This Week in Fresno: Food Truck Delights, Bistro Revamp, Exciting New Venues, Better FAX Service, Retail Expansion, Soccer Stadium Agreement, Musical Events Galore, and Meet Miska! 🍽️🎉🚎🛍️⚽🎶🐾

Trivia Question❓

What famous musician hails from Fresno, California and has won multiple Grammy Awards for his work?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Fresno Fact of the Week

Did you know Fresno has an underground maze built by one man? From 1906–1946, Baldassare Forestiere hand-dug the Forestiere Underground Gardens, a hidden network of tunnels, rooms, and gardens designed to stay cool during Fresno’s scorching summers. One of the most unique landmarks in California—right in our backyard.

Bellas Mini Pancakes: A Popular Food Truck Serving Delicious Mini Pancakes with Unique Toppings

Bellas Mini Pancakes is a popular food truck in the Central Valley that serves hot off the griddle mini pancakes with a variety of toppings.

The Franquez family started this venture in 2021, with a focus on simplicity and quality.

Their most popular dish is covered with fresh strawberries and bananas drizzled with Nutella and Mexican Caramel.

While adults prefer the classics, children opt for gummy worms, Oreos, M&M's, and whipped cream as toppings.

This unique dessert option has gained a loyal following with customers of all ages, making Bellas Mini Pancakes a must-visit in the Fresno area.

Starving Artists Bistro has reopened with new owners, a new look, menu, and vibe at the Friant and Fort Washington roads location.

The restaurant promises a new chef, expanded food options, including salads, burgers, pasta, and main dishes like a bourbon bacon rib-eye and a steak scampi showstopper.

Despite a pending liquor license, the restaurant plans to offer cocktails.

Live music is expected to return, as it was a key feature of the original establishment until it closed in 2024.

Former owners cited struggles with COVID and industry regulations for their closure.

The GrubPub, to be located in Downtown Fresno, will offer a food court-style experience with several different eateries.

The space will include a bakery, coffee shop, Mexican food, loaded baked potatoes, teriyaki bowls, a bar serving wine and beer, pizza, burgers, salads, and sandwiches, as well as pool tables.

The owners aim to cater to office workers and residents in the area, with plans for food delivery.

The project is spearheaded by James Torres, who hopes to open by early February and will employ about 40 people.

The space will also feature local art available for purchase.

FAX Improves Night Service with Shorter Wait Times and Expanded Routes in Fresno Area.

Fresno Area Express (FAX) has improved its night service with shorter wait times and expanded routes.

Starting on Jan 12, 2026, riders now only have to wait 30 minutes between buses, down from 60 minutes, making travel more efficient.

Two major routes have been extended to key shopping centers, River Park and Fancher Creek, providing better access for residents.

Mayor Jerry Dyer stated that these enhancements aim to offer safe, dependable, and efficient transit options for all Fresno residents, making it easier for them to reach their destinations for work, school, shopping, or entertainment.

New stores are set to open in the Fresno area, including Barnes & Noble in Clovis, Burlington in River Park, and HomeGoods in Fancher Creek.

Other retailers like Ross, Grocery Outlet, Ulta, and Five Below are also slated to open in Clovis.

Sierra Nut House will be moving to a new location in Fresno, while a locally owned bookstore is coming to Oakhurst.

Overall, a mix of big chains and mom-and-pop shops will be opening from Merced to Visalia in 2026, providing a variety of shopping options for residents.

The City of Fresno has entered an exclusive agreement with the United Soccer League (USL) to explore building a downtown soccer-specific stadium and bringing professional women’s and men’s soccer teams to the Central Valley.

The mayor mentioned the preference for a Downtown Fresno/Chinatown location with a capacity of around 7,000.

If the stadium is completed in time, the teams could be ready to play in 2028.

The USL emphasizes community-centered developments that create economic impact, with soccer's younger fan base benefiting surrounding small businesses.

No specifics were announced about team names or branding.

Professional soccer has had previous struggles in Fresno without a soccer-specific stadium.

This newsletter sponsored by

Whitie's Pets

Family-owned and Fresno-rooted since 1943, Whitie’s Pets is more than a pet store—it’s a local landmark. Built by generations of the Shafer family, it pioneered the idea of the complete pet store long before big-box chains arrived. Today, they continue that legacy with fair prices, knowledgeable staff, and a genuine love for pets—employing dozens of locals and serving pet lovers from across the Valley. 75+ years, and still making tails wag. 🐶🐱

🎶 Candlelight Tribute Night: Queen vs. ABBA

📅 Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
🕒 Time: 8:30 PM

📍 Location: The Grand 1401
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed event (prices vary)

📄 Details: Experience a candlelit tribute showdown as Queen vs. ABBA takes the stage for a high-energy night of iconic hits, sing-alongs, and pure nostalgia. Set in the intimate atmosphere of The Grand 1401, this one-night performance brings legendary music to life in a way you won’t forget. 🎶🕯️

🎫 Buy tickets at SeatGig.com

🧞‍♂️ Aladdin Jr. — A Family-Friendly Musical Adventure

📅 Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
🕒 Time: 2:00 PM

📍 Location: California Arts Academy
🎟️ Admission: $14.64 per ticket

📄 Details: The classic story of Aladdin comes to life on stage in this magical youth production! Follow Aladdin, Jasmine, and the unforgettable Genie on an adventure filled with new songs, expanded characters, and timeless lessons about courage and character. A perfect afternoon show for families and kids of all ages—get ready to explore a whole new world. ✨🎭

🎫 Get tickets at Eventbrite.com

❄️🎶 Disney On Ice: Let’s Dance!

📅 Dates: January 29 – February 1, 2026
🕒 Times:
• Thu 1/29 – 7:00 PM
• Fri 1/30 – 7:00 PM
• Sat 1/31 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
• Sun 2/1 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

📍 Location: Selland Arena — 700 “M” St., Fresno
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed event (family-friendly pricing available)

📄 Details: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy take the DJ booth as Disney favorites are remixed into colorful stories on ice! Disney On Ice: Let’s Dance! brings high-energy skating, beloved characters, and state-of-the-art production to Fresno for a magical experience the whole family will love. ⛸️✨

🎫 Tickets at Ticketmaster.com or at the venue box office

🐾 Sponsored Pet: Miska

Meet Miska, a 7-year-old Husky mix with a stunning red-and-white coat and a heart to match. This gentle giant is amazing with kids, gets along well with other dogs, and loves to play—making her a wonderful family companion. Miska does have a high prey drive, so she’ll do best in a dog-only home, but she’s affectionate, housetrained, and full of love for her people. 💛🐕

📍 Available at: Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center
💲 Adoption Fee: $25 (spayed, vaccinated, microchipped)

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Chris Montez is a famous musician from Fresno, California who has won multiple Grammy Awards for his work.

👉 New here or know a local who should be?

Forward The Fresno Brief and help grow our local community.

Sign Up Here: https://fresnobrief.com