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New tap room being prepared
Doghouse Tap Room 2
Facade and landscaping is being done on the former Sahlstrom & Yockey building at 2723 Central Avenue. Once finished it will become the Doghouse Tap Room. - photo by Jeff Benziger

Despite continued economic shutdowns imposed by the state, work is proceeding to prepare the Doghouse Tap Room for opening.

A new façade is being placed on the building, located at 2723 Central Avenue, while last week workers were welding metal supports for an outdoor patio area. Outdoor landscaping is also being prepared.

In January the Ceres Planning Commission approved a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to remodel the former 1,368-square-foot Sahlstrom & Yockey accounting building into a taproom with outdoor seating and a courtyard. The business is situated just a stone’s throw from Highway 99 and the back of Valley Christian Center.

Commercial projects which serve alcohol require approval of a CUP.

The building dates back to 1946 and has been used for a number of commercial uses, has been vacant since Sahlstrom & Yockey closed. The building is owned by Shane Parson.

Applicant Randy Beard of Modesto is changing the Central Avenue façade by adding a tower like feature that includes an awning and storefront door with decorative foam trim and pop-outs on the front elevation facing Central Avenue. Beard is adding an outdoor seating area and courtyard to the east and west ends, separated by wrought iron fencing and plant new landscaping along the front and along El Camino Avenue. Beard also wants to bring in a food truck during normal business hours.

The “Doghouse” name is not necessarily a reference to Ceres High School with its Bulldog mascot located blocks to the north, but is indicative that the business will allow pets.

“He’s looking to have local breweries on tap, hopefully having some type of food truck that could be there to provide some food,” said Westbrook. “If you want to bring your dog to hang out with you while you have a local craft beer, I guess you can. That’s a concept I’ve seen in other parts of the country.” 

The tap room is proposed to be open six days per week (closed Mondays) as follows: Tuesdays through Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Should any problems arise from those hours, the Planning Commission could be asked to adjust them.


Doghouse workers
Jose Cornego holds a metal pillar while Martin Lira prepares to weld it in place for wrought iron fencing on the perimeter of the Doghouse Tap Room at 2723 Central Avenue. - photo by Jeff Benziger