Local

9 stories showcasing Fresno Proud: New businesses, development, deep roots

The curated articles about Fresno share a common theme of highlighting the city’s growth, cultural richness, and positive attributes, countering negative stereotypes. They concentrate on new business developments, local cultural contributions, and economic milestones.

The article titled "Some call our city ugly and boring. In reality, 'Fresno is a cultural hotbed'" defends Fresno as a lively community with a significant impact on culture, literature, and arts. It refutes external criticisms and emphasizes its vibrant local scene and important contributions. "Four new businesses opening in Fresno area — plus a revamped Dave & Buster’s" reports on new business openings despite some store closures, illustrating economic dynamism. New places offering diverse culinary and wellness experiences are on the rise, indicating a growing local economy. "Fresno airport unveils construction 'milestone.' What's next for $150M expansion?" discusses the latest expansion phase of Fresno Yosemite International Airport, showcasing infrastructural advancements. The enhancements aim to improve the travel experience and highlight Fresno's status as an emerging center. "2 Fresno restaurants are among Yelp’s Top Places to Eat in 2025" lists two local eateries recognized nationally, underscoring Fresno's burgeoning culinary scene. With highly rated establishments featuring diverse and innovative dishes, Fresno's food culture gains recognition. Overall, these stories portray Fresno as a city with deep cultural roots and promising economic developments.

Various proteins are among the choices for poke bowls at Butterfish California Poke in north Fresno. There’s salmon, Ahi tuna and yellowtail as well as more non-traditional choices like chicken and vegetable mix. By CRAIG KOHLRUSS

NO. 1: EATING HEALTHY IN FRESNO? HERE ARE 8 LOCAL RESTAURANTS SERVING UP FRESH, AFFORDABLE FOOD

From smoothies to plant-based burgers and poke bowls, these eateries offer something for everyone. | Published January 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Fernanda Galan

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The patio area at Saizon, part of The Row, a new development at the northwest corner of Willow and Shepherd avenues. Photographed Wednesday, July 12, 2023 in Fresno. By ERIC PAUL ZAMORA

NO. 2: 2 FRESNO RESTAURANTS ARE AMONG YELP’S TOP PLACES TO EAT IN 2025. HERE’S WHERE TO GO

Yelp reviewers praised the restaurants’ ”unique and delicious food” and “super-friendly service.” | Published February 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Fernanda Galan

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The downtown Fresno skyline is seen in the foreground as snow caps the Sierra Nevada mountains and clouds hug the foothills in the background Monday, Dec. 14, 2009. Several days of precipitation have given the mountains east of Fresno a much-needed dumping of snow. CRAIG KOHLRUSS/THE FRESNO BEE

NO. 3: LET’S ‘FLIP THE SCRIPT’ ON THE FRESNO NARRATIVE. TELL US WHY THIS PLACE IS SO SPECIAL TO YOU

Does Fresno have a self-esteem issue? The Bee is embarking on a community effort to change the narrative. | Published February 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Christopher Kirkpatrick

Supri coffee and boba chop will be opening soon at 1916 Copper Ave. #105 in Fresno. By ERIC PAUL ZAMORA

NO. 4: FOUR NEW BUSINESSES OPENING IN FRESNO AREA — PLUS A REVAMPED DAVE & BUSTER’S

A clothing store, a boba shop and a yoga studio are among the new businesses — but that Trader Joe’s rumor isn’t true, unfortunately. | Published March 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bethany Clough

The downtown Fresno skyline is seen in the foreground as snow caps the Sierra Nevada mountains and clouds hug the foothills in the background Monday, Dec. 14, 2009. Several days of precipitation have given the mountains east of Fresno a much-needed dumping of snow. CRAIG KOHLRUSS/THE FRESNO BEE

NO. 5: SOME CALL OUR CITY UGLY AND BORING. IN REALITY, ‘FRESNO IS A CULTURAL HOTBED’

Flip the Script: Help us change the Fresno narrative. “We get overshadowed by San Francisco and Los Angeles, but Fresno is able to stand on its own.” | Published March 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Erik Galicia

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Scott Miller, right, owner of Gazebo Gardens, and his son Quincy Miller, chat near one of the Fresno nursery’s popular Instagram selfie backdrops, a giant dragon standing among the flowers for sale. By CRAIG KOHLRUSS

NO. 6: GAZEBO GARDENS HAS CENTURY-OLD ROOTS IN FRESNO. NURSERY IS POWERED BY BEER, COFFEE AND ROSES

“Our business model became community center,” the owner said. | Published March 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Thaddeus Miller

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Pedestrians cross in front of the Warnors Center for the Performing Arts, background, as thousands descend on Fulton Street during ArtHop Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023. By ERIC PAUL ZAMORA

NO. 7: 10 THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT FRESNO AND ITS ‘SMALL-TOWN SPIRIT,’ READERS SAY

Flip the script: Help us change the Fresno narrative. “You can find your people here. We’re all no more than 20 minutes away.” | Published April 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Montalvo

Vehicles drop off travelers in front of Fresno Yosemite International Airport, which is continuing with its FATforward expansion and improvements including a new passenger security checkpoint which officially opened on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. By CRAIG KOHLRUSS

NO. 8: FRESNO AIRPORT UNVEILS CONSTRUCTION ‘MILESTONE.’ WHAT’S NEXT FOR $150M EXPANSION?

The latest addition to Fresno Yosemite International Airport just “a glimpse of what is to come,” a city official said. | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Fernanda Galan

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The downtown Fresno skyline is seen in the foreground as snow caps the Sierra Nevada mountains and clouds hug the foothills in the background Monday, Dec. 14, 2009. Several days of precipitation have given the mountains east of Fresno a much-needed dumping of snow. CRAIG KOHLRUSS/THE FRESNO BEE

NO. 9: MY LOVE FOR FRESNO GOES BEYOND TACO TRUCKS AND FARM PRODUCE. HERE’S WHY | OPINION

Fresno Bee Opinion Editor Juan Esparza Loera explains what makes Fresno a great place to love. | Published May 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Juan Esparza Loera

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.