Downtown Restaurant News
Watson’s sells health food store/restaurant
Tim and Kim Watson have sold their Downtown Visalia landmark health food store and restaurant, a fixture on Main Street, to the Cantu family who operate the metaphysical store Ziaya’s in Visalia. Tim says after being in the business for 30 years “Kim and I decided it was time to slow down” perhaps do some European travel.The good news is that not much will change with staff, the store and the menu at Waston’s all staying familiar. The place is a favorite lunch spot with its hidden backyard garden, the best place to have a quiet and healthful meal in Downtown.Tim says the transition to the new owners is already underway.
A little history is in order. Watson’s Health Foods was started by Lionel & Juanita Watson on Willis St. in Visalia in the summer of 1957. Pioneers of health, way before their time. Lionel sold the business to his twin brother, Louis Watson and his grandson Gordon in 1972 while Juanita continued to work in the store. Gordon’s son, Tim & his wife Kim moved to Visalia in 1992 to operate the family business.
Watson’s is located at 617 W Main. Ziayas’ is at 801 E Main-a Meditation Center, Boutique Store and Gift Shop.
Fugazzis plans second story restaurant at 217 W Main
Italian restaurant favorite Fugazzis has posted a liquor license for 217 W Main in the former Quality Jewelers building being remodeled for multi-tenant and multi-story use.
The sit-down bistro will be located on the second floor. Owner Mike Fligor was not available for comment but sources say he will keep the existing location at Main & Locust.
Nash’s Steakhouse opening Downtown
Nash’s Bar and Grill is opening at 229 E Main next to Duckies in Downtown Visalia this week.The restaurant takes the place of the former Tandoori House eatery. Call 559) 636-1800 for more information.
Little Italy opening in fall
Popular Italian restaurant Little Italyhas received a permit to remodel parts of the Main St eatery across from the Fox.Owner Joe Vaccaro expects to open this fall. The place has been closed for many months due to the Covid pandemic.
After fire-Alejandra’s to expand
Fire-Impacted Alejandras could be open by next May. The popular Mexican restaurant will expand its dining space by 2200sf and add more outside tables down Main Street when it takes over the space that used to be Michaels Jewelry.Jimmy Johns will reopen then as well.