Periodically, I like to share my excitement about local businesses, even ones I haven’t had a chance to visit yet, because regardless of my calendar and availability, getting other locals excited and showing up makes a real difference in our community and allows local businesses to thrive. One of the absolute best things about my job writing for FresYes is that it keeps me exploring our city like a tourist, and lucky me, I’ve never run out of new, (or new to me), places to try!
Here are 5 places I’m really excited about, and hope you’ll check out soon, too!
1. Sam’s Italian Deli’s Second Location!
Recently, I highlighted Sam’s Italian Deli as one of Fresno’s best lunch spots, and shortly after publishing, I learned that after decades at its Clinton Avenue location, a second location is on the way, this time in North Fresno! Sam’s Italian Deli’s new location will be in Universal Park, across from Riverpark on Blackstone and Nees, in the former Sierra Nut House space. It will be a little while before this new spot is open for business, as they are doing a complete remodel down to the studs, but when it does open, expected to be Spring 2027, I have no doubt it will be met with very excited customers and stay busy every single day.
2. Sierra Nut House’s New Location
Speaking of the Sierra Nut House, they’ve long been known as a wonderful place to find locally grown and crafted nuts, fruits, snacks, olive oils, and more. Though they’ve moved on from Universal Park, they are now open for retail sales in a new location on the southwest corner of Bullard and West, in the former Tony Roma’s (and later High Sierra Grill) location. This convenient, centrally located storefront will make for easy shopping for gourmet gifting and entertaining, and is a perfect addition to Shoppe at The Avenue, which is already a personal favorite of mine for hostess gifts and adding to my own hosting collection, located right in the same shopping center.
3. Moses McQueens Is Open Downtown
Moses McQueens is a brand-new restaurant, bar, and event venue located in a beautifully renovated 100-year-old home in Downtown Fresno at 634 Van Ness. This exciting new addition to Fresno’s nightlife scene has been a long-time dream of its owners, who poured years of hard work and dedication into bringing it to life, and now it’s officially open and delighting guests. I haven’t had a chance to visit yet, but it is absolutely on my must-do-soon list. The outdoor patio seating and cozy speakeasy-style indoor spaces look amazing, and everything I’ve seen in photos gives off the best vibes. My coworker has already been singing the praises of their tacos, sweet potato fries, and an espresso martini made with mezcal called the Black Magic. I’m hoping to get there within the next two weeks!
4. Masa Madre
Masa Madre is a new Mexican restaurant and tortilleria opening next week with a soft opening, with a grand opening to follow later, in the shopping center on the northeast corner of Palm and Bullard, behind the Red Carpet Car Wash. Their Instagram indicates they’ll be a full service Mexican restaurant, but what makes them particularly unique is that on Saturdays, they’ll be offering classes on how to make homemade tortillas. As both a lover of Mexican food and cooking classes, I am very intrigued by this dual concept and cannot wait to check it out!
5. Nourish
Nourish is a new market, restaurant, and community space opening in June in Old Town Clovis at 520 Pollasky, open daily from 7am to 7pm. They’ll offer locally grown seasonal produce, pasture-raised eggs, local honey, flowers, and baked goods, alongside prepared meals, fresh pressed juices, coffee, and small bites. They will also be home to a movement space hosting pilates, yoga, strength training, kettlebell, and stretching classes. With both indoor and outdoor space designed for connecting with friends, relaxing, or hosting community events, Nourish sounds like exactly the kind of place our community needs more of, especially with how many wonderful things are grown and made right here in the Valley. They claim it will be like having access to a Farmer’s Market every day, which sounds awesome!
Leave a Reply