Long-empty building was a star of ’90s nightlife in Fresno. Now, pizza chain moving in
A California pizza chain is taking over a building in a prime spot on Shaw Avenue that’s been empty for about seven years.
The former Wiliker’s spot at 1713 E. Shaw Ave. near Cedar Avenue has been bought by Woodstock’s Pizza. It’s a San Diego-based restaurant that likes to bring its pizza parlors with unique vibes to college towns.
More recently, the building near Fresno State was home to Guri’s GrubHouse and then Taps & Tacos Mex Grill. But since the latter closed, it’s been empty. It’s going to be a while before Woodstock’s opens in the building — probably not until summer or fall of next year.
“It’s not in the best shape,” said Lewis Smith, a real estate agent with Retail California involved in the sale.
The interior is gutted, missing its copper wiring, and homeless people were living inside, said Emiley Stake, director of business development for Woodstock’s.
Some windows are broken, with light fixtures falling off the exterior walls. But the company plans a major remodel, with Stake adding that it spent $1 million renovating the Santa Cruz location.
“We’ve got to replace the whole roof,” she said. “It’s basically only the four walls that are going to stay.”
A main driver of the sale was the location, Smith said.
“The location is fantastic, being on Shaw Avenue and walking distance to Fresno State,” he said.
Built in 1983, the property and 7,000-square-foot building were assessed at a value of $1.8 million last year, according to records.
Once it’s open, it will be the biggest Woodstock’s in the state.
What is Woodstock’s Pizza?
Fresnans may know Woodstock’s from its locations in San Luis Obispo or Santa Cruz.
It’s a pizza place that serves beer. This will be Woodstock’s fourth location with a full liquor license serving cocktails.
“We’re super big into California craft beers,” Stake said.
As for the pizza, it’s California style, she said.
“The thing that we’re famous for is a fold-over crust,” she said. “The sauce goes all the way out to the end and you fold the crust over.”
Expect pizzas on the menu such as Kickin’ Carnitas, Sriracha-cha and the All-Meat Orgy. Options include gluten free and cauliflower crusts and vegan cheese.
Woodstock’s also likes to reflect the vibe of the communities it’s in.
So, while a coastal location might have surfing decor, Fresno’s restaurant will reflect the city.
“We’re really looking into the anthropology of Fresno and trying to get a good feel for what the Fresno community is and stands for,” she said. “It’s definitely going to be all about Bulldogs, all about Grizzlies.”
The nine Woodstock’s locations are in California, though the brand was originally founded in 1977 in Corvallis, Oregon, by Chuck Woodstock. He and his business partner died in a private plane crash and a former manager took over the California operation.
Wiliker’s and other Fresno history
There will probably be a photo of Patrick Swayze on the walls, Stake noted.
Swayze and co-star Sam Elliott hung out at the former Wiliker’s when filming the movie about a sexy bouncer taming a small town bar, “Road House.” (They also visited Black Angus and judged a bikini contest at Tequila Pete’s across the street, according to Fresno Bee archives.)
Parts of “Road House,” released in 1989, were filmed along the Kings River in Reedley, and Sanger.
