Manteca Councilman Jose Nuno.
That is why the chamber presented its annual Downtown Enhancement Awards to The Veranda Banquet & Events Center, Pho Rice N Roll’d, as well as the Brethren Brewing Co. during Thursday’s State of the City program at the Great Wolf Lodge.
The three businesses cater to the city’s vision to expand the downtown into a gathering place for people.
“I think we’re at a pivotal moment for downtown,” noted Nuno. “They (the three new concerns) are going to help make things happen.”
Coming up next is the Deaf Puppy Comedy Club targeted to open later this year in the 100 block of North Main Street.
When it opens, it will become the only dedicated comedy club in the Northern San Joaquín Valley.
The three chamber award recipients represent nearly a $2 million investment in downtown with the biggest being The Veranda.
The Veranda transformed the former Kelley Brothers Brewing Co. and Brickyard Oven Restaurant that was created from the burned-out shell of the El Rey theater and transformed it into a modern venue.
It offers two elegant halls as well as an open-air rooftop gathering space.
It has drawn parities and events from throughout Northern California in its first year. Among them are musical concerts that have brought people from as far away as Nevada and Southern California.
Being located in Manteca — equal distance from San Jose, San Francisco and Sacramento — has been such a plus, that the Veranda owners are now transforming a former furniture store on Moffat Boulevard into a second location for meetings and gatherings.
The Brethren Brewing Co, opened in the 200 block of North Main Street adjacent to the FESM Hall.
Brethren Brewing is open Wednesdays through Fridays 2 to 9 p.m. Saturdays noon to 9 p.m., and Sundays noon to 7 p.m.
The beer they have on tap can be enjoyed with different food truck offerings available on a rotating basis.
Rho Rice N Roll’d is a casual Vietnamese cuisine restaurant in the 100 block of West Yosemite Avenue.
They offer Pho noodles, ride platters, and Vietnamese sandwiches.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
