The mayor of Jerez, María José García-Pelayo, accompanied by members of the municipal corporation, family, and friends, presided over the plaque unveiling ceremony at the roundabout. This public space, located near the Venta Esteban, honors the memory of Pepe Ballesteros, who passed away suddenly in January of this year.
The mayor emphasized the significance of this recognition, stating that "naming a public space is one of the best ways a City Council can recognize and thank a person." She conveyed the council's affection to the Ballesteros family, the Venta Esteban team, and all those who shared "work, table, conversations, and friendship" with Pepe.
García-Pelayo added that the roundabout represents a tribute to "one of our own who left us not long ago," and stressed the commitment to "always remember him, passing his legacy from generation to generation." She highlighted that Pepe Ballesteros "made Jerez great" and that his presence continues to be felt, not only by his family but also by his "other great family," that of the Venta Esteban.
On behalf of the family, Maite Ballesteros expressed their pride in the recognition, describing the day as "beautiful, but also sad." She emphasized that her father "did not go unnoticed, he left a mark on the hearts of all who knew him" and thanked the unanimous support from all political parties and the affection from the municipal team.
The City Council approved the dedication of the roundabout to Pepe Ballesteros in February of this year. Previously, in April, the Venta Esteban hosted a tribute organized by his professional colleagues, attended by thirty hospitality professionals from the province of Cádiz.
José Ballesteros Pérez, known as Pepe Ballesteros or Pepe de Venta Esteban, was involved in the restaurant industry from a young age and was particularly known for his attentive customer service. His sudden passing on January 11th at the age of 58 prompted numerous expressions of affection on social media and among hospitality professionals.
The roundabout, located at the intersection of the NR-4 road and the Caulina road (CA-3107), was built as part of an urban improvement project for the northern access to Jerez. The project, with an investment of 1.6 million euros, was officially communicated by the Ministry of Transport in January 2026, confirming the transfer of the section to the City Council.
