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Is this the ‘ultimate man cave?’ Step inside eclectic Yosemite Hemp Co. near Fresno

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On a common route to get to Table Mountain Casino from Fresno, a longtime Clovis resident has steadily turned his passion and hobbies into a vibrant business just off Friant Road.

But if you drive too fast in anticipation of gambling at the tables and slot machines, you just might miss the eclectic atmosphere at Yosemite Hemp Co.

Because Yosemite Hemp Co. is more than a shop with signs out front advertising CBD and hemp products.

Inside, there are rooms decorated with a collection of toy cars and trophies, various wood craftsman works like birdhouses, a pool and a ping pong table, and plenty of TVs all around.

“It’s the ultimate man cave,” said co-owner Mark Bagdasarian, who operates the business with his co-owner son Ryan.

The outside of Yosemite Hemp Co. is an extension of Bagdasarian’s other passions and hobbies.

In the backyard, there’s a stage with tables and chairs to host events. There’s also a pond with fish and an old classic car that serves as the centerpiece to the garden area.

Toward the front of the CBD/hemp store, there’s a large garage where Bagdasarian stores the classic cars that he alternates driving daily, including a sharp black 1952 Studebaker Commander and a 1950 Chevy Deluxe.

A pool table, pinball machine and lots of road signs and decorations are displayed at Yosemite Hemp Co., a CBD shop in Friant that also serves as an event space where you can find classic cars, crafted bird houses and barbecue.
A pool table, pinball machine and lots of road signs and decorations are displayed at Yosemite Hemp Co., a CBD shop in Friant that also serves as an event space where you can find classic cars, crafted bird houses and barbecue. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Toward the front of Yosemite Hemp Co. store, there’s a large garage where co-owner Mark Bagdasarian stores the classic cars that he alternates driving daily, including a sharp black 1952 Studebaker Commander.
Toward the front of Yosemite Hemp Co. store, there’s a large garage where co-owner Mark Bagdasarian stores the classic cars that he alternates driving daily, including a sharp black 1952 Studebaker Commander. Bryant-Jon Anteola The Fresno Bee

“Sometimes people rent out the place and they don’t even use the inside. They just host their event outside,” Bagdasarian said.

It all combines to create a popular multi-use venue for parties or other various events.

“We’re a CBD/hemp store, but we’re also a party venue,” Bagdasarian said. “If you’re looking for someplace fun and want to rent a place that’s different, you got to check out what we have.”

In addition, there’s a Mexican food truck that pulls up for events and a barbecue joint specializing in bacon-wrapped ribs that can be used for catering.

Its most popular events have been graduation parties, Bagdasarian said. Clovis Comedy Scene also holds regular events there, and there have been classic car shows and motorcycle poker runs.

Yosemite Hemp Co. has been around since 2015 and is located where the Dam Diner operated before closing in 2013. From Fresno, it’s about a 20-minute drive north on Friant Road to the spot at 17304 N. Friant Road — about another five minutes from the Millerton Lake entrance and 10 minutes from Table Mountain Casino.

Signs point to various places in the outdoor backyard space at Yosemite Hemp Co. in Friant on Wednesday, April 4, 2025. The backyard space is used for various public and private events at the CBD shop.
Signs point to various places in the outdoor backyard space at Yosemite Hemp Co. in Friant on Wednesday, April 4, 2025. The backyard space is used for various public and private events at the CBD shop. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com

Bagdasarian said due to its name, the business often is mistaken for a cannabis dispensary and a place to buy marijuana.

But while hemp is a type of cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC (the natural compounds that makes people feel “high”) and CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound found in both hemp and marijuana plants, the CBD and hemp products sold at Yosemite Hemp Co. do not cause people to get high and are alternatives to weed products.

Among the benefits of using hemp and CBD products like topical lotions and oils is lowering inflammation and reducing anxiety, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

“People who know us — our customer base of folks — they know what we have and how we try to give them good prices,” Bagdasarian said.

“You really just got to come up and check it out to see for yourself that we’re the best spot in town.”

Tables surrounded by signs and other decorations sit inside the Yosemite Hemp Co., a CBD shop in Friant that also serves as an event space where you can find classic cars, crafted bird houses and barbecue.
Tables surrounded by signs and other decorations sit inside the Yosemite Hemp Co., a CBD shop in Friant that also serves as an event space where you can find classic cars, crafted bird houses and barbecue. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Yosemite Hemp Co. is a CBD shop in Friant that also serves as an event space where you can find classic cars, crafted bird houses and barbecue.
Yosemite Hemp Co. is a CBD shop in Friant that also serves as an event space where you can find classic cars, crafted bird houses and barbecue. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Yosemite Hemp Co. owner Mark Bagdasarian stands inside the Friant CBD shop that also serves as an event space where you can find classic cars, crafted bird houses and barbecue.
Yosemite Hemp Co. owner Mark Bagdasarian stands inside the Friant CBD shop that also serves as an event space where you can find classic cars, crafted bird houses and barbecue. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
An old Nash car sits in the garden of an outdoor backyard space at Yosemite Hemp Co. in Friant on Wednesday, April 4, 2025. The backyard space is used for various public and private events at the CBD shop.
An old Nash car sits in the garden of an outdoor backyard space at Yosemite Hemp Co. in Friant on Wednesday, April 4, 2025. The backyard space is used for various public and private events at the CBD shop. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
A classic Chevrolet Bel Air owned by Mark Bagdasarian is displayed in a garage space at his Yosemite Hemp Co. in Friant on Wednesday, April 4, 2025.
A classic Chevrolet Bel Air owned by Mark Bagdasarian is displayed in a garage space at his Yosemite Hemp Co. in Friant on Wednesday, April 4, 2025. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Mark Bagdasarian, who owns the Yosemite Hemp Co. in Friant walks by one of his classic cars that sit outside the CBD shop on Wednesday, April 4, 2025.
Mark Bagdasarian, who owns the Yosemite Hemp Co. in Friant walks by one of his classic cars that sit outside the CBD shop on Wednesday, April 4, 2025. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
A turtle suns itself on a garden pond rock in the outdoor backyard space at Yosemite Hemp Co. in Friant on Wednesday, April 4, 2025. The backyard space is used for various public and private events at the CBD shop.
A turtle suns itself on a garden pond rock in the outdoor backyard space at Yosemite Hemp Co. in Friant on Wednesday, April 4, 2025. The backyard space is used for various public and private events at the CBD shop. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com

This story was originally published April 9, 2025 at 1:27 PM.

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