I started seeing Kona Ice trucks serving up their colorful shaved ice at Todd Beamer park around six years ago. Now, in my role as a PTA President at my son’s school, I interact with the company regularly, as they come to school a few afternoons each year to sell shaved ice and donate a portion of their profits right back to our school’s PTA fund. My interaction with Kona Ice has always been positive, and I had to imagine as just one Valley school representative, that there were many others also benefiting from Kona’s model of charitable giving, so I reached out to our local Kona Ice owners to learn the backstory. If you’ve seen the colorful trucks around town, or maybe enjoyed a tasty Kona Ice yourself, I think you’ll enjoy learning more about the company, too!

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FresYes: How did Kona Ice get started? Is it a local company?

Local owner, Lisa Quiroz: Kona Ice was started in Northern Kentucky in 2007. Our founder, Tony Lamb, thought, “Hey, people don’t sell shaved ice off trucks. Also, Ice cream trucks are kind of creepy.  What if we sold shaved ice of a truck that was super fun and inviting?” And thus, Kona Ice was born. Tony Lamb’s whole family is involved, and he encourages people that purchase a franchise to involve the whole family in their local business. It has been a wonderful way to teach our kids about business and even our parents have helped on the trucks in our early years.

FresYes: How did you get involved in this business? What do you love about it?

LQ: We were looking for a change in 2010, and I stumbled across some information about Kona Ice and what they do, so I went to their convention and fell in love with the whole idea of what it can do in the community, and the passion the owners had for making Kona Ice a unique, fun experience for kids and adults alike!

FresYes: Kona seems to be everywhere! How do you do it? How many local Kona trucks are there? 

LQ: We have slowly grown through the years, starting with one truck in 2011. As we grew, so did our territories (which are based on zip codes). We currently have 4 trucks, and we have several Kona Ice neighbors that have their own trucks, too. We are all local families, and this business is definitely a family affair! 

Nationwide there are over 1,200 trucks and counting. We provide employment to many college students, and they are the ones that allow us to be so many places at one time!

FresYes: Has Kona Ice always given back to schools? How much is donated to support schools each year?

LQ: Yes, we have given back to schools, sports organizations and other non-profits since day one. Nationwide, through our trucks, we have given back over $62 million! Kona Ice of Fresno has given back over $325,000 since we started in 2011!

FresYes: Ok, I have to know, what’s the most popular flavor of Kona Ice? 

LQ: Definitely Tigers Blood, with Blue Raspberry and Cotton Candy vying for second place ranking!

FresYes: Anything else you’d like us to know/surprising or fun facts about you or Kona Ice?

LQ: Something you might not expect – there is a Kona Ice Truck in Alaska! Besides that, however, a little-known fact is that we do parties and corporate events where you can try our Krafted flavors – flavors designed for the adult palate. Blackberry Mojito, Mai Tai, Watermelon Mint and more – lots of great flavors to try!  If you invite us to your work, we turn our tropical steel drum music on, and your employees will feel like you gave them a mini vacation.

To book your fundraiser or event with Kona Ice of Fresno – contact Lisa Quiroz at 559-779-2969 or lquiroz@kona-ice.com

I’ve said it before, and it remains true – I love flavorful, unique food and I especially love the cultural melting pot of cuisines that make up the Fresno food landscape, so when I heard about the opening of a new restaurant in Northeast Fresno called Bollywood that would be serving Indian Street Food “with attitude” I had to check it out.

Street food, in general, is such a fun way to explore unique flavors and dishes. With the continued explosion of food trucks not just in the Fresno area, but across the country, street food is definitely experiencing its moment in the sun and I’m not sad about it one bit. One of the best things about street food is that it’s generally affordable, portable and often finger food making it easy to try multiple dishes and share with friends and loved ones.

My husband and I made it to Bollywood this past Friday and we’re so glad we did! Bollywood is located on the northwest corner of Herndon and Cedar Avenues, in the same shopping center as John’s Incredible pizza, a couple of doors down from Blue Fin Sushi and Jimy Wen’s. The restaurant is a fast casual style with counter ordering and plenty of tables to allow for eating in. The walls feature posters of Bollywood celebrities and there are TVs around the room displaying sports, entertainment, and music from India. It was around 6:30 pm when we arrived and the place was hopping busy and stayed that way the whole time we were there, but there were plenty of tables for everyone and the food was prepared and came out quickly.

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Bollywood’s menu consists of street “snacks” like Aloo Tikki (deep-fried, crispy, seasoned potato patties) Samosas, Devil Shrimp and Chicken Wings (with four sauce options including Lemon Pepper, Buffalo, Tandoori and Achari), Bowls consisting of chana masala or daal lentil, white rice, salad and your choice of veggie or meat, Thali (balanced, substantial meals with protein of your choice and all the fixings), Biryani (spiced Basmati rice prepared with your choice of protein) Tandoori style kababs, traditional Indian main dishes like Lamb Curry and Butter Chicken and my personal favorite: Naughty Naan Tacos.

The Naughty Naan Tacos are what drew me to try Bollywood in the first place. They are made with homemade Naan, served warm and topped with your choice of entrée meats. We started our meal with an order of Samosas, then we each had two tacos. I tried the Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka options, and my husband ordered the Aloo Gobi and Lamb Curry. The tacos were so generously sized, I couldn’t finish my second one, however, it made for a delicious lunch the following day.

The restaurant opened in early February and is owned by Goldie Bedi and his wife Pattie Cervantes, along with Bedi’s brother, Sonu Singh Mehra. Bedi’s Indian heritage and his wife’s Mexican background led to the creation of the Naughty Naan tacos, which aren’t traditional to either cuisine, however, they sure are delicious. Something that is traditional to both Indian and Mexican dishes is being well-spiced, and that is definitely a fantastic feature of the food at Bollywood. All of the menu items my husband and I tried were exploding with rich and vibrant flavors and everything was very fresh.  

If you’ve not yet been, and you love flavorful food, I highly recommend making the trip to Bollywood soon! They’re open from 11 am and 9 pm Monday through Saturday.

Have you been!? Let us know what you thought!

Happy eating + exploring,

-Natali

Prepare yourself: Get a snack out and put your readers on – this one is delicious!

After two recent trips out of state, one thing became fully cemented in my mind: Fresno has the BEST food. As a born and raised Fresnan, I can name several things I love about my home town, but the food selection has to be my favorite thing about it. With so many cultures represented by our area’s population and so many types of restaurants, you can satisfy pretty much any craving you have with a quick drive or app swipe.  

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Within the overarching category of Fresno food options, street food is high ranking with many. With numerous food trucks now on the scene and rolling out to gatherings multiple evenings each week the street food scene is continuing to grow and draws crowds of hungry Fresnans without exception.

The latest opportunity to enjoy street food comes from local event planning royalty, the partnership that is Mike Osegueda (of former Fresno Beehive now Yahoo Sports and Taco Throwdown fame) and Tioga Sequoia Brewery. “Street Eats” is a monthly, themed pop-up food, music, beer garden and vendor event sure to delight all the senses.

Street Eats started “popping up” monthly at Tioga Sequoia in Downtown Fresno this January. Each month’s Street Eats event features a food theme that all the attending food trucks and vendors will plan their menus around – and the menu items will be exclusive to the event. January’s theme was Bacon and February’s theme was Loaded Fries. Coming up this month, Street Eats guests can look forward to a night of comfort food as the theme will be Breakfast for Dinner.

Street Eats takes place this month on Thursday, March 28^th from 5-10pm. All ages are welcome and admission is completely free. The month’s featured food vendors will be: Taqueria El Premio Mayor, Waffliciousfresno and The Gastro Grill Food Truck by Chacon’s Catering. The DJ lineup will include: Brohh T, Bawmbeats, Andi Mac, DJ D SOTO and NATE. The vendor list has yet to be announced, but you can check back on the Street Eats Facebook page for updates. In fact, I highly recommend giving that page a like to ensure you stay apprised of all upcoming Street Eats announcements and future plans.

What would you dream Street Eats theme be? Comment and let us know! We’re on Instagram at @fresyes and Facebook, of course. Next time you’re out eating something delicious, use the hashtag, #FresYesInsider, and we’ll feature you on our blog.

Happy eating!

-Natali

The intersection of Bullard and West offers a veritable treasure-trove of dining options for hungry Fresnans. In one intersection, you have all the following choices:

Southwest Corner (Pavilion West Shopping Center)

• G’s Creamery (Premium Ice Cream)
• Maroo (Japanese/Korean Fusion and Sushi)
• More Than Pizza (Pizza and Eastern-style subs)
• Fresno Breakfast House (Traditional, homestyle big breakfasts)
• BooBoo Bean Bakery (Pastries, Coffee, Café Lunches)
• Rosa Linda’s (Mexican Food)
• Amir’s Shish Kabob (Mediterranean/Middle Eastern Food)
• High Sierra Grill (BBQ and Fast Casual American Food)
• East Meets West China Bistro

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Northwest Corner (Save Mart Shopping Center)

• Oka Japanese & Sushi
• The Berrock Shop
• Subway Sandwiches

Northeast Corner

• Max’s Bistro (Fine dining, New American)
• Casa Corona (Mexican Food and Cantina)

Southeast Corner

• Baskin Robbins Ice Cream
• Donut Fantasy (Traditional and unique gourmet donuts)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (Drive-thru)
• Me n Ed’s On Tap (Pizza and Craft Beer by the Pint)
• The Manhattan Steakhouse (Fine dining)

And now, you have one more great option to choose from: Honolulu BBQ. Honolulu BBQ is a take-out Hawaiian Barbecue restaurant that opened recently (February 2019) next to the Bullard Pharmacy in the Save Mart shopping center.

My family and I have been to Honolulu BBQ twice now and found the food to be served piping hot and freshly prepared, flavorful and in very generous quantities. Though it is mostly a take-out restaurant, there are several tables that you can sit at and enjoy your meal if you’d like to eat-in.

My personal favorite dishes are the Hibachi Chicken and the Bacon Fried Rice. My son says the Fried Butterfly Shrimp is a highlight for him, and both times he’s ordered it, it was perfectly crisp without being greasy. My husband enjoyed the Spam Musubi (he grew up with a grandmother who lived in Hawaii for many years and frequently served Spam, so it was a nice throwback to childhood for him) and the BBQ combo.

Main course dishes (which are affordably priced and hearty) are served with rice and homemade macaroni salad, but you can upgrade to chow mein or fried rice for a small charge. One dish could easily feed two adults. Additionally, Honolulu BBQ offers an extensive catering menu at reasonable prices that make it easy to feed a crowd for your next large family gathering or work event.

I spoke with owner Mein Huang, who shared that she and her family had previously lived in Wyoming, where they’d operated a successful restaurant for over a decade. Huang and her family had previously lived in the Valley and came back to be closer to extended family and enjoy the template Valley climate and friendly people. Huang says she’s wanted to own a restaurant and cook for people her entire life and that Honolulu BBQ is her family’s business that she’s proud to bring to Fresno.

I highly recommend checking out Honolulu BBQ next time you’re in the Bullard and West area. Welcome Huang and her family to the neighborhood and enjoy some very tasty, fresh Hawaiian BBQ while you’re there. You’ll be glad you did!

Happy Eating (and Exploring)!

-Natali

I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to write this article – speaking truthfully. A new restaurant has opened, and it is everything I could want in a casual eatery. Everything.

I love food that incorporates as much local, seasonal produce as possible. I love bold flavors, food with lots of texture and spice, unique dishes that make me excited to eat, and even excited to cook with new ingredients – this is exactly what I received when I stumbled into Heirloom last week, on their second day of business.

Heirloom is located on Fresno and Friant in North Fresno near the newly relocated Trader Joe’s. Heirloom’s motto is “slow food fast” and its menu is chock full of food that tastes like it took quite some time to prepare, but it is served to you fast enough that you can easily enjoy a trip on your lunch hour.

Heirloom has been open just under a full week at the time I am writing this, and I’ve already been three times. Yes, it’s really that good.

Heirloom’s menu features:

• Small plates like their 1,000 layer crisped potatoes with parmesan, Buffalo cauliflower and grilled artichokes
• Farm-stand salads highlighting seasonally grown vegetables like their current featured one, “Drop the Beet” and more staple options like the Hipster Caesar
• Soups – currently a posole and “Lentil Bourguignon”
• Plates (my personal favorite) in which you select a grilled meat like the Mediterranean chicken with garlic sauce, ancho-crusted tri-tip, salmon with tzatziki or garlic shrimp and pair it with your choice of two sides (hot or cold). I HIGHLY recommend the teppanyaki-style fried rice (which, one of the owners told me is heated in a super-hot wok but has very little butter added, making it a full-flavored yet healthier version of the beloved dish)
• Heirloom Eats – signature dishes that frequently change as the chefs create new recipes using seasonal ingredients (the Prime Strip Steak served with the mini-wedge salad, and 1,000 layer potatoes have been calling my name)
• Garden-fresh handcrafted cocktails that’s right, this casual restaurant offers an exceptional selection of handmade drinks featuring fresh fruit infusions and modern twists on classic drinks (the drink menu is shaped by the genius behind local legend Garden Cocktails)

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In addition, Heirloom also offers kombucha, soda made without chemicals and with organic cane sugar, shaken teas and frozen Greek yogurt as a healthy yet delicious alternative to sugary desserts.

My husband and I spoke with Rema Koligian, one of the restaurant’s co-founders (also one of the brains behind the local phenomenon, Butterfish) about the restaurant and the catalyst for its creation. She shared that she and her husband and their partners wanted to bring something new to Fresno – something that allowed their team to be a bit more creative with flavors and ingredients. They incorporate many of the amazing foods that are produced and grown right here in the Valley, while also offering healthy options in a beautiful and modern environment.

The interior of Heirloom is the epitome of both beautiful and modern with its rainbow-colored mural, bright, well-lit dining area featuring eye-catching light fixtures and the warm wood of the communal center table and bar. Heirloom is a fast-casual restaurant in which you order at the counter, and your food is brought to you at your table. Take out is available, and soon, a mobile app will allow you to pre-order and pick up your meal at their Heirloom’s, extremely convenient, pickup window (that doesn’t even require you to go inside the restaurant – a feature Butterfish fans are likely used to as well).

During my three trips to Heirloom so far, I’ve been with my husband, mother-in-law, and two dear friends, and everyone agreed that what they ordered, and their experience was exceptional. I give Heirloom my highest thumbs up and encourage you to visit as soon as possible. I’m confident you’ll be glad you did!

Happy eating!

-Natali

New Filipino Fusion Restaurant in Northeast Fresno Offers a Delicious and Unique Menu

One of the very best things about living in Fresno, is having access to some of the most amazing food from a wide variety of different cultural origins. My husband and I love trying new restaurants and foods, so when Bethany Clough of the Fresno Bee wrote about a new Filipino Fusion restaurant opening in town, I knew we’d have to go.

Boba Silog opened just this month on the southeast corner of Champlain and Perrin in northeast Fresno. The restaurant’s name is a combination of Boba, an iced tea style featuring soft tapioca balls added to a variety of milk and fruit tea mixtures, and Silog, a word that is combination of the Filipino words for fried rice (sinangag) and eggs (itlog).

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The restaurant is on the smaller side, offering seating for 6-7 small groups indoors and another 4 groups outdoors (with heat lamps) and when my husband and I arrived on a Friday evening, every seat was taken and the place was hopping. A steady stream of customers entered and joined the line to order throughout the hour we were there. The atmosphere is casual and modern featuring wood tones, clean lines, and potted succulents. Orders are placed at the register and food is brought to you at your table.

The menu is an eclectic mix of Boba teas (milk teas, fruit and slushes), waffles, silog plates featuring a variety of meat main dishes, adobo chicken tacos, flavored french fries and lumpia.

My husband and I had enjoyed homemade lumpia (Filipino style egg rolls) prepared by an amazing family friend in the past, and we both were really excited to order a Lumpia Silog plate at Boba Silog. We wanted to try a few different menu items so we also ordered the barbecue fries and an ube waffle to split. Neither of us had heard of ube before, so we Googled it and learned it was a vibrant purple sweet yam with a mellow, sweet flavor. (We’d also wanted to order Adobo Tacos, but sadly, they’d run out for the night.)

As it turned out, all three of our menu selections were good ones. The lumpia were piping hot, crisp and served with a tasty but not cloyingly sweet sweet-chili sauce. The fried rice was flavorful and loaded with sautéed garlic, and it mixed well with the egg and pico/salsa that it was served with. The barbecue fries were hot, crisped and tossed in a savory and slightly sweet mix of spices that didn’t give a distinct barbecue sauce type taste, but was excellent nonetheless. My favorite item that we tried however, was the Ube Waffle. The waffle was served crisp and topped with a sweetened ube puree atop of bed of something that was syrupy sweet and made of white ribbons. As everyone working in the restaurant was busy helping the line of guests flooding in, I quickly snapped a pic and message a friend who happens to have recently traveled to the Philippines to inquire as to what it was – I learned that is was macapuno – sweetened preserves of young coconut. Yum!

After reading through the comments on both Yelp and Facebook, it seems that Boba Silog may still be fine-tuning its systems ad food ordering, as many customers report the restaurant running out of menu items they were hoping to order. I’m sure with a bit more time, Boba Silog’s management will work through these issues, however, if you do run into them, perhaps consider making a second trip in a few weeks, as the food we were served was exceptionally delicious and worth the trip. Boba Silog is located at 1122 E Champlain Dr Ste 101, Fresno, CA 93720. You can view their menu online here or place a takeout order by calling (559) 981-2823. Their hours of operation are 8 am to 9 pm Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 8 am to 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and closed on Tuesdays.

If you go, let me know how you enjoyed it! Are there any other must hit restaraunts I should know about? Leave me the details in the comments.

Happy exploring!

Natali

Grab Your Hot Date! We’ve got the best recommendations for your Valentine’s Celebrations…

It’s February and you know what that means: heart-shaped chocolates and red roses catch your eye in almost every store. And, those who are part of a romantic couple may be starting to fret about how to celebrate in a memorable way with the person they love.

Fear, not Fresnans, there are a number of fantastic events slated for Valentine’s week this year, and I’ve rounded up some of the best for you to choose from and impress your special someone with.

Ziveli Valentine’s Dinner

When: Thursday, February 14^th at 6 p.m.

Where: Ziveli – 5840 N. Biola Ave in Fresno

What: A fantastic 5-course dinner with Ziveli wine parings prepared by Chef Angelique Trevino, served at the beautifully lit and rustic Ziveli Winery

Cost: $90 per person

Click for tickets/more info

Moravia Wines Valentine’s Dinner

When: Thursday, February 14^th from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Where: Moravia Wines – 3620 N Bishop Ave in Fresno

What: A delicious 4-course dinner complete with sweet starter and wine parings prepared by Executive Chef Kati Hill, served at the picturesque Moravia Winery

Cost: $85 per person or $75 for wine club members

Click for tickets/more info   

Valentine’s Dinner at Kings River Winery

When: February 14^th at 6 p.m.

Where: Kings River Winery – 4276 S. Greenwood in Sanger

What: A tasty four-course meal with sparkling wine pairing prepared by Chef Aaron Neilson of Southern Hospitality Company, served in the beautiful events center at Kings River Winery.

Cost: $59.95 (or $53.95 for wine club members)

Click for tickets/more info

Dinner for Two at Trelio

When: February 12^th through 17^th between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. (multiple options available)

Where: Trelio – 438 Clovis Ave. #4 in Clovis

What: A decadent three course meal prepared by one of the Valley’s best chefs featuring additional dessert, beverage, specialty and cheese items to customize your dining experience further.

Cost: $64 per person for the three-course meal, additional options at varying prices

Click for reservations/more info

Dinner for Two at Tobachines Cocina

When: February 14^th, 15^th or 16^th (multiple reservation times available)

Where: Tobachines Cocina 6755 N. Palm Ave. in Fresno

What: An upscale dining experience featuring three courses bursting with Latin flavor. Drink pairing are available for an additional charge. Menu highlights include seared Diver Scallops, Poblano Pepper and Corn Soup, Roasted Rack of Lamb or Chilean Sea Bass and Tres Leches cake. If you wish to have a table for more than two guests, please call us at 559 473 1077 and select option 1.

Cost: $75 per person

Click for tickets/more info

Valentine’s budget feeling a bit tight this year? Never fear. Have fun and celebrate the day of love affordably with these two fun options:

Pizza + Wine at Kings River Winery

When: February 9^th from 12-5 p.m.

Where: Kings River Winery – 4276 S. Greenwood in Sanger

What: A relaxed, affordable yet still romantic and incredibly enjoyable option – handmade, woodfired pizzas will be prepared by the wine-maker and served with a glass of wine all afternoon  for just $10.

Cost: $5 for pizza, $10 for pizza and a glass of wine

Click for tickets/more info

Valentine’s Brunch at Common Space on Fulton

When: February 16^th from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Common Space on Fulton – 1252 Fulton Street in Downtown Fresno

What: A fun and casual way to enjoy time with your date Downtown while enjoying amazing waffles from Wafflicious (you KNOW you want one) such as their…

• Californian (egg, cheddar cheese, avocado, bacon, sour cream)
• Stella (strawberries, Nutella, whipped cream)
• Green Machine (egg, cheddar cheese, arugula, avocado, salsa)
• Henry (syrup, strawberries, whipped cream, powdered sugar)
• Cookie Monster (banana, cookie butter, Oreo, whipped cream, graham cracker) OR
• Chocolate Wasted (Nutella, chocolate sauce, Oreo, whipped cream)

Plus, you can also enjoy Café de Olla (a Mexican Coffee infused with cinnamon and brown sugar flavors) or Mexican Hot Chocolate from Café Alchemy or mimosas provided by Common Space on Fulton.

Cost: No entry fee, pay direct to vendors per item

Click for tickets/more info

I hope one of these seven local celebrations fits your idea of Valentines, or Galentines just right.

Wishing you and yours a delightful Valentines day celebration this year!

Welcome to the Neighborhood, In Style Nail Spa!

Getting a pedicure is one of life’s little luxuries that is so enjoyable. Whether you are someone who’s lifestyle allows for regular trips to the nail salon, or only indulges for special occasions, it’s always good to have a go-to place where you know the pedicure will be relaxing, the environment clean and the prices reasonable.

I’ve had a difficult time finding a “go-to” nail salon near my home that meets my criteria for being a favorite. For me, those elements are:

• Ideally within 5 minutes from home
• Plenty of pedicure stations, to easily accommodate walk-in customers with minimal waiting (as my pedicures tend to be a surprise special occasion when I can squeeze in the time between responsibilities, and often happen somewhat last-minute)
• Friendly, professional nail technicians
• A variety of manicure and pedicure services including affordable options
• A clean, relaxing environment

Until recently, the only place I knew of that met all of my preferences was a solid 20-minute drive from home (the minimal wait time/lots of chairs thing has always been the toughest to meet), but alas, last weekend I discovered the ideal nail salon less than 5 minutes from home!

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For my fellow Northwest/North Central Fresnans – may I introduce you to the new salon on the block, In Style Nail Spa located on the northeast corner of Palm and Herndon. In Style opened just one month ago, semi-quietly, in the new strip mall that houses the latest Fresno Dutch Bros and Butter Fish locations. (That’s right, you can enjoy a healthy lunch, walk a few doors down for a coffee, and enjoy sipping it while you get a relaxing pedicure – all without moving your car.)

When I walked into the salon this past weekend, it had that sparkling brand-new look and was absolutely spotless. The décor is tasteful, and the friendly staff immediately greeted me and ushered me to a comfortable pedicure station with new massage chair. My nail tech, Lynn (who I would highly recommend) was warm, friendly and perfectionistic in her work. I will ask for her in the future, and I’d recommend her to you, as well!

Everyone in the salon was just SO friendly and nice, I really wanted to give them a shout out here because A) I LOVE supporting awesome, new, local businesses who offer great customer service and B) though it’s not a need to get a pedicure, it’s a really nice way to unwind during stressful times, and in a crazy, busy, responsibility laden-world – you deserve it sometimes and now you can do it conveniently at Palm and Herndon! #treatyourself

P.S. If you do stop by Butterfish (who we’ve featured here on the FresYes blog) for lunch and Dutch Bros (also featured here) for coffee before your pedicure, you’re supporting local business, as both are operated by Fresno families. 😉 #eatlocal #shoplocal