Riley's Brewing plans to open its new tap house in Selma at 10 a.m. on Friday. Photo by Gabriel Dillard

The successor to Riley’s Brew Pub of Clovis is preparing for its debut this week in another Fresno County town, and a partner in the new venture may be familiar to local chicken fans.

Riley’s Brew Pub closed abruptly in November 2023 after seven years at Alluvial and Temperance avenues in Clovis. It was a collaboration between Elbow Room Owner Mike Shirinian and Dan Riley, president of Riley’s Brewing in Madera. 

At the time, Shirinian attributed part of the closure of Riley’s Brew Pub to delays in planned development in the neighborhood just north of Highway 168 in the former Clovis Hofbrau location. Shirinian is not involved in the new venture.

Riley’s Brewing announced on social media in May that it will open a storefront in Selma, marking the first taphouse the brewery has operated south of Fresno. It would feature 20 Riley’s taps as well as a rotating selection of local brews, as well as a bar food menu.

Efforts to reach the developers of the new restaurant have been unsuccessful, but social media is teasing a 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4 opening for Riley’s Brewing Taphouse and Eats at 2940 McCall Ave., Ste. 112. California Alcoholic Beverage Control issued a license for the taproom and eatery on Sept. 20 to parent company Sancha Inc. It will be located in the former home of Selma’s Chicken Shack, which closed its doors spring of 2022.

The Chicken Shack connection continues with this new venture, as Damon Miller is listed as chief financial officer for Sancha Inc. Miller is the owner of the original Central Valley Chicken Shack location in Hanford, and owns two additional Fresno-area locations.

Zachary Avila is listed as treasurer for Sancha Inc., according to documents filed with the California Secretary of State. He’s an employee of Riley Brewing, according to social media.