"The Edge" to Open Friday | ABC30 Fresno | abc30.com

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By ABC30

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Fresno, CA "We've worked out a program to move forward. Hopefully if the work gets done issue and occupancy by Friday. Temporary occupancy." Bishop said.

The city has also negotiated arrangements for Barbis to pay a more than 60 thousand dollar water bill on the surrounding property.

City building inspectors stopped renovation work on Tuesday after it was determined building permits issued for the original Cabo Wabo nightclub had expired, and permits for some additional work underway inside hadn't been issued.

With most of the permits now in hand, club operator Kirk Vartanian says his vision of a new high end nightclub is coming together.

"We are going to pull it. Whatever we have to do, we're gonna work hard all night long, and tomorrow all night so we can be open for Friday," Vartanian said.

However, the city is making it clear there are a number of stringent conditions that must be met before the club can get the temporary occupancy permit. But Vartanian is confident it will happen, then he will turn his attention to the other adjacent neglected properties.

"First of all we get the Edge open, then start opening the rest of restaurants, Memphis Blues, then Red, and then the Bistro," Vartanian said.

It is a tall order to fill. The current owner of the property, Milt Barbis is under a legal cloud and many liens have been filed against his holdings.

As to The Edge, Vartanian is promising a celebrity studded event Friday night, featuring reality show star Kim Kardashian and others.

"This is a night to remember forever," Vartanian said.

The cost of attending Fridays opening has dropped. Vartanian says the first 500 tickets will be sold for just $25 dollars. Tickets go up to 100 dollars each for VIP treatment. Kim Kardashian's representatives have confirmed she would be in Fresno to promote the nightclub, and her new line of shoes.

"The Edge" opening to be decided by city inspectors