The Fosters Freeze at Bullard and Palm avenues should begin transitioning into a Starbucks within 60 days. Photo by Ben Hensley

The Fosters Freeze location near Bullard and Palm avenues in Fresno will close its doors within 60 days, making way for a new Starbucks location featuring a two-lane drive thru, patio seating and plenty of parking.

Discussions have been in the works since 2020, according to Mike Chuhlantseff, account manager for local real estate developer Jim Burden. Over the last year the current tenant, Fosters Freeze, has been leasing the space on a month-to-month basis.

Burden added that in addition to leasing month-to-month, the restaurant has also paid below-market rent when compared to similar properties.

Burden said several brokers recommended either raising the rent or finding a new tenant.

“They’ve been a real good tenant through the years, but their volume wasn’t what it should be for that location,” Burden said. “They were on a percentage clause, and through the years we got monthly reports, and they’ve been fairly flat for ten years or so.”

When Burden began speaking with other prospective tenants, Starbucks stepped up to the plate.

Burden said the city has come through with all of the needed approvals for the project. Included was a conditional use permit for the multi-lane drive through. Work will begin on the building immediately following Fosters Freeze’s departure.

“I think with the way Bullard and Palm is and the traffic counts and everything like this, I think it’s a good location for them,” Chuhlantseff said.

Despite the proximity to two other Starbucks locations — one in Fig Garden and the other near Herndon and Palm avenues, Burden and Chuhlantseff are not concerned about potential lost revenue due to the proximity of the stores.

Earlier this year, River Park Shopping Center debuted a new Starbucks location despite already being home to two other nearby stores — one standalone storefront and another located inside Target.

Burden is hopeful the new Starbucks, located at 5729 N. Palm Ave., will be open by the end of the year.