Downtown Turlock will soon welcome a new eatery that is paying homage to its location's historic past with its name — Hauck's Grill.
The brick building on the southeast corner of E. Main Street and Broadway that used to be home to Hauck's Pharmacy is being transformed into a sports bar and grill. Hauck's Grill, owned by Tom and Karen Gallo, is set to open in late April and offer casual dining in a family-friendly environment, according to executive chef Michael Goularte.
The casual dining restaurant will feature a number of barbecue items, including tri-tip and ribs, along with hamburgers, salads and French fries with a special Hauck's seasoning.
The restaurant will also feature locally made brews and food from Sand Dude, Dust Bowl, Hilmar Cheese and Foster Farms.
"This is quality food at an affordable price," said Goularte.
There will be a self-service casual dining area and a full-service bar area. While keeping the historic brick facade, the inside of Hauck's will be adorned with sports memorabilia from local high schools and colleges. Twelve televisions will also allow patrons to view their favorite professional sports teams in action.
The restaurant will have a front patio that can seat 30, offering patrons a front seat to downtown Turlock's active nightlife.
"It's exciting to see what's going on," said Goularte about all the new restaurants and bars opening on Main Street." It's bringing downtown Turlock back to life; I think we'll complement each other very well."
This won't be the first time that the Gallos have brought new life to a historic location. In 2001, the Gallos opened Galletto Ristorante in a 1930s-era art deco building located in the heart of Modesto’s renovated downtown.
Hauck's will be a change of pace for the Gallos and Goularte, who for the past five and a half years has been the executive chef at Galletto Ristorante, which offers a rustic Northern Italian menu in a fine dining atmosphere.
Goularte will take on executive duties at both restaurants, a task he is well qualified for.
Originally from Gustine, growing up on his family’s farm, Goularte went to Fresno State University to study agriculture. After a year at Fresno State, he enrolled in the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco.
After graduating, Goularte did an internship at La Maisonette in Cincinnati, boasting the longest running streak of five-star awards. Other fine restaurants he’s worked at include Café Boulud where he studied under well-known Chef Daniel Boulud, The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, and Club XIX in Pebble Beach before coming to Galletto Ristorante in 2010 and working his way to executive chef.
Goularte said that Hauck's plans to hire approximately 40 employees to open. He is looking for experienced bar tenders, however, the restaurant will be training new cooks.
Those looking to find employment at Hauck's can attend one of the upcoming on-site hiring events, set for 10 a.m. to noon March 26 and April 2. Resumes can also be emailed to: info@galletto.biz.
