Business transformations reshape Fresno's market

Fresno's commercial scene is undergoing significant changes marked by both closures and new ventures. Despite facing challenges, the business landscape is reshaping itself with an influx of new businesses and transformations of existing ones.

Several longtime and notable businesses have closed their doors. For instance, Yosemite Falls Cafe has shut down its Granite Park location due to high costs, leaving the building and liquor licenses up for sale. Another closure includes the 42-year-old Sandwich Works, which cited unaffordable rent hikes as a reason for their shutdown. On the other hand, new ventures are breathing life into the community. A new Dave & Buster’s has opened with upgraded features, from The Arena gaming experience to private game suites and an immersive watch sports screen. Furthermore, El Super is set to open a new supermarket, hiring up to 140 workers as it expands its presence in Fresno.

In response to various challenges faced by established companies, Joann Fabric and Craft Stores filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, closing its distribution center and resulting in job losses. Moreover, Popeyes and McDonald's are also experiencing changes, with some locations permanently closing or temporarily shutting down for renovations.

A closure sign is seen at Sandwich Works on Ashlan Ave. near Fresno Street Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Fresno. By ERIC PAUL ZAMORA

NO. 1: THESE RESTAURANTS AND BARS CLOSED QUIETLY AT THE END OF 2024 IN FRESNO AND CLOVIS

Not every place closed because of financial struggles. | Published January 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bethany Clough

House of Pendragon will be opening a new location soon at Pollasky Ave. and Eighth Street in Clovis. By ERIC PAUL ZAMORA

NO. 2: OLD TOWN CLOVIS TO GET A CRAFT BEER BAR WITH FAMILIAR NAME — AND IT’LL HAVE A RESTAURANT

The locally owned brewery has been around for years, but this is the first time it will have a barbecue restaurant. | Published January 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bethany Clough

The interior of the historic Hoblitt Hotel gives diners an old western feel for their breakfast and lunch experiences at Jeb’s Blueberry Hill in Old Town Clovis. By CRAIG KOHLRUSS

NO. 3: BREAK-INS, ARSON ALMOST CLOSED THIS BLACKSTONE RESTAURANT. IT MOVED TO CLOVIS INSTEAD

The new site has more than 100 years of history behind it, plus a roving guitar player everyone calls “Cousin Mel.” | Published January 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bethany Clough

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 Chick-fil-A restaurant located at 8040 N. Blackstone Avenue in Fresno, CA, is expected to close for the next five months to due renovations. By Bryant-Jon Anteola

NO. 5: POPULAR CHICK-FIL-A IN FRESNO CLOSING FOR RENOVATIONS. COULD THAT INCLUDE DRIVE-THRU?

This restaurant’s drive-thru was considered the worst in Fresno, according to Bee readers. | Published February 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bryant-Jon Anteola

No image found

NO. 6: OVER 200 DISTRIBUTION CENTER WORKERS LOSE JOBS IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA IN JOANN FALLOUT

The layoffs go into effect on Monday, March 31, according to state records. | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Montalvo

The doors are chained and locked at a Popeye’s location in Fresno. By Bethany Clough

NO. 7: A MCDONALD’S AND A POPEYES ARE CLOSING IN FRESNO. ONE WON’T REOPEN

One will stay closed for months. | Published April 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bethany Clough

Construction continues on the new El Super grocery store, which sells Hispanic foods, and includes a tortilleria, to be located in the former Sears at Manchester Center. Photographed Monday, April 28, 2025 in Fresno. By ERIC PAUL ZAMORA

NO. 8: HISPANIC SUPERMARKET CLOSER TO OPENING IN FRESNO. IT’S HIRING 140 WORKERS

The grocery store is on one end of the mall, which is the beginning stages of being turned into apartments with retail below it. | Published April 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bethany Clough

Einstein Bros. Bagels is planning to open six locations in the Fresno area. One is headed for downtown Fresno. By Special to the Bee

NO. 9: EINSTEIN BROS. BAGELS OPENING IN DOWNTOWN FRESNO — RIGHT NEXT TO A STARBUCKS

The bagel shop is taking over a long empty spot. | Published May 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bethany Clough

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.