Started by Chuck and Jen Van Fleet in 2006, Vino Grille & Spirits in Fresno has been sold. Vino Grille Facebook photo

Vino Grille & Spirits announced that following more than 16 years of ownership, Chuck and Jen Van Fleet have passed ownership of the restaurant and wine bar to Chad Hurst.

In a news release sent to The Business Journal Friday, the Van Fleets thanked the community for its continued support of Vino throughout their time as owners, in particular during the pandemic.

The business is located at 1440 E. Champlain Dr. Suite 106.

 

“Chad brings decades of food industry experience to the restaurant, and we are excited to see what Chad and the team will do in the future,” the press release reads. “We will be here to support them every step of the way.”

During their time as owners, the Van Fleets have served the local community by donating to a number of schools, charities and fundraising events. They are known for putting on The Taste of Vino wine events hosted at the Save Mart Center, and have been a key figurehead in assisting first responders during the pandemic.

Chuck Van Fleet also previously served as president of the Fresno chapter of the California Restaurant Association.

 

After battling through adversity and supporting other restaurants, schools, churches, media and city officials throughout the pandemic, the Van Fleets expressed their desire to step away from the restaurant business in order to take time for themselves, according to the release.

The Van Fleets expressed their excitement to pass the restaurant to Hurst, and have confidence that he will help the restaurant continue to thrive. With no intentions to change the atmosphere of the restaurant, retail or wine club, the Van Fleets expressed their support of Hurst and the rest of the team at Vino.

Chad Hurst was previously senior vice president of business development with Vita-Pakt Citrus Products Co. He also previously worked for Fresno-based foodservice company Lyons Magnus.