It began its history after World War II when Bruce Ariss, an artist and friend of John Steinbeck, returned to the city of Monterey after working with his father's construction company.

Friend Yanko Varda introduced Bruce Ariss to Angelo Di Girolamo whose brother had originally proposed the idea of a theatre on Fisherman's Wharf.

Brock and Carson continued producing shows that featured local talent as well as established theatrical names such as John Kerr, Joe E. Brown, Ethel Waters, Patricia Morison, Anthony Dexter, Charles Coburn, Jack Carson, Jack Kelly, Marsha Hunt, Gypsy Rose Lee, Zasu Pitts and Dame Judith Anderson.

Today, the Wharf Theatre is under the management of Stacy Meheen, and continues to produce theatrical shows and serves as a venue for concerts and events.

In the summer of 2018, the Wharf Theater produced a very successful production of the musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.