California Fish Grill hosted a VIP event from May 18-21, inviting guests to enjoy a free seafood meal. Photo by Brandie Carpenter

California Fish Grill has officially opened its doors in Fresno, hosting a VIP event this past weekend celebrating the debut of the second Central Valley location.

The restaurant fills the space previously occupied at the Universal Park shopping center by Marie Callender’s, which closed in 2019.

With an eye toward sustainability, California Fish Grill serves traditional seafood entrees including salmon, shrimp, rockfish and more. California Fish Grill has nearly 50 locations in the Southwest and has been rated “Best Choice” or “Good Alternative” by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch.

The restaurant’s VIP event, which took place May 18-21, gave guests the opportunity to enjoy a free meal.

With Visalia’s store opening in 2020, Fresno’s restaurant marks the second Central Valley location.

Visalia meets the Greek

Nick the Greek will open its second Central Valley location on Tuesday, May 30, bringing its quick-service, traditional Greek cuisine to Visalia.

Located at 718 S. Mooney Blvd. in Visalia, Nick the Greek offers pitas, plates, gyros and salads, as well as sides including falafel, hummus, pita bread and other traditional Mediterranean cuisine options.

The restaurant was founded in 2014 by three cousins — “Big Nick,” “Little Nick,” and “Baby Nick.” In the nine years since opening its first restaurant in the Bay Area, Nick the Greek has opened 60 stores, with the Visalia store marking the company’s 60th location.

To celebrate its grand opening, the restaurant will offer free lunch for all guests from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on May 30. Guests are invited to enjoy one complimentary entree per person.

Last year, Nick the Greek opened its first Central Valley location at Universal Park in Fresno.

From truck to brick-and-mortar

Spicy Mayo Hibachi opened its doors in Northwest Fresno several weeks ago, evolving from a food truck to a storefront.

Originally operating out of a food truck commonly located at Cornelia and Ashlan avenues, Spicy Mayo Hibachi announced its storefront early this spring on Instagram, temporarily closing the food truck prior to opening the restaurant.

In early May, the restaurant opened its doors at 2088 W. Shaw Ave., next door to Colorado Grill.

Spicy Mayo Hibachi offers Japanese-style chicken, steak and shrimp single and combo plates served with fried rice or veggies.

Eat by day, sing by night

Tipzy’s Tacos appears to be preparing to open its second Fresno location in the Tower District, with the addition of signage and work on the restaurant nearing completion at 920 E. Olive Ave.

It will be a second location, coming off the success of its original location nearby on Belmont Avenue.

First opened in 2019, Tipzy’s Tacos and Beer markets itself as “restaurant by day, karaoke/nightclub at night,” and sports pool tables, televisions and often hosts live music and DJs.

Documents from the city’s planning website shows Tipzy’s Tacos and Beer plans to implement a fully-functional restaurant and bar, and may include patio seating, pending city approval.

Along with weekend events, Tipzy’s offers a menu serving traditional Mexican cuisine as well as home-made tortillas.

Mountain Mikes comes West

Mountain Mike’s Pizza will open a new location at 1937 W. Clinton Ave., marking the chain’s seventh location in the Fresno/Clovis area.

The store, scheduled to open June 6, will introduce the chain to the western edge of Fresno, marking the first location west of Highway 41. Development in the area continues a string of changes spurred by construction of an overpass crossing Highway 99, which was completed in 2017.

First opened in Palo Alto in 1978, Mountain Mike’s Pizza has more than 270 restaurants throughout California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Texas, with targeted locations in every state west of the Mississippi River.