Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Bankrupt Tahoe Joe's Steakhouse, Launched in Fresno, Sold to Famous Dave's BBQ Owner
Randy-Reed-Image
By Randy Reed, Operations Manager
Published 4 years ago on
October 7, 2021

Share

Tahoe Joe’s, the struggling outdoors-themed steakhouse chain that got its start in Fresno, is being bought out of bankruptcy by the company that owns Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que and other restaurant brands.

BBQ Holdings is expected to close the deal for Tahoe Joe’s five remaining restaurants on Friday, according to a company news release. The purchase includes the sole Fresno Tahoe Joe’s location at Cedar and Herndon avenues.

Launched by Fresno Restaurateur Dave Fansler

Tahoe Joe’s was founded by Fresno restaurateur Dave Fansler, who opened the original location at Shaw and Marks avenues in 1995. Fansler eventually sold the chain and has since launched other area restaurants including Yosemite Ranch, Pismo’s Coastal Grill and Westwoods BBQ.

The restaurant is known for menu items like Lake Tahoe steaks, Sierra mountain ribs, railroad camp shrimp, blue lake green beans, mountain mashers and Nevada cheesecake.

Bought Out of Bankruptcy for Just Over $5M

BBQ Holdings paid $5.2 million to take over Tahoe Joe’s and other assets from current owner Fresh Acquisitions, according to Restaurant Business, an industry focused website. Fresh Acquisitions declared bankruptcy in April.

Prior to the COVID pandemic, Fresh Acquisitions operated the Tahoe Joe’s chain and five other restaurant brands including HomeTown Buffet and Old Country Buffet with more than 90 business units. At the time of their bankruptcy filing, however, the company had closed every restaurant in their portfolio except six Tahoe Joe’s locations in Central California.

Tahoe Joe’s Location in SLO Closed in September

Then in September, Tahoe Joe’s closed its San Luis Obispo steakhouse, leaving just five operating restaurants in Fresno, Visalia, Bakersfield, Roseville and Vacaville.

BBQ Holdings’ CEO Jeff Crivello said Tahoe Joe’s will complement the restaurant group’s existing roster of brands.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tahoe Joe’s into the BBQ Holdings Family,” Crivello said in a news release. “This well-loved brand will fold seamlessly into our portfolio, and we can’t wait to start working with the fantastic people who have made Tahoe Joe’s what it is today, and to get the brand on a rejuvenated path to growth.”

Possible Menu Blending with Famous Dave’s

The company hinted about the possible blending of menu items between the company’s restaurant brands.

“With Tahoe Joe’s roots in BBQ, their Famous pellet broiled steaks and chops are a perfect fit for the Famous Dave’s menu,” the release noted.

The original Tahoe Joe’s location in Fresno at Shaw and Marks opened in 1995. (via Tahoe Joe’s)

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

UP NEXT

Sanger Police Seek Public’s Help to Find Missing Teen

Inside Trump’s Extraordinary Turnaround on Immigration Raids

10 hours ago

Trump Approval Steady at 42%, Support Weakens for His Immigration Policy, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Finds

10 hours ago

Madera County Wildfire Prompts Evacuation Warnings, Road Closures

A wildfire burning near Raymond Road and Avenue 16 in Madera County has prompted evacuation warnings and road closures, authorities said Mon...

8 hours ago

A wildfire near Raymond Road and Avenue 16 in Madera County has prompted evacuation warnings and road closures as officials urge residents to prepare to leave if threatened on Monday, June 16, 2025. (Madera County SO)
8 hours ago

Madera County Wildfire Prompts Evacuation Warnings, Road Closures

Sanger police are searching for Kaylani Thompson, 17, who went missing Saturday, June 14, 2025, after leaving her home and was last seen getting into a white sedan. (Sanger PD)
8 hours ago

Sanger Police Seek Public’s Help to Find Missing Teen

A view of the cityscape in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, June 16, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
9 hours ago

Trump Says Everyone Should Immediately Evacuate Tehran

10 hours ago

Inside Trump’s Extraordinary Turnaround on Immigration Raids

President Donald Trump speaks at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 12, 2025. (Reuters File)
10 hours ago

Trump Approval Steady at 42%, Support Weakens for His Immigration Policy, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Finds

A person was rescued from a Fresno canal Monday, June 16, 2025, near Dakota and Ninth Street, marking the third such incident in recent days, officials said. (Fresno FD)
10 hours ago

Person Rescued from Fresno Canal, Third Incident in Recent Days

10 hours ago

Arias Dodges Questions About His False Fresno ICE Raid Claim

12 hours ago

Iranian State TV Halts Live Broadcast After Israeli Strike

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend