InterView
Joe Traina and the Fruityard
By Chris Murphy
The Traina family has long been synonymous with locally grown fruit and vegetables. Long timers know their Traina dried food that’s produced in Patterson, California and many know the great prime rib and the Sunday brunches at the Fruit Yard east of Modesto. Over the years, the Fruit Yard has grown into an event center and now they make their boldest move yet by opening a new amphitheater that will host 3,500 people and will present concerts and performances by top-flight entertainment as well as the ability to host local performances. Many music fans remember the B93 Summerfest shows that were held there and for nearly 30 years, the Fruit Yard has been home to Back to Graffiti, that showcased Little Richard, the Beach Boys, The Isley Brothers and many others. This is an exciting time and Joe Traina has been working round the clock to bring this new facility to life for the gala opening with Amy Grant on August 24. We were able to tour the fast-rising stage canopy, the grassy hill for blanket seating and all of the new back stage support areas. These should be some of the best services that will be a great draw to touring artists. Parking should be pretty easy and best of all, this is only a few minutes east of Modesto.
Joe and his brother Willie Traina own and operate the family’s Traina Foods that was incorporated in 1976 and they started the Fruit Yard in 1977. We caught up with Joe during the construction and wanted to know how this is all developing and what the future brings and also became intrigued with something called a “Fruiton”. I guess we will have to wait for that.
ModestoView: The Fruit Yard has been an important part of our culture for quite a while, what does it mean to you?
Joe Traina: I have been at it so long, it has become my identity.
MV: Traina continues to innovate in foods like the Sun Dried Ketchup, what do you think about the opportunities for food production in our area?
JT: Farm to fork, it’s great. We’ve come out with our own BBQ dipping sauce and also a Fruiton (not a cruton) and we are developing new and exiting new food products you will in the near future.
MV: Did you ever see yourself being in the event business when you were growing up?
JT: Yes, I thought I would become a country western singer.
MV: There has been a long history of events at the Fruit Yard, what was your favorite memory?
JT: Cooking and eating ribs with Mary Wilson of the Supremes after she performed to a sell out crowd at the Fruit Yard.
MV: Back to Graffiti was started in 1994, what is the future of Back to Graffiti now that you have an amphitheater?
JT: There are so many possibilities, but we really want to provide bigger and better entertainment.
MV: Do you have a wish list on what and who would you like to book at the Fruit Yard?
JT: Yes I do have a wish list, but you will have to wait and see.
MV: Beyond concerts, what would you like to see at the Fruit Yard?
JT: We would like to present more theatre, comedy, church services and community events.
MV: Is your whole family involved in the Traina businesses? Over the years, everybody has participated in one way or another.
JT: If you had a wish for the greater Modesto area, what would it be? People being more caring and kind to each other.
MV: Who do people connect with The Fruit Yard to book the facility? Go on our website at www.thefruityard.com and contact our office
JT: Our signature question: Beatles or Stones? Stones. Everybody needs a little rock and roll in their lives.
The Fruit Yard
7948 Yosemite Blvd
Modesto, Ca 95357
www.thefruityard.com
6:30 am – 9:00 pm Sun-Thurs Open till 10 Fri and Sat
209-577-3093
To learn about the amazing taste and to see all the cool things you can do with dried Fruit and be the first to see what a Fruiton is, check out Traina Foods at www.trainafoods.com
