A friend said something to me the other day about how only the chain restaurants seem to survive in Fresno. And in the next two days, two of them have confirmed closures.
Claim Jumper closed its Fresno location (near River Park) on Sunday. It wasn't much of a surprise. It looked likely since November. The story is generating a lot of comments over at fresnobee.com. I wonder what will take over that place next. Any guesses?
Meanwhile, Red Robin corporate confirmed for The Bee today that it's closing its Manchester location, which was a popular pre- or post-movies spot. The restaurant's last day will be Friday. There are still two Red Robins in Fresno -- one near River Park and one on West Shaw Ave. There's another at Sierra Vista Mall in Clovis. The best option at Manchester Center now? We're going with Manchester Steak House.
Let's remember that the Applebee's at Fig Garden Village closed earlier this year too.
And now, I shall hope my friend never says to me, "You're going to live a long life."
Can't say I'll miss either, but it's still unfortunate to know so many people are out of a job a week before Christmas.
Can't say I'm surprised much by the Manchester Red Robin going under. Aside from the movie theater, there isn't much pulling people to Manchester anymore. It's all become Caltrans, corporate or city offices now.
I'm sure they also got tired of dealing with Manchester management and would probably be more comfortable in their own building, being able to adjust their own temperature, have their own hours, etc.
As far as chains go, the Red Robin on West Shaw is quite good as far as service and that wasn't always the case of the Manchester restaurant (nor the Clovis one, either). I feel bad for the employees of both establishments, closing days before Christmas with very little warning.
I don't see any restaurants moving into either location for a long time - if these popular chains can't make it, what hope is there for a local place, or even another chain?
Remember how long it took before Upstart Crow was replaced at Manchester? I anticipate a similar or longer length of time this time, especially since the mall doesn't bring in the numbers it used to.
The Claim Jumper location is even worse, with a rumored rent of 35k a MONTH I don't see anyone moving into that space for a long time - if ever. Good luck to Chipotle that just opened nearby - seems to be the price point that area of town is accustomed to and the secret seems to be - good service, low prices and a healthy menu (relatively speaking, of course).
yum.
I like "thee" stores! The people are so friendly.
Claim Jumper, IMHO, will not be missed at all, over-hyped, over-priced, overly fat offerings. Never actually had a meal there I enjoyed, and I gave them a second try.
Red Robin at Manchester is a sad thing.
Claim Jumper closed? Nooooo, they were one of my favorite restaurants! :( Another tradition lost. Where will I go for Valentines Day Dinner now?
Isn't the Red Robin at Manchester the one that barbecued Donald Munro and fellow patrons with the lack of A/C while it was sweltering outside on Labor Day? With service like that it was only a matter of time.
As someone who doesn't get south to dining very often (when we do, it's in Tower), it seems that that RR is the last "chain" dining restaurant south of the Shaw corridor. Is that correct?
no. 2 that immediately spring to mind are Acapulco and El Torito. but i think that might be it.
Here's how you can get refunds on Claim Jumper gift cards:
http://www.fresnobee.com/2010/12/20/2205482/claim-jumper-to-refund-gift-cards.html
Hi folks, we just got a little more info this morning about why Claim Jumper closed -- and why they were selling gift cards up until the day before the closure. See here