SOLEDAD — Community members and local officials gathered at Premiere Cinemas in Soledad earlier this month to celebrate the official groundbreaking of Reel Rock Brewery, an innovative new addition set to revitalize downtown.
Hosted by Balesteri Construction Inc., in partnership with the King City and Soledad chambers of commerce, the June 5 ceremony marked the start of a vibrant space designed to bring people together over craft beer, community and creativity.
The event, held inside the theater complex at 499 Nestles Road, drew attendees eager to witness the beginning of this transformative project. Maria Corralejo, executive director of the Soledad Chamber of Commerce, expressed enthusiasm for the development.
“This expansion and addition to the Premiere Cinemas represents a major investment in our community and is expected to bring jobs, much-needed vitality to the Market Place and an increase in customers,” Corralejo said.
Balesteri Construction, the project’s builder, shared its vision for Reel Rock Brewery as a lively gathering space that will serve as a hub for both locals and visitors.
“We’re proud to announce the launch of our newest commercial project — Reel Rock Brewery, a transformative addition to downtown Soledad,” stated the company. “Designed as a vibrant gathering space for the community and visiting patrons, the project will feature a full-scale brewery, service areas, an exterior beer garden and a mezzanine.”
The project aims to blend craftsmanship, community and innovation in a unique setting — inside a movie theater — creating a distinctive ambiance for beer enthusiasts and visitors alike.
During the groundbreaking, members of Balesteri Construction used a sledgehammer to smash a piece of wall — symbolizing the beginning of construction. The company also received Certificates of Recognition from elected officials, including California State Sen. John Laird, California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez and Soledad Mayor Anna Velazquez, acknowledging the project’s importance.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the more than 70 community members who came out to celebrate the groundbreaking of Reel Rock Brewery in Soledad,” posted Balesteri Construction on social media afterward. “Your presence marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter — one rooted in community, craftsmanship and collaboration. We were honored to stand alongside our partners, neighbors and friends as we officially broke ground on a project that means so much to us and to the region.”
Construction of Reel Rock Brewery is expected to be completed in the coming months.
