New Northeast Fresno development slowly coming to life

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A new restaurant in northeast Fresno is celebrating its grand opening and pretty soon several more will follow suit.

New business is breathing new life into the area as Pieology is just the first of many new additions to the developments on either side of Fresno Street at Friant Avenue.

"It's been a little slow for right now," Pieology general manager Lane Greathouse said. "Not a lot of people know that we're here, however word is slowly getting out there."

Already in operation for close to a month, this is the 4th Pieology location but one of the first few restaurants to open at park crossing, meaning not a lot of foot traffic.

"We believe once other businesses open and people start getting in here for other things they'll notice that we're here," Greathouse said.

In addition to new signage and branding at community events, their grand opening gave visitors a taste of the pie life.

"We're not going to get people in this door unless they know we're here and the best way to do that is free pizza," Greathouse said.

And with new development comes new jobs. Pieology has already hired 40 part-time employees."

Dave & Busters is slated to open this fall and is also hiring more than 200 people, part and full-time.

The 30,000 square foot arcade and restaurant will be located at the village at River Park, next to Applebees.

Additional parking and retail space are in the works too, like Ride 54.

"We're just finally getting the approval from the city to start the build out," Ride 54 owner Layne Lev said.

Owners of the indoor cycling and strength training studio' are gearing up for a fall launch close to their neighbor.

"I think it's great I love to see people are excited about the places that are coming in," Lev said.