Strong turnout for Tupac-inspired restaurant on Fulton Mall

Wednesday, September 14, 2016
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It's been 20 years since Tupac Shakur died, but his memory lives on. He had plans to open a restaurant and on Tuesday it was brought to life in Downtown Fresno.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- It's been 20 years since Tupac Shakur died, but his memory lives on. He had plans to open a restaurant and on Tuesday it was brought to life in Downtown Fresno.

"Tupac left behind a detailed menu, sketches-- a layout," said Sam Hansen, co-organizer.

Hansen used those sketches to temporarily transform Take Three Burger into the PowaMekka Cafe. A place, he said, Tupac had planned to open before he died.

"He gave so much to his community and I feel like this is something we could give back to him."

The menu was also changed to show some California love for the rapper who inspired generations of fans.

"Pac said that he might not change the world, but he will spark the mind that does change the world and we can guarantee that one of those minds is in that line right there," said Hansen.

Aindra Evans is one of those fans, she even named her son after Tupac. She showed up early and was still far from the front of the line.

"And I'm gonna continue to wait until I get into this party and have a good time. Have some of that thug passion or whatever they got."

Closer to the door we found Delilah Melendez. Her group was among the first to actually try the food.

"He was a big deal in my house-- just everything that he stood for. He had his ways but he always tried to positively influence people."

For Joaquin Gonzalez, who remembers the day Tupac died, where he was, and how it made him feel, this is something he needed to be a part of.

"If he was still alive right now. He's been dead for 20 years but look at the impact he's still having, even with the young generation."

It was a tribute through burgers, art, and music. A way to keep Tupac's memory alive and also a chance to breath life into one of his dreams, just for one night.

All the proceeds from Tuesday night will go to charity-- the Make-A-Wish Foundation and A Place Called Home. Both were charities Tupac contributed to when he was alive.