The closures are coming fast and hard.
The Fresno business community has been hit with several waves of closures recently, including Fulton Street Coffee downtown and a Blast & Brew in north Fresno , along with several Mexican restaurants . Even the beloved longtime Javier’s Mexican Restaurant has shut down .
Many face the same challenges: inflation pushing up prices of food and other supplies, a new law that bumped fast food workers pay to $20 an hour, climbing real estate and energy costs, and regulations.
Of course, every store and restaurant closure is unique. Some are strictly high-end, and the luxury market is slowing down; another stems from ongoing issues with their individual lease; and several places are closing one location, leaving others open.
And it’s not all bad news. Three restaurants in Fresno recently opened second locations , including The Bakery by Indulge Right Foods, LA Kitchen and Loving Seed.
Some of the closed locations already have new restaurants going in.