Starving Artist Bistro reopens in north Fresno under new owner

Starving Artist Bistro reopened Jan. 16 in north Fresno under new owner Tony Gomez, reviving a restaurant and music venue that closed abruptly in September 2024. The soft opening drew a large crowd despite the location still awaiting a liquor license, signaling strong community demand for live music and dining options in the neighborhood.

The space was shuttered for roughly 16 months after the 2024 closure. Gomez reopened with a revised menu that includes appetizers, pastas, bowls, burgers and entrees, and he plans a grand opening in late January or early February. He said he aims to have full liquor service by Valentine’s Day and intends to support the local music scene while operating a sustainable small business.

For north Fresno residents and performers, the return matters on several fronts. First, the venue provides a stage for local musicians and a gathering place for audiences who have been without a nearby independent music spot. Second, the restaurant will likely generate jobs for cooks, servers and venue staff as it shifts from soft opening to full operations. Finally, once the liquor license is secured and the venue operates at full capacity, neighboring businesses could see increased foot traffic during evenings and weekends.

The timing highlights a broader point about small-business recovery and cultural infrastructure at the neighborhood level. A packed soft opening even without alcohol service suggests pent-up demand; converting that into sustained economic activity will depend on navigating licensing, staffing and ongoing programming. If Gomez meets his target of securing liquor service by Feb. 14, the venue will be positioned to capitalize on key revenue days such as Valentine's Day and weekend music nights.

Local officials and regulators will play a role in the pace of reopening because liquor licensing and permitting timelines affect when a restaurant can realize full revenue potential. For residents, the immediate impact is more tangible: a familiar stage is back, and an array of menu choices is again available nearby.

Looking ahead, the Bistro’s full reopening will be a test of whether a revived music venue can maintain momentum beyond the initial crowd and contribute to north Fresno’s evening economy. For local musicians and patrons, the short-term win is clear; for neighboring businesses and workers, the full economic benefit depends on the venue securing its liquor license and completing its planned grand opening in the coming weeks.