Fresno rallies around a downtown business after a cry for help from the owner.
Craig Scharton has been involved in the revitalization efforts in Downtown Fresno for years… from his work as the former director of the city’s Revitalization Department to his personal investment into downtown.
He opened the business “Peeves Public House” on the Fulton Mall to offer the urban experience with local art, music and food.
Why, he’s even served rock star Alice Cooper, who came in one night, and is seen with Peeves, Scharton’s dog.
So, last week, when he posted on the Peeves Facebook page that the business was in trouble and would go under without support – the community answered his plea.
“Starting from Wednesday at lunch when we reopened, we have had 400% of normal.” – Craig Scharton, Owner, Peeves Public House.
Scharton says there were so many people, who showed-up in support this weekend that he was worried he would be able to keep up.
He says keeping it local is the way to keep Downtown Fresno going.
“We really try to and believe in supporting local businesses -whether they are farmers or food makers, brewers, wineries, whatever, so I think that’s really what will turn the community around, when everyone decides they are going to do a little bit more to support local businesses and also use local products – that’s really where we will have more bang for your buck in terms of building our economy.” — Craig Scharton, Owner, Peeves Public House.
One of Peeve’s coffee suppliers – Lanna Coffee – is becoming one of those businesses that is taking the step and opening downtown, thanks in part to exposure from Scharton and Peeves.
Scharton says he hopes business stays steady while the city’s Fulton Mall Project turns the mall back into streets.
1243 Fulton Mall, Fresno, California 93721
Parking Information
There is a parking garage a couple blocks north/east of Peeve’s, free after 6pm. The meter parking is also free after 6pm. Evenings and weekends, Garage 9 at 2020 Merced at Van Ness is a good spot. Also, Lot #2 (1279 Broadway) is behind Peeve’s, off Broadway Plaza north of Fresno Street. Peeve’s can validate your parking stub there. Both of these are usually clean, safe and well-lit.
(parking info provided by Steve Skibbie and Luke Freeman)
