by Lorie Lewis Ham
Kelly’s Beach was a part of Reedley for many years, but last year it was sold and has been turned into the Wakehouse Woodfire Grill and Barrel. We took a moment to chat with manager and talent buyer Justin Simmons about Wakehouse. Justin just joined the team at the beginning of June and is excited to be a part of what looks to be the most happening place in Reedley.
KRL: Please give us with some background into the new establishment. Who are the owners? Are they local? When and why did they purchase the former Kelly’s Beach?
JS: The new owners Preston Baker of Kingsburg and Mike Peach of Central Coast set out to open up a brewery in 2015. After viewing a few different properties, they stumbled upon Kelly’s Beach and had a new vision. They purchased the bar and campground at the end of 2015 and were rushed into opening a month later in order to keep the liquor license.
KRL: Has there been any remodeling?
JS: Most of the remodeling has been done since opening their doors to the public. We have a brand new patio, and we will be adding a stage and brand new kitchen shortly!
KRL: What type of food do you serve?
JS: One of our training cornerstones we have is it’s the little things that make the biggest difference, as far as our food goes the wood fire aspect give us more freedom to develop the little things. So we are focusing on our proteins while the kitchen is in the works. We offer a couple of steak options, ribs, some really great salads and sandwiches. None of our food is fried currently it’s all done over open flame.
KRL: What type of entertainment do you have and when?
JS: Every Saturday night we have live music on our patio! Music starts between 8 and 9 p.m.
Concert at The Wakehouse Woodfire Grill and Barrel
KRL: Who are some of the bands who have or will be playing there?
JS: We host a wide variety of concerts from local cover and all original bands to regional and national touring acts. Here is a few of our upcoming concerts:
• July 23 – Hawthorne Heights
• August 26 (Summer Sweat, local music festival) to August 27 – Terra Bella 
• September 28 – Cassadee Pope (The Voice)
We have a few more shows in the works as well!
KRL: What all do you offer the community?
JS: We offer live music, tent and RV camping, and river access for floating.
KRL: What do your shows cost to attend?
JS: Each concert varies, we do our best to keep it as affordable as possible!
KRL: What makes you unique from other local bar and grills?
JS: Our wide variety of entertainment and being located on a campground really sets us apart. You could catch a show or escape the work week and not have to drive home!
‘Like’ Riverbend RV Resort and Campground on Facebook for camping reservations! 
KRL: When are you open?
JS: The Restaurant is open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.; Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Food served nightly until 10 p.m.
KRL: Are there any future goals for Wakehouse?
JS: We just want to keep growing! Before you know it we will have a brand new kitchen, a brewery on site, and a stage to host some of the best concerts around!
KRL: Anything else you would like to add?
JS: Please ‘Like’ us on Facebook @ The Wakehouse Woodfire Grill and Barrel.
The Wakehouse Woodfire Grill and Barrel
850 N. Kings River Road
Reedley, CA
(559) 637-9000
Website: www.thewakehousekingsriver.com
Keep an eye on KRL’s local venues/concerts page for more info on upcoming concerts at Wakehouse, and maybe we will head over and check out their new kitchen when it’s done in one of our Great Food Search columns!
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