Empress Theatre Expands Vallejo Programming and Dining

The historic Vallejo venue now offers full dining services and expanded entertainment alongside recent technical upgrades.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Dance

Empress Theatre Expands Vallejo Programming and Dining

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Since September 2025, the Empress Theatre at 330 Virginia St. has evolved by introducing a full-service restaurant and expanded programming. The venue now coordinates live music and dining services from Wednesday to Sunday.

Why it matters

Management added these dining services to drive higher attendance while leveraging a $7 million capital campaign that funded seismic retrofits and stage expansions. These improvements allow the historic theater to host diverse acts ranging from jazz ensembles to symphony orchestras.

The theater installed a $200,000 JBL sound system and a $200,000 light system to support larger productions. Revenue has grown by 66% since general manager Jay Johnson arrived in January 2026.

The players

Empress Theatre

Located at 330 Virginia St. in Vallejo, this historic venue serves as a cultural hub for the community.

Vallejo Center of the Arts

This nonprofit organization manages the facility and directed the successful $7 million capital campaign.

Jay Johnson

As the current general manager, he oversaw the implementation of a new central software infrastructure.

William A. Jones

He was the architect originally hired to construct the theatre building in 1911.

The details

The newly added restaurant serves a menu of pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and desserts, including a Sunday brunch service from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To support these operations, the theater integrated its ticketing, menu, and business tracking into a new central software database.

1911: Architect William A. Jones is hired to build the theatre.
1989: The Loma Prieta earthquake causes significant building damage.
2008: The theatre reopens following extensive seismic retrofits.
January 2026: New general manager Jay Johnson begins his tenure.
September 2025: The theatre expands programming and opens its restaurant.

Industry Dynamics

The Empress Theatre's path reflects the broader trend of independent performing arts venues diversifying revenue through hospitality. This strategy mirrors the adaptation of historic cinemas across the region to compete in a landscape dominated by streaming and modern multiplexes.

Patrons can now combine live jazz or blues performances with dining options between Wednesday and Sunday. The integration of a centralized ticketing system simplifies the process for booking shows and reserving brunch tables simultaneously.

The takeaway

Historic venues often sustain long-term relevance by modernizing both their technical capabilities and their hospitality offerings. For local residents, visiting during mid-week hours or for Sunday brunch provides an opportunity to support the ongoing preservation of this community landmark.