Bold headline: Fresno’s premier mall is undergoing a dramatic makeover, and the surprises behind the renovations could reshape the shopping scene.
Fresno’s busiest shopping center, Fashion Fair on Shaw Avenue, has kicked off a renovation that will refresh its appearance with new seating, updated flooring, and other enhancements. While construction rolls on, locals still have a few burning questions about what lies ahead for key vacancies and upcoming tenants.
What will replace the empty Forever 21 (the former Gottschalks) building? Will Jollibee finally open a restaurant at the mall? And when can we expect Seoul Meat Korean Barbecue to debut?
Here are the latest details.
First up, expect substantial work across the 55-year-old mall. The brown ceiling has already been repainted white, restrooms are being remodeled, and the main entrance is getting a makeover. General manager Joey Elliot says some areas will look drastically different once the project progresses.
Will Gottschalks be torn down?
Since Forever 21’s three-story store on the east end closed earlier this year, shoppers have wondered what will take its place. A teaser painted on the building hints at something new: “Get ready for a gamechanger ... Seriously, we can’t wait to tell you what’s coming next.”
However, a final decision hasn’t been made. Elliot notes the lease isn’t signed yet, but the mall is deep in negotiations with a potential tenant. He emphasizes that a deal is close and that the plan could involve razing the existing structure to make room for something entirely fresh.
If the building is demolished, the mall would construct a new facility in its place to house the incoming business.
What about Jollibee?
Jollibee, the beloved Filipino fast-food brand, stirred excitement when it filed permit applications to establish a location outside the mall in 2021, with further plans surfacing in subsequent years. Yet no store materialized.
This week, Elliot confirmed that Jollibee is no longer moving forward with the project. The company did not respond to inquiries about the decision. Still, Jollibee remains active in growth discussions in the Central Valley, eyeing Fresno as a key market and seeking suitable locations, though specific sites haven’t been announced.
Seoul Meat Co Korean Barbecue
Another focal point is Seoul Meat Co Korean Barbecue, a venue where diners grill their meats at the table. The restaurant currently has locations in Kirkland, Washington, and Riverton, Utah, and is slated to occupy a spot in the outdoor mall area near the main entrance.
The site was originally slated to open last year. While progress has faced delays, officials say final inspections are nearing completion, with owners aiming to launch by year’s end. Attempts to reach Seoul Meat Co for comment were unsuccessful.
In brief, Fashion Fair’s renovation signals a period of renewal for Fresno’s retail hub, with a tempting mix of new interiors, potential new tenants, and long-awaited openings on the horizon. As always, developments remain fluid, and readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on which changes they’re most excited—or skeptical—about in the comments.
