These restaurants in the Fresno area closed in 2021. Still, it’s not all bad news
The year 2021 wasn’t a good one for restaurants.
With the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply issues, rising costs and a labor shortage, it was tough to make ends meet in 2021.
At least a dozen restaurants closed.
Thankfully, it wasn’t as bad as 2020, when mandated shutdowns and unemployed workers pulling back on spending played a role in the closure of at least 16 Fresno-area restaurants.
But it’s not all bad news. More than 40 new restaurants opened in 2021, and readers weighed in on who their favorite newcomer is in our poll. And keep an eye out for a story we’re working on about all the new restaurants headed to Fresno in 2022.
In the meantime, though, we’re taking a look back at all the restaurants that closed in 2021. Here’s who we said goodbye to.
Restaurants that closed in 2021
Big Kahuna Frozen Yogurt at Sierra Vista Mall closed. Making the rent during the pandemic, especially without movie goers stopping by to get froyo, was just too much, according to owner Freddy Garcia.
Bulldog Burger Bistro at Barstow and Cedar avenues announced it was closing last month after five years and thanked its loyal customers.
Cravings Wood Grilled Burgers N Dogs at Herndon and Armstrong avenues in Clovis has closed after about 10 years.
DaVinci’s Pizza at Herndon and Marks avenues closed early this year, a sign on the door saying sales had been a struggle at that location. But a Pizza Factory Express quickly opened in the space.
Farm Fresh Bowls, the acai bowl and smoothie spot at Campus Pointe near Fresno State, closed last month after six years. Its Visalia location remains open. Raw Earth Juicery will open in the spot, according to Farm Fresh Bowls owner.
Fort Blossom Cafe at Friant and Fort Washington roads has closed. It opened in 2017 serving American, Mexican and other cuisines.
The Hangar the airplane-themed burger restaurant that opened in 2019 at River Park, closed this summer. One of the restaurant’s partners decided to switch concepts, and quickly reopened the spot as Brooks Burgers.
Joe’s Steakhouse, a longtime fixture and supporter of downtown Fresno, announced it was closing in April. The family who runs it decided to focus on their other successful businesses rather than try to run the restaurant during the pandemic. The building was for sale.
Logan’s Roadhouse on north Blackstone Avenue closed in April after 17 years. The building was quickly torn down to make way for a Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers drive-thru restaurant. The chain restaurant already has one location open in Clovis.
Rio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse at Sierra Vista Mall closed permanently after 13 years.
Sunnyside Delicatessen closed last spring after 38 years, but has since reopened. The Husak family took it over and reopened it, serving its traditional sandwiches and adding fried food.
Tony’s Pizzeria at Shields and Fruit avenues closed after 50 years in business. A longtime favorite of Fresnans, it has since been replaced with a restaurant called Calzone Italia.
This story was originally published December 28, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
