Not so fast, internet. What Sweet Tomatoes really says about coming to Fresno
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Local reports sparked widespread online claims that Sweet Tomatoes could return to Fresno.
- Sweet Tomatoes said it has not publicly committed to any markets for expansion.
- The two former Fresno sites cannot be reused and a new site would be needed.
When a local TV station reported that Sweet Tomatoes restaurant “could come back to the area,” the internet blew up with excitement.
Instagrammers ran with it and made announcements in big, bold letters. A Reddit conversation on the topic got 100 upvotes. The pining for the popular buffet restaurant even spilled over to the Next Door app.
Nuance was lost and many people walked away from the conversation believing that Sweet Tomatoes sprawling buffet was returning to Fresno with its blueberry muffins, fresh-baked focaccia bread and soft serve.
“Oh my God all of our dreams are coming true and everything will be good again and right with the world!!” said user GooseneckRoad.
Just one problem.
It’s not happening — at least not anytime soon, according to the company.
In response to The Bee’s inquiry, Sweet Tomatoes emailed this statement about a location opening in Fresno:
“We have not publicly committed to any markets for expansion at this time. Any future locations will always be announced exclusively on our website and social media platforms.
“When we receive location inquiries or suggestions, we let our guests know that we are exploring all markets for potential future opportunities. We do not share communications regarding future locations until they have been officially announced on our own platforms.
“With that being said, we understand the heightened demand for our return to the Fresno area and are so grateful to the Fresno community for showing us so much love and support. If we decide to re-enter that market in the future, we know we will be welcomed with open arms.”
Whomp. Whomp.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. At least Sweet Tomatoes didn’t say it would never come, right?
Now, how about some context, because really, the news is not all bad here. It just needs a dose of reality.
What happened to Sweet Tomatoes and will it ever come back?
Sweet Tomatoes used to have two locations in town.
One closed years ago to make way for Texas Roadhouse on West Shaw Avenue.
The other, on Fresno Street near Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, closed in spring of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was part of 97 locations owned by the company that closed at the time as it filed for bankruptcy.
But the beloved restaurant is still alive. Some “raving fans” of the restaurant bought the rights to the brand and reopened a location in former Sweet Tomatoes building in Tucson in 2024.
A second Sweet Tomatoes opened in its old location in Fort Myers, Florida in May.
So how did the Fresno tomato turmoil happen? The original TV story referenced a message sent to an “avid Sweet Tomatoes fan.”
“The company responded and said that they ‘love hearing how much the Fresno location meant to you and your community.’ The company said that they are considering areas like Clovis and Fresno for future expansions,” the story said.
Restaurants and retailers often respond with statements like these, saying they’re always looking for new locations, when contacted by media or customers asking if they are coming to town.
One hurdle Sweet Tomatoes would face if it did decide to open in the Fresno area? It would need a brand-new location.
The previous two restaurants reopened in former Sweet Tomatoes locations.
The Shaw Avenue restaurant was torn down. The Fresno Street location was remodeled into offices in 2024.
However, companies often listen to input from customers when deciding where to open new locations. The restaurant can be reached at info@sweettomatoes.com.
This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 1:03 PM with the headline "Not so fast, internet. What Sweet Tomatoes really says about coming to Fresno."
