Starbucks returns: Northwest Fresno missed you a latte

Starbucks lovers of northwest Fresno, rejoice: Your Starbucks is coming back – to the exact same spot.

The location at Marks and Herndon avenues that closed in 2009 is reopening by the end of the year. It will be bigger and better.

It will be about 30 percent bigger than the Starbucks that was there before. All that construction work you’re seeing is the addition of a drive-through and a new driveway.

Some of you reading this may say, “So what, another Starbucks.”

But remember, this location was one of the 600 closures during the recession that riled customers enough to start a “Save Our Starbucks” campaign. Back then, the empty storefront next door had 180 comment cards taped to it with people begging it to stay open.

For people in the area, this is a huge deal.

“Oh my goodness, I have been hoping that this was going to be a Starbucks!” says Clarice Krikorian, who lives near the area. “Most everyone that I know was sorry to see them close up.”

It may seem odd for Starbucks to go into a place it left. But the coffee giant is simply running out of places to open new locations, which could mean the company has to be less choosy, says Neil Saunders, a retail analyst with Conlumino, a New York retail research and analysis firm.

The addition of the drive-through clinched the deal, along with the site being ideally spaced between other Herndon Avenue Starbucks at Milburn Avenue and Palm Avenue, says Michael Thomason, a partner in Thomason Development, which owns the property.

Saunders says that drive-through probably made a big difference: “Some people don’t want to stop. That drive-through really solves that problem and really gives them a whole new set of customers.”

The TOGO’s Sandwiches/Baskin-Robbins will stay, and one other empty space is available for rent between it and Starbucks.

Tacos, Brews & Jams

Another Tacos, Brews & Jams event is happening at Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co., 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15.

This is a growing monthly event that – you guessed it – features taco trucks, beer and music.

This one features tacos from Tacos Boys and Angelita’s Mobil Taqueria. (That’s not a typo, they just don’t use the E in the word mobile.) Churros will also be sold by Rubia’s Churro Parties.

Music is from synth/pop duo Personal Computer, and the Dear Danger mobile boutique will be selling clothing and accessories there, too.

Eureka!

Eureka! restaurant is once again opening at 10 a.m. on Sundays for football season.

Customers can watch games on TVs at the restaurant at Palm and Nees avenues and get food and cocktails.

Drinks include bloody marys and mimosas that cost $5 all day (on Saturdays and Sundays) and a breakfast burrito that’s served all day.

This story was originally published September 13, 2016 at 12:00 PM with the headline "Starbucks returns: Northwest Fresno missed you a latte."