Adult-themed store takeover of Silver Dollar draws mixed reaction

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Word that an adult-themed store connected to Hustler Magazine was opening in the old hofbrau restaurant in north Fresno raised some concerns.

City officials and local residents were concerned it would be a porn shop and shouldn't be allowed in that area.

The Silver Dollar Hoffbrau went out of business last year.

The new owner, Larry Flynt Productions, hopes to turn it into a Hustler Hollywood store, like one in Bakersfield.

The fact the Hustler name is associated with pornography raised alarms in the community and at city hall, because porn shops are only allowed in industrial areas.

But the city says it doesn't know anything about Hustler's plans.

"We have not had any contact with that particular business entity," director of Fresno's Development and Resource Management Department Jennifer Clark said.

She notes the city's zoning regulations do require adult entertainment businesses to locate in industrial zoned areas, but says it's too soon to say if the proposed hustler store meets the definition.

"At this point it's speculative to know what the business is wanting to do unless we receive an application," she said.

Spokesman for Larry Flynt Productions Evan Roosevelt told Action News the store will not meet the definition of an adult entertainments store.

He says they will sell primarily shirts and lingerie, and that sexually oriented materials will only make up a small fraction of their retail space that will be off limits to minors.