Fresno’s largest Starbucks has opened at West Creek Village Town Center in Southwest Fresno. The 3,000-square-foot location is part of a broader wave of housing, commercial and infrastructure investment in the area. Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, right, speaks during the store’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photos by Dylan Gonzales/Business Journal photo composite

A new Starbucks has opened in Southwest Fresno, marking what city and community leaders say is another major step in the redevelopment of an area that has historically lacked retail and other amenities.

The 3,000-square-foot coffee shop at West Creek Village Town Center, 820 E. Church Ave., celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday evening. The new location is the largest Starbucks in Fresno, according to Mayor Jerry Dyer. 

Dyer said the project is more than just the opening of another coffee shop, pointing to the larger investment taking place around the 120-acre West Creek Village master-planned community. 

“This is not just one of 41,” Dyer said, referring to the number of Starbucks locations in the city. “This is the largest Starbucks in the city of Fresno, and rightfully so, right here in Southwest Fresno.”

The store is expected to create at least 25 jobs, with a focus on hiring Southwest Fresno residents, Dyer said. 

A larger wave of development

The new location is near the $100 million Fresno City West College, Gaston Middle School, housing under construction and the future 10-acre Les Kimber Park. Dyer said nearby development is expected to bring more foot traffic to the area. 

Developer Sylvesta Hall of 2500 MLK Development Group said the master plan includes 136 homes being built by Century Communities, 345 affordable housing units from Self-Help Enterprises and Fresno Housing, a cultural preservation museum and community center.

Jim Shehadey, part of the family behind Producers Dairy, is also a principal with 2500 MLK Development Group.

Hall, a Southwest Fresno native, said the development group has worked with residents and city officials to address infrastructure and investment needs in the community. 

“We are the ones holding the city of Fresno’s hand to the fire to make sure that Southwest Fresno is part of the conversation when it comes to transformation,” Hall said.

Infrastructure sets stage for investment

Councilmember Miguel Arias said the area has experienced decades of disinvestment, including the closure of grocery stores, dry cleaners and coffee shops. 

Arias said the city has invested in infrastructure improvements, including undergrounding utilities and upgrading sewer, water and internet systems, to make more development possible.

Starbucks Regional Director Tatiana Stockton called the location a community coffeehouse and gathering place for residents, students and workers.

“Today represents much more than the opening of this building,” Stockton said. “It represents a shared vision, a commitment to community and the power of collaboration.”