Not just breakfast. Fresno’s Benaddiction transforms into new restaurant for afternoons
Benaddiction breakfast restaurant is doing something different — at least in the afternoons and evenings.
First, don’t freak out.
The popular rock ’n’ roll-themed eatery isn’t going anywhere. Its Maple and Behymer avenues location is still Benaddiction. It’s still selling its “Hotel California” eggs Benedict and pancakes with Irish whiskey mixed into the batter in the mornings.
Fans can be forgiven for getting a little nervous after the closure of its original location earlier this month at Bullard and Marks avenues. The location was rented to someone else.
Now, instead of just closing after lunch like it used to, the north Fresno location turns into Cheeks’ Chicken & Burgers in the afternoons and evenings.
It was a way to keep most of the employees on after the closure of the Marks and Bullard restaurant, said owner James Caples. Fourteen of them moved to the other location to be part of Cheeks’.
Cheeks’ menu is simple and the restaurant is an order-at-the-counter type of place. You can eat in the dining room or on the patio, or get takeout.
Referencing the contrast to Benaddiction’s huge menu, Caples said, “2023 is the year of simplicity for me.”
Cheeks’ has just 10 entrees, including burgers and double cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and chicken sandwiches.
Cheeks’ debuted on Wednesday and so far, the most popular menu items are the grilled chicken sandwich and the “BMF.” That’s two quarter-pound smashburger patties with cheese, a fried egg and chunky bacon.
Most dishes range from $8.50 to $15.
Chicken nuggets, fries and tater tots are also available.
The name Cheeks’ is a nod to Caples’ 3-month-old daughter, who died in 2011 due to sudden infant death syndrome. Cheeks was his nickname for her.
As for what hours you can get Cheeks’ food versus Benaddiction breakfast, here’s how it works.
Benaddiction opens at 7 a.m. weekdays and at 8 a.m. on weekends and stops serving at 2 p.m. Cheeks’ serves takeout only starting at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and then customers can order Cheeks’ food at the counter and dine in from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Details: Benaddiction/Cheeks’ is at 10063 N. Maple Ave, Fresno. 559-515-6054.
