A popular holiday store in Fresno opens second location just in time for Christmas

Sierra Nut House has been open in Old Town Clovis for less than a work week and already it’s receiving warm welcomes.

There’s a mason jar on the front counter, filled with fresh-picked flowers, tied up a with a ribbon and bow. One might miss it altogether, or assume it’s part of the rustic country-store decor of the place.

It was actually brought in as a gift, a neighborly hello.

“We wanted to replace the store that closed,” says Joann Sorrenti, who opened the original Sierra Nut House on her parents almond ranch in 1969 for what was supposed to be a seasonal gig. That store — at Sierra and Chestnut — operated until last year when Sorrenti sold off the land and moved its inventory into a warehouse.

For months, Sorrenti hinted at a new location in Clovis, without sharing details.

“I’m not saying yet, but I’m going to get a space that I’ve wanted for years,” she told The Bee in March.

That space, on the southern edge of Pollasky Avenue just across from the Bank of America, had its soft opening last week.

It’s reminiscent of the old store.

A rustic wood sign hangs above the door: Sierra Nut House, in red and white.

Inside, its racks are chock full of Sierra Nut House’s assortment of offerings. There’s the dried fruits and nuts (chocolate covered, if that’s your thing), plus assorted candies, preserves and snack mixes. Pistachios are a big seller, as are the butter toffee peanuts. Items can be bought per package, but are more often bundled up into gift baskets — an assortment of which are on display around the store and popular this time of year.

The retail space is twice as big as the old spot, Sorrenti says, and has the benefit of foot traffic from Old Town, especially during special events. But more than anything, it offers room for packaging and shipping and fulfilling the business’ web orders.

Hidden in the back of the store, several employees busy themselves with cardboard boxes, cellophane and tape. Beyond that is warehouse space with a roll-up door for easy access for bulk stock coming in and out.

What’s happening with Sam’s Deli and the Villagio Shopping Center?

Even with the store opening, Sorrenti isn’t through looking at real estate.

She’s still looking to replace Sierra Nut House’s location at the Villagio Shopping Center. Thanks to a lease extension, that store will remain open through this Christmas and next, but will likely be forced to move at the end of 2025.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Sam’s Deli would take over the space as part of its expansion into north Fresno. The deli would have taken over three spaces inside the Villagio center, including the one occupied by Sierra Nut House and its bistro.

That plan has now been pushed to 2027, according to ABC 30. Sorrenti says she has an eye on a possible future location, but couldn’t specify where that might be.

This story was originally published December 9, 2024 at 2:00 PM.