With all of the revitalization going on in a number of communities around the region, it’s not hard to understand why Randy Rocha, proprietor of Black Sheep Kitchen & Cocktails, looked to downtown Riverbank as a new and exciting spot to launch his latest endeavor. As Riverbank continues to grow with a new Costco and more housing construction, Rocha looked to downtown Riverbank as an opportune place to locate his restaurant.
Rocha, a Valley native, has lived in quite a few area communities including Riverbank, Oakdale, Modesto and Escalon and he felt that Riverbank was ready for something new.
He is no stranger to the hospitality industry with many years of experience both working in and owning restaurants. Chances are you might have already enjoyed some fun evenings at one of his other establishments, one of which is The Tap Room, on Claus Road in Modesto. Before turning his full focus on Black Sheep Kitchen & Cocktails and The Tap Room, he also owned and operated a few other favorites in the region including The Twisted Pig and Daily Dose.
Rocha said he went into the hospitality industry after realizing that he seemed to have a knack in building relationships and bringing people together. He has worked in the industry most of his life so he knows the nuances of running the back of the house as well as the front of the house. Being from the Central Valley, he also prides himself on working with local chefs to create culinary delights for his customers.
Black Sheep Kitchen & Cocktails occupies the building that previously housed the Red Carpet Bar, a staple for many years in Riverbank. Rocha wanted to expand upon the idea of a bar, though, and introduce fine cuisine as well as an inviting environment in which people could come out and enjoy a few drinks in a warm and welcoming eatery. Rocha has converted the spaces adjacent to the former Red Carpet Bar as well so Black Sheep Kitchen & Cocktails utilizes all of its newly expanded space. As you approach the restaurant, you walk on to a spacious patio complete with fire pits and cozy seating and upon entering the restaurant, you can sidle straight up to the bar and enjoy a cocktail or head to the additional seating area to the right or pop out to the patio if you are so inclined.
“I’ve been in the industry a little while and I had an opportunity to bring something new and special to downtown Riverbank so I did it,” Rocha said of his newest endeavor. When considering what kinds of offerings and cocktails Black Sheep Kitchen & Cocktails would bring, he said he wanted to do something a little different. From appetizers such as Flaming Linguica and Sushi Bombs to full entrees including Pork Belly Tacos to Sheep’s Salad to Chicken Pesto Pasta, there is truly something for everyone. With multiple drafts on tap, beer lovers are certain to find something to their liking and with carefully crafted cocktails such as a Mistletoe Margarita, guests can enjoy specialty themed drinks or stick with old favorites because the bartenders are very talented and take quite a bit of pride in ensuring that each guest receives top notch service.
Dina Gibson, manager and talented mixologist, has worked with Rocha before at The Tap Room and said that when the opportunity came to join the team in Riverbank, she jumped at it.
“Riverbank is my town and I’m coming too,” said Gibson.
She noted that as a resident of Riverbank she enjoys having more restaurants downtown and she is looking forward to seeing downtown expand its footprint as new businesses join Black Sheep Kitchen & Cocktails.
With Happy Hour everyday Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., there are also a variety of special activities to add to the fun.
They have Karaoke Nights, Musical Bingo, Live Music and Brunch Specials. Whether you are looking to have an exciting night out or maybe just catch up with some friends by the cozy fire pits, Black Sheep is a place where you can kick your heels up, relax and let the good times roll.
