128 Hall & Kitchen embodies community

By Aaron Geerts

Express staff writer

The COVID pandemic brought closures for many small businesses. However, co-owners María Rojo, Silverio Arteaga and Noé Cuevas flipped the script and opting to open one — The 128 Hall & Kitchen.

The 128 offers a rental hall (which can hold up to 100 guests), catering services, a bar with a rotating menu featuring pub food, and more from third party agencies including a DJ, bands, bakery, florist.

“We’re focusing on gourmet burgers, sandwiches and bringing back the Cody’s Torpedo,” Rojo said, talking about the menu. “I even asked the Lintons for the original Torpedo recipe and got their blessing.”

There were been plenty of hurdles to get over every step of the way to finally opening The 128 Hall & Kitchen.

“Because of COVID, it took me six months to get my liquor license when it should take 60 days max,” Rojo said addressing some of the challenges. “Everything was not up to code when we acquired the property, and we were trying to meet the local, state and federal regulations. Everything from building codes, health codes, ADA state codes and federal requirements for alcohol — all of this during COVID. Also convincing my business partners to join me, but I got it done and we have a great working relationship. This all wouldn’t be possible without them.”

Even still, Rojo maintained her steely resolve and created a business mosaic comprised of all things Winters. From the décor to the menu, The 128 is a true homage to the hometown.

“This is a celebration of our hometown because everything from the inside and art, to the people I hire, are all from Winters,” Rojo explained. “We’re selling local wines, beers, food and supporting all the locals who do crafts.” Rojo also raved about a Winters High School Senior Capstone project that beautified the interior. “I also sponsored Melanie Perdaza in her capstone project,” said Rojo. “I told her, ‘I want you to paint this entire wall.’ It’s a map of Winters with the 128 where it’s at and other Winters businesses – past and present. Then I had her paint her name on the wall so she can take recognition for her work.” Patrons can enjoy live bands and music on the weekends. The 128 treats the community to a live performance every Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. One can also find Steady Eddy’s custom, 128 dark espresso roast coffee blend there.

Rojo’s overarching goal is to not only celebrate Winters, but to provide something local and affordable for families to enjoy. With all the hard work put into it, The 128 is set to become as integral to Winters as the highway its named after.

The 128 Hall & Kitchen is located at 1123 Grant Ave. For more information and updates follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/ the128hallandkitchen/ or visit their website at https:// the128winters.com/.

Crystal Apilado contributed to this article.

Jeff Rawlinson/Winters Express Co-owner María Rojo envisions The 128 Hall & Kitchen to be a celebration of Winters and its community and hired local artists and businesses to help revamp the building. Inside The 128, patrons can order food, local wines and beer. Jeff Rawlinson/Winters Express