Downtown Fresno Elia Home Restored to House Moses McQueen’s Bar

Miguel Arambula, Phillip Kliewer, Kristen Kliewer, Chandelle Arambula and Diego Arambula are leading the restoration of the century-old Elia Home on Van Ness Avenue near Cesar Chavez Boulevard into a downtown bar and restaurant called Moses McQueen’s. The building is described as a 100-year-old remnant of the old Armenian Town neighborhood, and the team says the project will add a neighborhood gathering spot with an outdoor courtyard for events.

The five founders bought the house in 2017 after Diego and Phil first walked through it following a tip from a neighbor. The team tested the concept publicly in 2018 during ArtHop, when, as the Moses McQueen’s site recounts, “Hundreds of people showed up” to a backyard party that helped crystallize the idea. The group later took second place in the Downtown Fresno Partnership’s Create Here competition in 2019, and Phillip Kliewer has described the venture as “kind of a love letter to Fresno.”

Construction and financing have been a drawn-out part of the story. The team reports that “it took more than two years to get financing, which fell through twice at two different credit unions,” and that the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to delays. Project coverage notes a 50% increase in construction costs compared with earlier estimates. Team members say the foundation is done and that interior work can now move forward; Kliewer says “it’s going to go fast,” even if passersby won’t immediately see changes from the street.

Timelines for opening remain unclear. Project leaders have told media they plan to open in early March, while other coverage described an expected opening “in the middle of next year.” The Moses McQueen’s website and social channels say the venue is “opening soon,” and an Instagram post dated Sept. 30, 2025 shows restoration photos as the team promotes the transformation. Reporters should confirm the current target month and year with the team before relying on a firm opening date.

Moses McQueen’s comes as part of a wider wave of new and expanding local businesses downtown. Councilmember Miguel Arias has linked the trend to stronger interest in local mom-and-pop shops, saying, “Across this country we're seeing the consumers more interested in shopping local with mom and pop shops instead of national food chains.” He added, “We're seeing a lot more pedestrian traffic in Downtown Fresno then we've had in the last 25 years.” Other projects cited alongside Moses McQueen’s include a Dads Cookies location at The Garage on Fulton Street, a Marriott hotel scheduled to open in about three months, and Zaatar Euro Bistro planning weekday lunch service in the Galleria at Civic Center Square.

The team’s pitch emphasizes atmosphere and community. Moses McQueen’s marketing promises “top-notch hospitality,” “a drink menu that’s bound to impress,” and a “laid-back vibe that feels like your super cool aunt’s house party.” Community comments showcased on the project site include “Eeekkk! It’s going to be so good!,” “Mcqueeeeeeeens!!! I can’t wait!!!,” and “Love this! McQueen’s going to be a place where everybody can hang and be a part of Fresno life!” The restoration of the Elia Home and the bar’s arrival will be watched closely as downtown Fresno continues to reconfigure old neighborhood assets into new commercial activity.