Retail and restaurant changes shake up Fresno business scene

Fresno’s retail and restaurant scene is seeing major changes this year. Large closures like Sequoia Brewing Company and Forever 21 at Fashion Fair mall have left gaps, while at least 37 restaurants shut down last year, such as BJ’s Kountry Kitchen and Brothers Ramen. Even long-standing thrift stores and cafes have felt the pressure of rising rents and costs.

New restaurant openings also have happened, such as Randy’s Donuts and Toledo’s Mexican Restaurant. Meanwhile, old favorites like the Tower District’s Audie’s Olympic Tavern have been revived as Summer Fox Brewing Company, showing that some iconic venues are getting a second chance.

“Sorry, we’re closed” sign posted outside a Tower District business in Fresno on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. By Craig Kohlruss

NO. 1: 37 RESTAURANTS CLOSED IN THE FRESNO-AREA IN 2024. HERE’S WHAT THE OWNERS BLAME

More restaurants closed last year than in recent years, even since COVID-19. | Published January 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bethany Clough

Work progresses at Otherside, a coffee shop that will be opening soon at Willow and Shepherd avenues in The Row at Heritage Grove. By CRAIG KOHLRUSS

NO. 2: NEW RESTAURANTS COMING TO FRESNO AREA IN 2025. THE LATEST ON RANDY’S DONUTS, TOLEDO’S, MORE

There’s a cafe from the people who own Heirloom, along with a brewpub that serves barbecue and the return of a beloved bagel shop. | Published January 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bethany Clough

Workers prepare for the opening of Mission Thrift in the former 99 Cents Only store spot in the shopping center on the northeast corner of Bullard Avenue and First Street in Fresno. By CRAIG KOHLRUSS

NO. 3: TWO BIG NEW THRIFT SHOPS ARE OPENING IN FRESNO. SEE WHAT MAKES THEM DIFFERENT

One is a second location of a Tower District favorite. The other will be next to a library and a Starbucks. | Published January 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bethany Clough

Sequoia Brewing Company, photographed at its Olive Avenue location in Frenso on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. The longtime classic hangout and craft beer microbrewery in Fresno’s Tower District, is closing — along with its two other Valley locations. By CRAIG KOHLRUSS

NO. 4: WHY IS SEQUOIA BREWING CLOSING FRESNO-AREA RESTAURANTS? EVICTION NOTICE FILED AT ONE SPOT

The former owner is vowing to reopen. “It’s not over til it’s over.” | Published February 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bethany Clough

Forever 21, the clothing store that resided in the old Gottschalks space at Fashion Fair mall in Fresno, is closing. By CRAIG KOHLRUSS

NO. 5: FOREVER 21 IN FRESNO’S FASHION FAIR MALL QUIETLY HANGS ‘STORE CLOSING’ SIGNS

It took over the former Gottschalks spot in 2011. | Published February 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bethany Clough

What stores or restaurants would you like to see open in Fresno? An IKEA? A new little mom-and-pop restaurant? By Special to The BEE

NO. 6: WHAT RESTAURANTS OR STORES DO YOU WANT TO OPEN IN FRESNO AREA AS CLOSURES FREE UP SPACE?

What should move into Joann fabric store, Forever 21 or Sequoia Brewing spaces? | Published February 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bethany Clough

Summer Fox has added their own beer taps to offer plenty of choices at the old Club Fred and Audie’s Olympic in the Van Ness Village area of the Tower District in Fresno. The venue will also offer a few light food choices. By CRAIG KOHLRUSS

NO. 7: LONG VACANT TOWER NIGHTCLUB REOPENS AS FRESNO BREWERY TAKES OVER. HERE’S A LOOK INSIDE

For decades, the venue has been known by a variety of names: The Oly, Club Fred and Audie’s Olympic Tavern. | Published March 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joshua Tehee

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.