The owners of the Modernist in Fresno are preparing to unveil "Bespoke" later this year. Photo contributed

Regulars at Downtown Fresno’s Modernist seeking a more intimate experience will not have to travel far this fall, with the owners of the bar planning to introduce a new style of lounge to Fulton’s brewery district.

Featuring an intimate, conversational atmosphere, Bespoke aims to model itself similar to intimate lounges found in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, straying away from the standard bar atmosphere with the hopes of introducing something new in the area.

“Bespoke, by definition per the Oxford Dictionary, means: made for a particular customer or user,” said Po Tsai, partner at Bespoke. “The name embodies what we’re trying to capture here.”

Tsai said the lounge will retain some elements of Modernist’s style, but will aim to create a guest-experience driven option to the local bar scene. Featuring a small, intimate space with lounge-style seating, rich, deep tones and a candlelit space, Bespoke will introduce customers to a familiar yet different atmosphere.

“Bespoke picks up where Modernist leaves off,” he said. “It’s offering a bar experience that’s tailored to any given person.”

Located at 711 Fulton St., next door to the Modernist, Bespoke will see its opening in three phases: Phase one is already underway and focuses on client and individual reservations for private parties and hosted classes and tastings. The team at Bespoke hopes to use this time to train employees in a unique style of serving customers.

 

Phase two will take place later this summer and will serve as a soft opening to provide the team the opportunity for its phase three grand opening estimated to take place this fall.

“To deliver what we want to deliver takes a monumental amount of training,” Tsai said, adding that training for Bespoke will be more rigorous and time consuming than at other bars and establishments.

Tsai said the drink menu at Bespoke will be small. Customers will be able to order off the menu, but will also be able to talk directly with staff in order to craft their perfect cocktail.

He hopes that this style of ordering will drive conversation with the staff as well as encourage guests to try something new.

“When you eliminate the labels and the tags, who knows what you truly like,” Tsai said. “This is a way not only for us to connect with our guests, but also for our guests to connect with each other.”

Inquiries to reserve times at Bespoke for private events and tastings can be made by reaching out to team@bespokefresno.com or via Facebook or Instagram.